The Neuroscience of Awe and Psychedelic States

The Neuroscience of Awe and Psychedelic States

It was late one summer evening, sitting quietly in the woods after a long day of foraging. The sun had just dipped below the horizon, painting the sky with streaks of violet and orange, and the air was thick with the scent of damp earth and pine. I remember the exact moment when a wave of awe swept over me - a feeling so vast and sudden it felt like my entire being opened up. It wasn’t just about the beauty around me; it was a sensation that dissolved boundaries, a sense of connection to something much larger. Moments like this have threaded through my psychedelic experiences over the years, especially when I’ve worked with psilocybin. That feeling of awe - the kind that makes your breath catch and your heart pound - isn’t just poetic fluff. It’s a biological event sparking a cascade of changes in the brain.

What fascinates me is how this feeling of awe, often described as a spiritual or mystical state, shares common ground with psychedelic states. Both shift our perception, alter our sense of self, and create a feeling of wonder or reverence. But the question I’ve kept coming back to in my writing and personal practice is this: what exactly happens in the brain when we feel awe, especially under the influence of psychedelics? How do these experiences rewire us in ways that can be healing, inspiring, and even life-changing?

That question has driven decades of research and personal exploration. People like Stanislav Grof, with his early work on altered states, and more recently Robin Carhart-Harris, with modern neuroimaging studies, have pointed us toward understanding that awe and psychedelic states are windows into the brain’s hidden architecture. These states temporarily loosen the grip of our usual mental routines, opening pathways to new perspectives. Writers like Michael Pollan, whose book How to Change Your Mind brought this dialogue into the mainstream, have helped frame these experiences as not only mystical but deeply biological.

So, what does awe really do to the brain? And how does it link to the psychedelic states that many of us seek out for healing? I’ve spent years piecing together the science and the stories, and in this article, I want to guide you through what happens at the neural level during awe and psychedelic states, what research says, how you can cultivate these feelings safely, and what they mean for everyday life. This isn’t just about chasing fleeting highs. Awe and psychedelics, when approached thoughtfully, can anchor us in a richer, more connected existence. Let’s start with the core concepts behind awe itself.

Understanding Awe: The Core Neuroscience

Awe is a complex emotion that feels like a mix of vastness and a need for accommodation - that is, the experience challenges and expands our mental structure. Neuroscientifically, awe activates a network of brain regions involved in self-processing, attention, and emotion regulation. One key player is the default mode network (DMN), a collection of interconnected brain areas including the medial prefrontal cortex and posterior cingulate cortex. The DMN is responsible for our sense of self, internal narrative, and mind-wandering. When we experience awe, activity in the DMN tends to decrease, which correlates with a diminished sense of self or ego dissolution.

At the same time, regions like the superior temporal sulcus and the anterior cingulate cortex engage more, which are involved in processing social cognition and emotional salience. This shift in activity creates that feeling of being part of something bigger than oneself - a hallmark of awe. Studies using fMRI have shown that awe can reduce the dominance of the DMN, much like what’s observed during psychedelic experiences. This suggests that awe and psychedelics tap into a shared neural mechanism.

Neurotransmitters also play a significant role. Serotonin, particularly the 5-HT2A receptor subtype, is widely implicated in psychedelic effects. Classic psychedelics like psilocybin, LSD, and DMT primarily bind to this receptor, leading to altered perception and cognition. Interestingly, natural awe experiences - like viewing vast landscapes or contemplating the cosmos - may also modulate serotonin and dopamine systems, though in subtler ways.

Beyond the neurotransmitters, the brain's limbic system, including the amygdala and hippocampus, contributes to the emotional intensity of awe. The amygdala’s role in processing fear and wonder suggests awe is a mix of apprehension and fascination. The hippocampus, crucial for memory, helps lodge these extraordinary moments deep within our psyche, making them potent anchors for personal transformation.

To bring this full circle, Stanislav Grof’s early observations in psychedelic therapy noted that these experiences often bring about a “cosmic consciousness” where the ego boundaries dissolve and a feeling of unity with the universe arises. Contemporary neuroscience confirms that awe is more than just a feeling; it’s a biological state that temporarily loosens the ego’s grip, opens emotional channels, and reshapes cognition. This biological insight sets the stage for understanding why psychedelics, which pharmacologically induce similar brain states, can be so powerful.

Research and Evidence: Studies on Awe and Psychedelics

Scientific research on awe and psychedelic states has blossomed over the last two decades, with several landmark studies pushing the boundaries of what we know. One of the most cited researchers in psychedelic neuroscience is Robin Carhart-Harris, whose work at Imperial College London has been instrumental in mapping how psychedelics like psilocybin affect the brain. In one study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (Carhart-Harris et al., 2012), they showed how psilocybin reduces activity in the default mode network, correlating with reports of ego dissolution and mystical experiences. This finding aligns perfectly with what we see in awe states, where diminished DMN activity correlates with reduced self-focus and a greater sense of unity.

On the awe side, a notable study by Paul Piff and Dacher Keltner (2018) used natural and induced awe to measure its effects on generosity and social connectedness. They found that awe experiences not only activate specific brain regions but also have lasting effects on behavior and cognition, promoting prosocial attitudes. They used virtual reality to simulate awe-inspiring environments, demonstrating measurable physiological and neural changes. The fact that awe can be reliably induced in a lab brings exciting possibilities for therapeutic use.

Another important figure is Roland Griffiths at Johns Hopkins University. His work is foundational in showing that psilocybin can produce deep mystical experiences that lead to lasting positive psychological changes. In his 2006 study published in Psychopharmacology, participants reported experiences filled with awe, wonder, and transcendence, which were predictive of long-term improvements in mood and well-being. Griffiths’ work bridges the gap between subjective experience and measurable outcomes, highlighting how awe in psychedelic states isn’t just fleeting - it can catalyze genuine healing.

Regarding the neurophysiology of awe, neuroscientist Richard Silberstein and colleagues (2020) used EEG to study brain waves during awe experiences, showing increased alpha and theta oscillations in frontal regions. These oscillations are thought to reflect relaxed attention and internalized processing, akin to meditation. Since meditation can also shift activity away from the DMN, this further supports a common neural thread connecting awe, psychedelics, and contemplative practices.

Paul Stamets, a legendary mycologist and advocate for mushroom medicine, often speaks about the role of compounds like lion’s mane in neuroplasticity. Lion’s mane doesn’t induce psychedelic states but promotes brain repair and growth by stimulating nerve growth factor (NGF). Some speculate that combining subtle cognitive enhancers like lion’s mane (available as Host Defense Lion's Mane Capsules) with psychedelic therapy might enhance integration and lasting neural changes. The science here is still emerging, but it points to a broader understanding of how brain health and awe experiences might intersect.

Practical Application: Cultivating Awe and Psychedelic Awareness

If neuroscience shows us that awe changes brain activity in ways that open us up, the next step is figuring out how to cultivate it in our lives, both with and without psychedelics. For many, the initial entry point into awe is nature. Walking in a dense forest at dawn, staring up at a star-filled sky, or standing before a vast mountain range can trigger these powerful feelings. When you're out there, try to slow down your thoughts and simply be present. The brain’s default mode network quiets naturally with sustained focus on such vastness.

In my own practice, I’ve found that combining intentional activities with mindset shifts enhances awe. For example, approaching nature with curiosity, as if you’re seeing it for the first time, helps break habitual mental patterns. Journaling about what you notice can anchor the experience into memory. These practical steps can create “micro-awe moments” that add up over time.

Then there’s the psychedelic route, which requires much more care and respect. Working with psilocybin in safe, supportive settings can provoke deep awe experiences but isn’t for everyone or every occasion. If you’re considering this path, reading works like How to Change Your Mind by Michael Pollan gives a grounded look at the science and cultural history. Also, integration is key - talking with a guide, therapist, or trusted friend helps embed the awe feeling beyond the session.

Another practical tip: meditation and breathwork can prime the brain to experience awe more readily. These practices reduce DMN activity and open emotional circuits in ways similar to psychedelics but more gently. You might also explore creative pursuits - music, art, or storytelling - which often bring on awe through surprise and beauty.

Remember, awe isn’t about forcing a feeling. It’s about letting your mind soften and appreciate vastness, mystery, or beauty. Sometimes it comes in small doses - a child’s laugh, a compelling piece of music, or a deep book like Bessel van der Kolk’s The Body Keeps the Score, which helps us sit with the awe of human resilience and trauma’s complexity.

Common Challenges in Experiencing Awe and Psychedelic States

Not every moment of awe or psychedelic journey is blissful or easy. Many people struggle with fear, confusion, or overwhelming emotions during these experiences. I’ve been there myself - what starts as wonder can quickly turn into panic if the mind feels unmoored. Understanding these challenges prepares you to face them without running away.

A common challenge is resistance from the ego. The brain’s default mode network, which anchors your sense of identity, doesn’t like to be disrupted. When it quiets down during awe or psychedelics, it can feel like your sense of self is slipping away, which triggers anxiety. This is sometimes called “ego death” and, while it can be life-changing, it also can be terrifying if you’re unprepared. Learning to surrender, rather than control, is key. Techniques like grounding yourself through breath or focusing on bodily sensations can help if fear arises.

Another issue is integration difficulties. Awe experiences or psychedelic sessions can surface intense emotions or memories that feel too big to process right away. This is where having a trusted support network or professional guide becomes invaluable. The trauma therapist Bessel van der Kolk’s work emphasizes how the body stores trauma and how emotional breakthroughs need careful integration. Without that, the awe can fade, or worse, become dissociated and confusing.

Sometimes people chase awe like a drug, expecting it to fix their problems instantly. This creates pressure and disappointment. Awe comes naturally when the mind is open, curious, and relaxed. Forcing it or expecting a “mystical experience” can backfire. Patience and openness to smaller moments of awe build resilience over time.

Finally, there’s the risk of spiritual bypassing - using awe or psychedelic experiences to avoid addressing real-life struggles. Awe can feel transcendent, but it doesn’t replace the hard work of self-awareness and healing. Awareness of this pitfall helps keep the experience grounded.

Integration with Daily Life: Awe Beyond the Session

Experiencing awe or a psychedelic journey is just the beginning. The real work, and reward, lies in integration - the ongoing process of weaving these insights into everyday life. What struck me most over the years is how these experiences shift my relationship to daily stress, relationships, and creativity long after the initial feeling fades.

One way to anchor awe is through ritual. Simple practices like gratitude journaling, nature walks, or mindful breathing reconnect you to the openness and wonder you felt in session. Repeated exposure to awe-inspiring environments or art keeps the brain circuits active, preventing the DMN from reasserting rigid self-focused patterns.

On a neurobiological level, repeated awe experiences may promote neuroplasticity - the brain’s ability to rewire itself. This is where supplements like lion’s mane come into play. Lion’s mane has been shown to stimulate nerve growth factor, improving cognition and memory. While it’s not psychedelic, combining it thoughtfully with a psychedelic practice might enhance brain repair and integration, helping solidify those shifts. If you’re curious, you might check out Host Defense Lion's Mane Capsules to support your brain’s health.

Integration also means being patient with yourself. The brain doesn’t flip a switch overnight. Sometimes the awe fades and the old patterns sneak back. That’s normal. What’s different is that awe and psychedelics plant seeds that, with care, grow stronger over time.

Maintaining connection with community, therapy, or even peer support helps keep this process alive. Sharing stories, challenges, and breakthroughs creates a feedback loop of growth. The goal isn’t to chase eternal bliss but to expand your capacity for wonder and resilience in ordinary moments.

A New Thought to Sit With: Awe as an Everyday Mystery

Here’s something I’ve come to believe deeply: awe is not just a peak experience reserved for mountains, mushrooms, or meditation retreats. It’s an ongoing invitation from life itself, showing up in the mundane if we let it. The neuroscience tells us that awe quiets the self, opens emotional circuits, and deepens connection. Psychedelic states amplify this by chemically loosening the ego’s grip, but awe’s essence is always within reach.

What if we saw awe not as a rare event but as a hidden dimension of everyday reality? What if the feeling that stops us in our tracks - whether it’s a sunset, a stranger’s kindness, or the sudden clarity from within - was a reminder that life is bigger, stranger, and more beautiful than our usual stories allow? Sitting with this thought can change how you live. It invites curiosity where there’s habit, openness where there’s closure, and humility where there’s certainty.

From a neuroscience perspective, cultivating awe may literally reshape our brains, nudging us toward kindness, creativity, and healing. From my years with mushroom medicine and psychedelic therapy, I’ve seen firsthand how these moments of awe can crack open wellness that no medication or talk therapy alone can reach. That’s why the work of researchers like Griffiths and Carhart-Harris feels so hopeful - because awe bridges the scientific and spiritual, the known and unknown.

The next time you feel that catch in your chest, that swell of something vast and mysterious, don’t rush past it. Sit with it. Let it whisper what your brain briefly glimpsed but can’t fully grasp. Awe is a door. Sometimes we need a psychedelic key to open it. Other times, all it takes is a quiet moment outside or a good book. Like How to Change Your Mind opened mine, these experiences invite us to keep looking beyond ourselves, honoring the wild, wonderful complexity of what it means to be alive.