In 'How to Change Your Mind', Michael Pollan emphasizes that the environment (setting) and mindset (set) in which psychedelic experiences occur play a critical role in shaping outcomes. He recounts various scenarios where controlled and supportive environments led to positive, therapeutic breakthroughs, while uncontrolled environments often resulted in negative experiences. For instance, guided psilocybin therapy sessions for terminal cancer patients were transformative, largely due to the carefully curated settings and supportive presence of guides. 'Think of yourself as an astronaut being blasted into outer space…Think of us as ground control. We’ve got you covered.' This emphasizes the importance of a safe context for exploring altered states of consciousness. | Michael Pollan | How to Change Your Mind

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The Profound Impact of Set and Setting

In 'How to Change Your Mind', Michael Pollan emphasizes that the environment (setting) and mindset (set) in which psychedelic experiences occur play a critical role in shaping outcomes. He recounts various scenarios where controlled and supportive environments led to positive, therapeutic breakthroughs, while uncontrolled environments often resulted in negative experiences. For instance, guided psilocybin therapy sessions for terminal cancer patients were transformative, largely due to the carefully curated settings and supportive presence of guides. 'Think of yourself as an astronaut being blasted into outer space…Think of us as ground control. We’ve got you covered.' This emphasizes the importance of a safe context for exploring altered states of consciousness.

-- Michael Pollan