We’ve learned something important at Vital Reset: facts alone don’t change minds—shared language and lived experience do. That’s the heartbeat of an excellent new piece by our friend, ecologist and writer Daniel Covington. With his permission, we’re featuring highlights here and pointing you to the full article, “Expanding Public Consciousness Around Psychedelics,” which you can read on Psychedelic State(s) of America.
Why language is the missing ingredient
Daniel opens with a simple truth: “culture changes in response to language.” If we want the public conversation about psychedelics to mature, our words have to meet people where they live—before they’ve ever had a psychedelic experience. He argues that appropriate understanding is possible for most people if we shift how we talk.
“We can move no faster than the envelope of language we use to describe our journey.” —Terence McKenna
The “What,” the “Why,” and—most importantly—the “How”
Daniel organizes the conversation into three parts:
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The What: facts, safety, research, policy updates, and media coverage. It’s useful, but it doesn’t always land on its own. He points out that even big cultural moments—like the wave of attention after Michael Pollan’s How to Change Your Mind—don’t automatically translate into deep public understanding.
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The Why: larger meaning—empathy, connection, community health. These are compelling reasons, but big-picture language can sometimes push people away if it doesn’t feel grounded in their experience.
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The How: this is where the door opens. Daniel suggests we explain psychedelics by connecting them to non-ordinary life moments people already understand—birth, loss, a powerful heart-to-heart. Those experiences “move your heart and can change how you see the world,” and that’s the bridge to understanding a psychedelic journey.
A voter, a basketball game, and the right words
One of Daniel’s best stories came from volunteering during Oregon’s psilocybin ballot measure. A hurried grandmother asked him, “I’ve heard of magic mushrooms, but how do they really work?” With seconds to spare, he skipped jargon and chose shared experience—describing mushrooms as one of those rare, life-shaping moments that opens the heart. That answer connected. No hype. No buzzwords. Just common ground.
What this means for seekers, families, and voters
At Vital Reset, we meet many people who are curious—but cautious. Daniel’s framework helps:
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If you’re a seeker, notice your own non-ordinary moments. You already know what meaningful change feels like.
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If you’re a family member or friend, ask about the “How,” not just the “What.” What kind of change is the person hoping for? How will they integrate it into their every day life?
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If you’re a voter or policymaker, remember that stories plus data reach far more people than data alone.
“When information intersects emotion, a door to understanding opens.” —from Daniel’s article.
Read Daniel’s full piece
We encourage you to read and share Daniel’s original article: Expanding Public Consciousness Around Psychedelics.
If this topic resonates and you’re exploring a psilocybin experience in Oregon, we’re here to talk. Call 541-645-4485 or use our contact form to schedule a conversation.
