Last week I got a beautiful response to one of my Instagram posts and I'd like to address it.
Today I'll do my best to explain the following two poitns:
how intuitive microdosing is not the same as inconsistent microdosing
how having a consistent practice at the beginning can rewire your brain and after you've created new neural pathways you can microdose intuitively to maintain those connections
The Foundation: Neuroplasticity and Microdosing
Neuroplasticity, the brain's remarkable ability to reorganize itself based on new experiences, forms the cornerstone of why microdosing is effective. It's not merely about feeling better momentarily; it's about rewiring entrenched neural pathways that underpin our habits, emotional responses, and self-narratives.
Imagine you're about to give a public speech. The memory of previous failures, causing a pattern of self-doubt and anxiety, is ingrained in your brain. Every time you've had to speak in public, it feels like neurons 'a' connect with neuron 'b' and so on, leading you down the same path of feeling unworthy or unprepared. It's a typical scenario where past experiences dictate your emotional and physiological responses, trapping you in a cycle of negative self-fulfilling prophecies.
However, this time, you decide to try microdosing before the event. The result? You feel energized, confident, and the speech goes well. Your brain, under the influence of the microdose, has fired differently, not following the old 'a, b, c' route but perhaps taking a new 'a, n, f, o' pattern. You've broken the cycle, but this is a temporary win. The real challenge lies in leveraging this break to create a permanent change, a process deeply tied to understanding and harnessing neuroplasticity.
Inconsistent Microdosing: A Temporary Lift
Inconsistent microdosing is sporadic. You seek the immediate solace of that "different conversation" in your brain when you're down. It's reactive, like reaching for a comforting snack after bad news. This approach might provide transient relief, but it doesn't effectively exploit neuroplasticity. The old neural pathways remain dominant because they aren't challenged and rewired consistently.
Consistent Microdosing: A Strategic Shift
Here's where consistent microdosing shines. It's not haphazard. It's a mindful strategy. You don't just microdose to disrupt your brain's negative chatter; you do so with regularity, supporting your brain's attempt to form new, healthier neural networks. You're laying down new mental tracks, and with every consistent microdose, you solidify them, helping your brain choose these fresh pathways.
But there's more to it than just taking regular doses. Consistent microdosing involves a holistic approach where you actively seek new experiences that affirm this inner transformation. Consider the public speaking example: you microdose, but this time, you consciously appreciate your effort, recognizing your courage rather than berating your performance. You're gathering evidence for your brain to believe in this new, empowered narrative.
Intuitive Microdosing - Autonomy and Growth
Now, that old neural pathways are not there anymore and new ways replaced them you can switch to a more intuitive way of microdosing.
There is no need for a schedule and yes, you can say that now the practise becomes inconsistent.
Conclusion:
This framework guides microdosers from a beginner's quest for immediate relief through to a mature, intuitive practice that harnesses neuroplasticity for sustained mental health improvement. By transitioning through each phase mindfully, individuals can reshape their neural pathways, leading to profound, long-lasting changes in their quality of life.