Eva's Journey: 3 Questions
The solopreneur and learning expert reflects on overcoming her fear of drugs, their transformative impact on her life, and the importance of set and setting
In 2020, Eva left teaching to start her career as an EDUpreneur. Thousands of readers have since read and engaged with her work. While she mostly focuses on the future of education and learning, Eva has also written about her experiences with psychedelics. Today, we dive into her journey from anti-drug evangelist to enthusiastic psychonaut.
What first moved you to try psychedelics and what was your biggest worry?
I grew up in a conservative small village where any drug except for alcohol and tobacco was considered deadly. When I moved to Frankfurt for my Bachelor studies I avoided all persons who consumed drugs. I was convinced touching any psychedelic would harm my health or lead to addiction. It wasn't until my best friend shared his life-changing LSD experience with me that I became curious. I read books and explored scientific work on psychedelics (e.g., David Nutt's chart). I realized my worries about health and addiction were misinformed. At some point in 2014, I felt ready to give psychedelics a try.
How have psychedelic journeys impacted your life?
Psychedelics have transformed my life. They helped me gain clarity and insights on life decisions related to health, relationships (including the relationship to myself), work, and purpose. Describing the impact in words doesn't do justice to the depth and breadth of the psychedelic experiences. A few snapshots of the specific impact psychedelics had on my life are, for example, overcoming my fear of insects, resolving trauma around self-worth, reinforcing a consistent meditation habit, quitting toxic relationships, and gaining clarity around the focus of my work.
You've journeyed with many different medicines, which ones have you found most profound?
It's less about the medicine and more about the set and setting. I journeyed with Ayahuasca, LSD, mushrooms, San Pedro, MDMA, and DMT - and I wouldn't want to miss any of the experiences. The same substance can have different profundity depending on the location, the timing, your state of body and mind, your preparation and intention, and the people around you.
For example, I had two experiences with Ayahuasca that were very different in terms of depth. In one setting I started straight out of a full work week (which one should never do), in the other one, I prepared for two weeks with a proper diet, nature, meditation, and much reflection and intention setting time. Needless to say, the second experience was much more meaningful.
Eva Keiffenheim advises EdTechs, education foundations, policymakers, and NGOs on topics related to the future of education and learning. She also publishes the weekly Learn Letter.
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