Medicine is a Teacher, not a cure

For those exploring psychedelic medicine, this conflict between the head and the heart often surfaces in a tangible way. 

Psychedelics quiet the default mode network, the part of the brain associated with the ego and self-narrative. When this happens, the ego—feeling its grip slipping—fights back. It resists surrender, clinging to control.

A common misconception is that more medicine equals more breakthrough—that if we just push harder, we’ll break through resistance. But forcing the process often backfires. True healing isn’t about overpowering defenses; it’s about working with them, listening to them, and gently inviting them to soften.

The goal isn’t ego destruction—it’s ego integration. The ego isn’t the enemy; it’s simply trying to protect us. 

Growth happens when we acknowledge its role, gain its trust, and allow it to step aside—not because it was defeated, but because it no longer needs to stand guard.