GOOD CHEMISTRY


Julie Holland (2020). Good Chemistry: 

                                   The Science of Connection 

                                   from Soul to Psychedelics.


Holland is a medical doctor and psychiatrist with experience working in mental hospitals, emergency rooms, and in private practice. She began experimenting with psychedelics early in life. 

The book is filled with research and case studies. I appreciate the organizational structure of the book around self, partner, family, community, nature, and the cosmos. This parallels my  SONG of life structure of self, others, nature, and God-Goddess-the Divine. 

Each chapter has practices for connecting. For example, the first chapter on connecting with self describes a breathing technique whereby one breathes in and out (exhale twice as long as inhale) through only the left nostril...this has a cooling effect on the body (supported by research). She also describes havening, a kind of self hug.


One of the practices is called ASMR (autonomous sensory meridian response) brain tingles via whispering, ear cleaning, brushing hair...google "ASMR" and you'll find hundreds of videos on this topic...which one tingles your brain?

The family, group, and community section on connection describes practices like dance, drumming, changing, singing, potlucks...which is your favorite way to connect with others?when did you last engage in this practice? what could you do to facilitate this again...and soon?




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