Peak Experiences Research Articles

What Would Love Do Now? Imagining a Good Death … and Living an Appreciative Life

Written in lockdown, in response to stories of people dying alone in hospital, the poem What Would Love Do Now? expresses what a good death looks like for me, if there is a choice. When I started sharing this poem about a good death, I never imagined how it would grow and ripple into so many forms and inspire so many conversations and resources. For me, it is an example of the power of Appreciative Inquiry – seeking and learning from peak experiences, imagining what might be and bringing possibilities into existence.

Unpacking Human Rights: Freedom of Consciousness, Bodily Autonomy & Right to Life in the Context of War on Drugs Crimes

Abstract This study explores the interplay between the right to life, right to development, bodily autonomy and freedom of conscience, and demonstrates how these factors collectively shape the concept of freedom of consciousness and simultaneously lead to increased access to altered states of consciousness, cognitive liberty, freedom of development, and the peak experiences that Abraham Maslow researched. Second chapter delves into the intersection of human rights and drug policy, specifically examining the implications of the War on Drugs on individual freedoms. It argues that the War on Drugs has led to a violation of fundamental human rights, including cognitive liberty, bodily autonomy, and the right to life. Through an analysis of international human rights law and case studies from around the world, the paper demonstrates how drug-related crimes have resulted in mass incarceration, violence, and human rights abuses. It also explores decriminalization of drug use, end of War on Drugs and criminalization of its’ crimes. The research results provide insights into the interrelation between these three concepts, shedding light on how they intersect and influence each other and in context of War on Drugs hostile environment. Findings also suggest that the War on Drugs has resulted in a significant violation of fundamental human rights.

Phenomenology of Mystical Psychedelic Experiences: The Case of Existential Anxiety

AbstractThe essay offers an interpretation of psychedelic peak experiences. It criticizes the quasi-scientific naturalistic attempts to explain such experiences and offers an alternative ontology underlying a more complex sense of naturalism, thus defending an entheogenic view irreducible to mere psychological effects. First, the mainstream ontology in the paradigm of natural sciences is exposed as being a version of the ontology of presence. This fact is shown as the reason for the phenomenological gap and the impotence of the natural sciences to address human experience. Next, existential anxiety is interpreted in terms of Heidegger’s ontology and is suggested as the core dimension of possible spiritual transformation. Finally, the phenomenology of mystical psychedelic experiences (MPE) is interpreted in terms of overcoming existential anxiety– a well-documented effect of MPE – and explicated in ontological terms. The psychedelic experience is shown to be mystical in a sense of transcending the everyday mode of existential denial of the enigmatic nature of the universe by facing the nothingness in a way that transforms one’s stand within it into a stand of original belongingness to the field of emptiness (Nishitani). Different aspects of psychedelic experience are explained and co-related in terms of such a transformation.

Peak Experience and the Insula in Health and Illness

AbstractThree major neural networks exist in the human central nervous system—the executive function network, the default mode network and the salience network. A key component of the latter is the insula. The insula and associated structures is implicated in peak experiences such as romantic love, profound spirituality and engagement with the arts which can impart to those experiencing them a sublime sense of connection with something beyond themselves which helps give their lives meaning. This mental state can also occur in rare neuropsychiatric disorders; here, Dr Nicholson explores the research.

Autonomic nervous system activity correlates with peak experiences induced by DMT and predicts increases in well-being.

Non-ordinary states of consciousness induced by psychedelics can be accompanied by so-called "peak experiences," characterized at the emotional level by their intensity and positive valence. These experiences are strong predictors of positive outcomes following psychedelic-assisted therapy, and it is therefore important to better understand their biology. Despite growing evidence that the autonomic nervous system (ANS) plays an important role in mediating emotional experiences, its involvement in the psychedelic experience is poorly understood. The aim of this study was to investigate to what extent changes in the relative influence of the sympathetic (SNS) and parasympathetic nervous systems (PNS) over cardiac activity may reflect the subjective experience induced by the short-acting psychedelic N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT). We derived measures of SNS and PNS activity from the electrocardiograms of 17 participants (11 males, mean age = 33.8 years, SD = 8.3) while they received either DMT or placebo. Results show that the joint influence of SNS and PNS ("sympathovagal coactivation") over cardiac activity was positively related to participants' ratings of "Spiritual Experience" and "Insightfulness" during the DMT experience, while also being related to improved well-being scores 2 weeks after the session. In addition, we found that the state of balance between the two ANS branches ("sympathovagal balance") before DMT injection predicted scores of "Insightfulness" during the DMT experience, as well as subsequent sympathovagal coactivation. These findings demonstrate the involvement of the ANS in psychedelic-induced peak experiences and may pave the way to the development of biofeedback-based tools to enhance psychedelic therapy.

Birthing consciousness and the flow experience during physiological childbirth

ProblemIt has been demonstrated that birth without medical intervention conveys significant physical and psychological benefits to the mother and her newborn baby. However, there is a need to include women's subjective experience of physiological birth to understand and promote it. BackgroundThe theoretical concept of “birthing consciousness” hypothesizes that women during natural childbirth sometimes experience a specific altered state of consciousness, which is a positive peak experience that resembles “flow” in many aspects. AimTo investigate the underexplored connection between the physiological mode of childbirth and altered states of consciousness during childbirth. MethodsIsraeli women with childbirth experience were recruited through social media (Facebook groups with a focus on childbirth and motherhood). Participants (n = 766) completed an online survey: the Flow State Scale (FSS) and a demographic questionnaire. FindingsDifferences were found between modes of birth as to flow state, as women who experienced physiological childbirth (i.e., with no epidural anesthesia or instrumental interventions) had a higher flow state during birth. DiscussionThis link empirically confirms the phenomenon of birthing consciousness. All nine dimensions of the mental state of flow apply to childbirth: challenge-skill balance, action-awareness merging, clear goals, unambiguous feedback, concentration on the task, sense of control, loss of self-consciousness, transformation of time, and autotelic experience. ConclusionUnderstanding a women's subjective experience during physiological birth can enhance clinical understanding of physiological birth thus promoting positive physiological birth experiences – which has crucial health benefits. We propose that more studies need to be done to promote experiencing flow during physiological birth.

The impact of changes in daylight illuminance levels on architectural experiences in office environments using virtual reality and electroencephalogram

This study investigates the influence of varying daylight illuminance levels on architectural experiences in a virtual office environment. Integrating subjective assessments and electroencephalogram (EEG) data, we aim to comprehensively understand how illuminance impacts emotional and neurophysiological responses. The experiment exposes participants to nine illuminance levels, ranging from 66 to 1500 lux, to discern optimal conditions for different architectural experiences. Subjective evaluations, gathered via questionnaires, required participants to rate the perceived pleasantness, interest, excitement, calmness, and spaciousness. Simultaneously, EEG data was recorded to analyze neurophysiological changes associated with different illuminance conditions. The results showed that the power of the α and θ band at channels in the parietal and centro-parietal regions had statistically significant differences under nine daylight illuminance levels. Illuminance changes activated brain regions associated with cognitive functions. The relative power of α band at the parietal region were negatively correlated with the subjective evaluation, and was relatively low at levels between 300 and 900 lux, indicative of heightened pleasantness, interest, spaciousness, with the peak experience occurring in the 700–900 lux range. Illuminance exceeding 1300 lux, conversely, correlated with increased absolute power of the alpha band, suggesting heightened arousal, while levels below 300 lux led to decreased arousal and increased calmness. By integrating neurophysiological measures with subjective evaluations, we gain a nuanced understanding of how illuminance affects emotional and cognitive responses. This research may provide a reference for the selection of office illuminance levels for employees during high-intensity mental work and rest.

State-dependent connectivity in auditory-reward networks predicts peak pleasure experiences to music.

Music can evoke pleasurable and rewarding experiences. Past studies that examined task-related brain activity revealed individual differences in musical reward sensitivity traits and linked them to interactions between the auditory and reward systems. However, state-dependent fluctuations in spontaneous neural activity in relation to music-driven rewarding experiences have not been studied. Here, we used functional MRI to examine whether the coupling of auditory-reward networks during a silent period immediately before music listening can predict the degree of musical rewarding experience of human participants (N = 49). We used machine learning models and showed that the functional connectivity between auditory and reward networks, but not others, could robustly predict subjective, physiological, and neurobiological aspects of the strong musical reward of chills. Specifically, the right auditory cortex-striatum/orbitofrontal connections predicted the reported duration of chills and the activation level of nucleus accumbens and insula, whereas the auditory-amygdala connection was associated with psychophysiological arousal. Furthermore, the predictive model derived from the first sample of individuals was generalized in an independent dataset using different music samples. The generalization was successful only for state-like, pre-listening functional connectivity but not for stable, intrinsic functional connectivity. The current study reveals the critical role of sensory-reward connectivity in pre-task brain state in modulating subsequent rewarding experience.

The combined effects of electric field and embedded dielectric matrix on the electronic and optical properties in Ge/SiGe core/shell quantum dots and its SiGe/Ge inverted structure

In this study, the binding energy (BE) and photoionization cross-section (PICS) coefficients in a Ge/Si0.15Ge 0.85 core/shell quantum dots (CSQDs) and in its inverted structure Si0.15Ge0.85 / Ge (ICSQDs) are studied. The influence of the hydrogenic impurity and capped matrix are taken into account. The electronic states and their related eigenfunctions are computed by solving the three-dimensional Schrödinger equation under the framework of the effective mass approximation (E.M.A) using the variational dimensional. The influence of the core radius and electric field strength on the BE and PICS are investigated. The numerical results reveal that the optoelectronic properties are considerably affected by the electric field strength (EF), immersed oxide matrix (OM) and geometric parameter. The obtained results prove that the PICS magnitude increases as the core radius increases and its resonant peak moves towards the lower energies for Ge/Si0.15Ge0.85 CSQDs structure, and increases as the core radius decreases and its resonant peak experiences a blue shift with increasing core radius for Si0.15Ge 0.85/ Ge ICSQDs. Moreover, with the effects of the surrounding oxide matrix and electric field strength, the PICS magnitude is improved and their resonant peak suffers a redshift.

Examining University Students’ Self-Determination through the Lens of Spiritual Learning

The relationship between spiritual learning and self-determination ability is the research objective in this study, and this study develops a conceptional model of spirituality and self-determination ability through a systemic literature review. From the previous studies, self-determination ability is launched when human needs are supported by the social context, focusing on the satisfaction of the three basic needs of human beings, seeking happiness that needs are satisfied. A short peak experience is a spiritual pursuit, and each peak experience is heart-shaking and has a lasting effect on life. It is accompanied by epiphanies and is a successful learning experience. Thus, spirituality learns how to effectively provide the peak experience of humans "making warrior-like decisions" rather than impulsive heroic sacrifices. The results show that spiritual learning is associated with effective self-determination ability, and that epiphany is an important moment to reach the level of self-determination ability is the act of learning. The conclusion is that epiphany manifesting in three states: concentration, sharing, and aesthetic experience as a conceptional model of self-determination ability and spiritual learning is the vital moment whenever one wants to be self-determined.

EXILE AND RUSSIAN INTELLECTUAL RESPONSE: A STUDY OF VLADIMIR NABOKOV’S PNIN

Russian first-wave emigre literature portrays the experiences of Russian exiled intellectuals who were opponents of the ideology of Leninized Russia, or the Russia of Bolshevism and Bolsheviks. Numerous thousands of Russian intellectuals were forced to leave as a result of their country’s totalitarian leaders. For these intellectuals, Leninized Russia has become a dangerous place, even a prison. In Pnin, Vladimir Vladimirovich Nabokov shows the lives of first-wave Russian intellectuals in exile and their responses. Through the main character, Professor Pnin, Nabokov tries to illustrate to his readers the path taken by many Russian exiles. He also intends to show how intellectuals in exile like Timofey Pnin wish to be part of a social community and strengthen their sense of belonging in order to overcome loneliness and alienation in the new country. Professor Pnin and other representatives of the first wave’s feeling of toska towards their homeland, pre-Revolutionary Russia, became stronger when they faced difficulties in the United States of America and when they felt inferior among other colleagues. The study reveals that Russian intellectuals in exile like Professor Timofey Pnin may partially compensate their feelings of toska towards their home, pre-Revolutionary Russia, through writing. By doing this, they may motivate themselves to achieve peak experience and transform exile into an enriching experience. Thus, the purpose of this study is to examine Vladimir Nabokov's protagonist, Professor Timofey Pnin's exile experience and his response. The paper intends to show that Nabokov, through his main character, displays the fact that, despite the pain of being far from their homeland, for Russian intellectuals like Professor Timofey, the unwitting choice of exile becomes the right decision.

Analytical study of linear optical properties of metal nanoparticle trimers: the impact of dipole-dipole interaction on different modes of configuration

In this study, we theoretically investigate the linear properties of a metal nanoparticle (MNP) trimer. Three identical spherical nanoparticles (NPs) whose centers are equidistantly oriented on a same straight line are considered. Using the solid core approximation for NPs and considering interaction between particles through induced electric dipoles, the motion equation of each NP conduction electrons is analytically solved. Some appropriately approximated expressions are derived for the permittivity of each NP based on a Drude-like model, allowing the clear observation of the contribution of inter-particle interaction. Depending on the orientation of the trimer axis and incident laser beam geometry (i.e., orientation of electromagnetic (EM) fields and wave vector of laser beam), three different configurations or modes are considered. The extinction efficiency of each NP as a function of wavelength is plotted, revealing that when the laser electric field is perpendicular to the symmetry axis of the trimer, it increases compared to the case of non-interactional single NP, and its plasmon resonance peak experiences a red shift. For other cases where the electric field of the laser beam is parallel to the trimer axis, the extinction efficiency of each NP decreases, and its peak shifts to the blue. In all cases, the effect of interaction on the optical properties of the middle NP is greater than on the other NPs.

Experimental Study Of Simple Cyclic Testing On Reinforced Beam Using Fiber Reinforced Polymers (FRP)

The geographical location of Indonesia on the Ring of Fire makes it prone to earthquakes. Frequent earthquakes cause failures in construction. Construction failures must be repaired to restore the strength of the structures to their original or even higher levels. One type of structural reinforcement is Fiber Reinforced Polymers (FRP). FRP can enhance the strength of beams damaged by earthquakes, alter the structural failure mode, increase load-carrying capacity, and prolong plastic hinges in beam elements. This study recommends using FRP to reinforce concrete structures, particularly beams. The first stage of the research involves experimental testing on a prototype not wrapped with FRP. After reaching peak strength and experiencing failure, then the prototype is covered with FRP. Subsequently, the prototype is retested until it gets peak strength and experiences failure again. Both specimens are subjected to monotonic loading, which is simulated as cyclic loading. Data processing is performed by analyzing the results of the experimental testing on both prototypes. The processed data includes crack patterns in the beams, cyclic load capacity, displacement, strain of concrete, strain in the primary reinforcement, and strain in the stirrup reinforcement.

If you were happy and you know it, clap your hands! Testing the peak-end rule for retrospective judgments of well-being in everyday life

The experience sampling method (ESM) and comparable assessment approaches are increasingly becoming popular tools for well-being research. In part, they are so popular because they represent more direct approaches for assessing individuals’ experienced well-being during a specified period, whereas one-time, retrospective evaluations of that episode are believed to introduce systematic biases. Along these lines, the peak-end rule states that the most extreme and recent sensations of an episode disproportionally influence retrospective well-being judgments. However, it has yet to be determined whether such systematic effects found in experimental laboratory studies generalize to retrospective judgments of well-being in everyday life as captured in ESM studies. Across four ESM samples (overall N = 1,889, total measurements = 131,575), we found that retrospective well-being judgments were disproportionately influenced by the peak and end experiences from the assessment period. However, these effects depended on the item framing of the retrospective judgment (global vs. more specific framings) and broad versus narrow conceptualizations of peaks and ends (states, days, and weeks), pointing toward potential ways to mitigate peak/end effects. Our findings emphasize the importance of differentiating between momentary and retrospective well-being assessments and selecting an appropriate measurement approach on the basis of these conceptual considerations.

Is music a drug? How music listening may trigger neurochemical responses in the brain

In this article, we explore the idea that music listening can achieve neurological and psychological effects that are somewhat similar to those facilitated by psychoactive substances. To motivate this claim, we delve into the mechanisms behind music perception, psychoactive substance use, and their mutual relationship, relying on recent developments in psychedelic therapy and neuropsychopharmacology. Using a comparative approach, we discuss some underlying mechanisms of peak experiences and their neurochemical properties and suggest that music may be regarded as an alternative psychoactive trigger, prompting neurochemical responses in the brain, with resulting feelings of coping, (aesthetic) pleasure, and reward.

Predicting individual differences in peak emotional response.

Why does the same experience elicit strong emotional responses in some individuals while leaving others largely indifferent? Is the variance influenced by who people are (personality traits), how they feel (emotional state), where they come from (demographics), or a unique combination of these? In this 2,900+ participants study, we disentangle the factors that underlie individual variations in the universal experience of aesthetic chills, the feeling of cold and shivers down the spine during peak experiences. Here, we unravel the interplay of psychological and sociocultural dynamics influencing self-reported chills reactions. A novel technique harnessing mass data mining of social media platforms curates the first large database of ecologically sourced chills-evoking stimuli. A combination of machine learning techniques (LASSO and SVM) and multilevel modeling analysis elucidates the interacting roles of demographics, traits, and states factors in the experience of aesthetic chills. These findings highlight a tractable set of features predicting the occurrence and intensity of chills-age, sex, pre-exposure arousal, predisposition to Kama Muta (KAMF), and absorption (modified tellegen absorption scale [MODTAS]), with 73.5% accuracy in predicting the occurrence of chills and accounting for 48% of the variance in chills intensity. While traditional methods typically suffer from a lack of control over the stimuli and their effects, this approach allows for the assignment of stimuli tailored to individual biopsychosocial profiles, thereby, increasing experimental control and decreasing unexplained variability. Further, they elucidate how hidden sociocultural factors, psychological traits, and contextual states shape seemingly "subjective" phenomena.

Effects of DMT on mental health outcomes in healthy volunteers

Psilocybin, a serotonergic psychedelic, is being increasingly researched in clinical studies for the treatment of psychiatric disorders. The relatively lengthy duration of oral psilocybin’s acute effects (4–6 h) may have pragmatic and cost-effectiveness limitations. Here, we explored the effects of intravenous (IV) N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT), a closely related, but faster-acting psychedelic intervention, on mental health outcomes in healthy volunteers. Data is reported from two separate analyses: (1) A comparison of mental health-related variables 1 week after 7, 14, 18, and 20 mg of IV DMT versus IV saline placebo (n = 13) and, (2) A prospective dataset assessing effects before versus 2 weeks after 20 mg of IV DMT (n = 17). Mental health outcomes included measures of depression severity (QIDS-SR16), trait anxiety (STAI-T), Neuroticism (NEO-FFI), wellbeing (WHO-5), meaning in life (MLQ), optimism (LOT-R), and gratitude (GQ-6). In both the prospective and placebo-controlled datasets, significant improvements in scores of depression were found 1–2 weeks after DMT administration. Significant reductions in trait Neuroticism were only found for the placebo-controlled sample. Finally, changes in depression and trait anxiety correlated with acute peak experiences (assessed via ‘Oceanic Boundlessness’). While the use of two separate cohorts in pooled analysis limits the generalizability of these correlational findings, these results suggest that DMT may reduce depressive symptomatology by inducing peak experiences. The short half-life of IV DMT and its potential for flexible dosing via controlled infusions makes it an appealing candidate for psychedelic medicine. Further research in clinical samples is needed to corroborate the therapeutic potential of DMT.

Reflections of transformative active learning experiences (TALEs) in higher education from early career construction management professionals

Higher education today is challenged to improve the learning experience in response to increased demands from, students, parents, and employers. Active learning and High Impact Educational Practices (HIPs) have been shown as promising approaches. However, success using these strategies is not guaranteed. Incorporating the concept of Moments—impactful and meaningful events that change one’s perspective (C. Heath and D. Health 2017)—can be a way to increase chances of success. Referred to as Transformative Active Learning Experiences (TALEs), these are peak learning experiences that combine active learning, elements of HIPs, and moments. This paper explores peak learning experiences gathered through focus groups from 33 construction management alumni located in the Southeast United States who graduated within the last ten years. Outcomes point toward specific, impactful learning experiences including hands-on/active learning, group/teamwork, and work experiences. These were particularly impactful because they provided learners with new insight about what they were learning and the connection to their future profession, opportunities to be appropriately challenged, and the chance to build deep connections with classmates, faculty, professionals, and others. This research provides higher education greater understanding about key elements that can be used to enhance the student experience and promote lifelong, meaningful, and memorable learning experiences.

Transmissible topological edge states based on Su–Schrieffer–Heeger photonic crystals with defect cavities

Abstract Topological photonic crystals have great potential in the application of on-chip integrated optical communication devices. Here, we successfully construct the on-chip transmissible topological edge states using one-dimensional Su–Schrieffer–Heeger (SSH) photonic crystals with defect cavities on silicon-on-insulator slab. Different coupling strengths between the lateral modes and diagonal modes in photonic crystal defect cavities are used to construct the SSH model. Furthermore, two photonic SSH-cavity configurations, called α and β configurations, are designed to demonstrate the topological edge states. Leveraging the capabilities of photonic crystal transverse electric modes with on-chip transmission, we introduced a waveguide to excite a boundary defect cavity and found that the transmission peak of light, corresponding to the topological edge state, can be received in another boundary defect cavity, which is caused by the tunnel effect. Moreover, the position of this peak experiences a blue shift as the defect cavity size increases. Therefore, by tuning the size of the SSH defect cavity, on-chip wavelength division multiplexing function can be achieved, which is demonstrated in experiments. The ultrafast response time of one operation can be less than 20 fs. This work harmonizes the simplicity of one-dimensional SSH model with the transmissibility of two-dimensional photonic crystals, realizing transmissible on-chip zero-dimensional topological edge states. Since transmission peaks are highly sensitive to defect cavity size, this configuration can also serve as a wavelength sensor and a reconfigurable optical device, which is of substantial practical value to on-chip applications of topological photonics.

Elevating Athletic Performance with Flow Theory: “Being in the Zone”

Elevating Athletic Performance with Flow Theory: “Being in the Zone”