How to Run a Self-Experiment #

“In the province of the mind, what one believes to be true, either is true or becomes true within certain limits. These limits are to be found experientially and experimentally. When the limits are determined, it is found that they are further beliefs to be transcended.”
— John C. Lilly

The path of the psychonaut is part scientist, part mystic. Your nervous sytem is your lab, and you are constantly running tests.

But as alluded to by the great John Lilly, belief plays an important role. Belief, in fact, can be more of a tool than an end in itself. If you are curious, confident, and open, you are much more likely to get results.

This guide gives you a lightweight framework for exploring altered states systematically. Use it to go deeper, spot patterns, and avoid fooling yourself too much.

You don’t need to follow this exactly. But if you run an experiment more than once, it’s worth tracking what you’re doing — and what changes.

1. Pick a Question #

Start with something specific. Not just “What happens?” but:

Does this breath pattern change how quickly I enter trance?
Can binaural beats influence the quality of my visual imagery?
Does journaling affect dream recall intensity?

It doesn’t have to be clinical — just clear.

2. Choose One Variable #

Keep it simple. Only change one or two things at a time if you want to learn something:

Time of day
Breath pattern
Visual anchor (e.g. candle vs. symbol)
Setting (dark room vs. bright)
Audio (binaural beats, guided vs. silent)

3. Set a Duration #

Try the same setup across a few days or weeks. Don’t judge by one wild session.
Aim for something like:

3–5 sessions to spot a trend
1–2 weeks if you’re building a new habit or mental skill

4. Track the Basics #

After each session, note:

Date & time
Method used
Any prep (food, caffeine, supplements, drugs)
How it felt (intensity, valence, strange phenomena)
What surprised you

Keep it short — one paragraph is better than nothing. Use whatever tool you like: notebook, phone, Notion, Obsidian, voice memo, crayon.

5. Look for Patterns #

Every few sessions, check for:

Repeated effects
Factors that boosted or blocked it
Unusual side effects
Emotional tone shifts over time

You don’t need to do stats. Just observe. Are certain conditions more likely to trigger success?

If you’re comfortable, submit your results to Report Your Experience. Or just write a short reflection for yourself — “What did I learn?” is a powerful prompt.

Bonus Tips #

Give the same method at least 2–3 chances before changing things
Log something, even if it’s “nothing happened”
Don’t over-analyze a peak experience — some things are better integrated slowly
Stay positive: “What one believes to be true, either is true or becomes true within certain limits”.

Want a template? Try this structure:

🧪 Method: Fire Kasina  
📍 Location: Bedroom  
🕒 Time: 10:30pm  
⏱️ Duration: 25 minutes  
⚡ Intensity: 7/10  
🎭 Valence: Slightly Positive  
🧠 Notes: Yellow/blue pulsing blob after 10m. Eye strain. Stillness better than last time.

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