Scott Shannon, MD on why psychedelic experiences can feel more real than ordinary life and what that implies

Psychedelic experiences can feel more real than ordinary life because they can alter how perception, meaning, and self-referential thinking are constructed in the mind. Scott Shannon, MD discusses the idea of "seeing through the veil" as a shift in awareness that makes underlying patterns of reality, identity, and connection feel direct rather than mediated by normal cognitive filters. The piece frames these effects as both transformative and potentially destabilizing, emphasizing the importance of context, preparation, and integration so insights can be translated into everyday life without creating confusion or risk.