Nature-guided experiences take individuals away from the comfort of their homes and the clinical setting and out into nature. They can connect with the world around them and may achieve a higher degree of understanding and a more insightful experience as a result. It’s not for everyone, but many individuals report heightened experiences when working with LSD in nature.

Experiencing LSD in Nature

In a post on the Third Wave community, coach Gabrielle Pelicci, Ph.D. spoke about developing a “deeper relationship with nature” after her experiences with plant medicine. These thoughts were echoed by another community member, who plans on “being outdoors doing something relatively easy when [he is sitting with] psychedelics”.

Studies show that LSD can make individuals feel more connected to nature, with researchers noting that people who sit with psychedelics like LSD and psilocybin form a stronger bond with nature and have a greater appreciation for it. These feelings often persist long after the experience, which may be one of the reasons why psychedelics are closely associated with eco-activism, as discussed by Gabrielle Pelicci in the aforementioned post. (1)(2)

The study, published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health back in 2019, surveyed 654 subjects who were planning to sit with psychedelic medicines like LSD. Researchers asked questions about ideal vacation spots, the importance of nature, and how connected participants were to nature and all living beings.

Based on the answers received, the researchers concluded that individuals tend to appreciate nature more and seek more experiences in nature after sitting with psychedelics. The study noted that “meaningfully connecting with nature” during an experience with medicines like LSD and psilocybin could encourage individuals to connect more with their surroundings after the experience and may help them to adopt “healthier, more nature-related lifestyles”.

Benefits of Connecting with Nature During an LSD Experience

We’ve discussed how a nature-focused LSD experience can make an individual feel more connected to the outside world, but why is that important?

Well, we could argue that humans are not meant to be cooped up in offices and living rooms, spending their days tapping away at computer screens and binging Netflix dramas, but that’s a matter of opinion. Fortunately, we don’t need to speculate, as there is a wealth of research that argues a case for spending more time connecting with the natural world:

It Reduces Feelings of Loneliness and Promotes Calm

In 2019, a study published in the Archives of Psychiatric Nursing discussed a program in which inpatients at a psychiatric unit were encouraged to cultivate the grounds, with their mood measured before and after. It found that the simple act of gardening was enough to foster a sense of community and worked wonders for reducing feelings of loneliness and promoting calmness. (3)

Of course, the participants in this study were also escaping from a sterile hospital unit and getting some much-needed fresh air, but similar conclusions have been drawn elsewhere.

UK-based mental health charity Mind notes that spending “time in green spaces” can reduce loneliness, while a twin study from 2015 found significant improvements in reported levels of depression in individuals given access to green spaces. (4)(5)

It Could Help with Depression, Anxiety, and Other Issues

A nationwide Danish study analyzed around 900,000 children to investigate how proximity to green spaces impacted the risk of psychiatric disorders. They found that children who grew up with less green space around them were 55% more likely to develop such disorders later in life, concluding that natural environments were important for optimal mental health and suggesting that this research should be taken into account by urban planners. (6)

More Clean Air and Sunlight

On average, Americans spend around 90% of their time indoors, where the air quality is estimated to be between 2 and 5 times worse than typical outdoor environments. What’s more, people who are more susceptible to issues stemming from pollutants, including the elderly and those with cardiovascular issues, are more likely to spend most of their time indoors. (7)

Many Americans are also deficient in vitamin D, a nutrient primarily synthesized by sunlight. We are all warned of the dangers of getting too much sunlight, but we often forget the risks associated with not getting enough. A little natural light every now and then can boost vitamin D production and provide a range of benefits, which is especially important for the 35% of Americans said to be vitamin D deficient. (8)

Natural sunlight can also help to balance the circadian rhythms, improving both sleep and mood. (9)

How to Guide a Nature-Focused LSD Session

A nature-focused experience should be driven by the individual. It’s all about making them more comfortable and ensuring they have an experience that supports them in their goals. They should not be pressured into doing something that they are not comfortable with.

There are several things to consider when guiding a nature-focused LSD experience:

• Go somewhere away from crowds and distractions
• Avoid anywhere with too much noise
• Consider relaxing by a body of water or walking through a forest
• Create a safe and comfortable environment
• Stay alert to their needs throughout and keep them as the number one focus
• Make sure they have the essentials (including water and food) when they are outside
• Practice extra caution when they are engaging in activities such as swimming or crossing the road, as their judgment and reactions may be impaired

If they are not comfortable with a nature-focused experience or you want to ease them into it, incorporate natural elements into an indoor setting, such as ambient music, rocks, flowing water, and plants.

Conclusion: LSD and Nature

Before embarking on a nature-focused LSD journey with a client, consider all of the potential risks and do everything you can to mitigate them. Prepare the route and plot any dangers that you may encounter on the way. Prepare your client, take everything you may need with you, and never take your eyes off them.

If it seems like they are getting overwhelmed, consider stepping in to support them or retreating somewhere they are more comfortable. A nature-focused experience can be hugely beneficial, and for a client who wants to be more active and engaged while focusing on their mental and physical health, it could be the perfect solution.