Ryan Reyes: From Sideways Handrails to Psychedelic Mushroom Foraging

Ryan Reyes, celebrated for his innovative and playful skateboarding style, including his signature sideways handrail rides, has taken a fascinating turn. If you’ve watched his video part “The Ditch Dimension,” you might have noticed the psychedelic effects and mushroom imagery. It turns out, Ryan has become deeply involved in mushroom foraging and reconnecting with nature. He’s even channeling his experiences into music, exploring his psychedelic healing journey.

In 2018, Ryan embarked on a life of travel in a self-designed tiny home, built for himself, his wife, and their two dogs. This mobile lifestyle allows him to live closer to nature, sourcing his food and, of course, his mushrooms. This article delves into Ryan’s fascinating journey into mycology, based on an interview, offering unique insights into his connection with nature, psychedelics, and skateboarding.

Table of Contents

Q&A with Ryan Reyes: Mycology, Microdosing and More

The Allure of Free Foraged Fungi

When asked if his foraging was motivated by a desire to avoid paying for mushrooms, Ryan playfully admits that there’s some truth to that. He believes that “Mama Earth” should provide, not individuals seeking profit. For him, it’s about a more peaceful and respectful approach to acquiring these natural wonders. He finds fulfillment in sourcing them directly from the earth.

Microdosing for Enhanced Skateboarding

Ryan has spoken about the positive impact of microdosing on his skateboarding. When asked about the benefits of full psychedelic doses, he explained that intense stimuli during a high dose can diminish the self-reflective experience. He finds that lower doses are better for physical activities like skating, as they heighten senses without distorting vision or balance. While he acknowledges the potential for powerful self-reflection through full doses, he emphasizes the potential benefits for any activity by adding “some psychedelic mushrooms to the equation.” He believes psilocybin can create new connections in the brain, which can be helpful.

Ryan Reyes holding a variety of foraged mushrooms

Dietary vs. Psychedelic Mushrooms

Ryan focuses more on foraging for dietary mushrooms. He highlights the incredible nutritional value of mushrooms like lobster mushrooms, which are packed with essential nutrients, including potassium, zinc, copper, B vitamins, vitamin D, protein, dietary fiber, and calcium, and are strong antioxidants. And, of course, he mentions they’re “absolutely delicious!”.

The Importance of Proper Identification

When asked about any mishaps, Ryan thankfully states he’s never misidentified a mushroom for consumption. He emphasizes the absolute necessity of 100% certainty when picking wild mushrooms, as misidentification can lead to severe illness or even death. He does admit to experiencing digestive issues from undercooked mushrooms, stressing the need to always cook mushrooms thoroughly. The book, All That the Rain Promises and More by David Arora, has been Ryan’s go-to guide for identification in the Southwestern US. He strongly recommends supporting local bookstores and using trusted guides for proper identification.

Ryan Reyes among mushrooms in a natural environment

High-Dose Mushroom Ceremonies: A Journey Within

Ryan’s approach to high-dose magic mushroom ceremonies draws inspiration from shamanic musical Icaros ceremonies and Terence McKenna’s “Heroic Dose” method. His ceremony starts with setting an intention to heal a couple days before and includes a 12-hour pre-ceremony fast. He takes 5 dried grams of psilocybin-containing mushrooms and remains in silent darkness while blindfolded.

He emphasizes that each ceremony is a unique experience. A guide is always present to ensure safety. Ryan incorporates meditation, and sometimes singing or playing an instrument, as tools for healing. He has found that silent darkness trips have been the most healing, but more recently he has been taking them in the wilderness with a guide. After the ceremony, he focuses on recording his experiences and meditating on the lessons learned over the following weeks, which is crucial for integrating the insights gained. This process, while it may seem unusual to some, creates the proper environment for intense mental healing.

Ryan explains that psilocybin reduces the activity in the default mode network of the brain, which is responsible for ego, and creates new neural pathways. He sees this as a way to break out of ruts in life.

Ryan Reyes in a serene outdoor setting

Advice for First-Time Psychedelic Explorers

Ryan’s advice for those considering psychedelics is to educate themselves as much as possible and to wait until their brains are fully developed, ideally in their mid-twenties, before considering mind-altering substances. He also warns about the legal risks associated with psychedelics. He notes that it is possible that psychedelics could be legalized for therapeutic use in the future.

Conclusion

Ryan Reyes’ journey is a testament to the diverse paths that life can take. From his unique skateboarding style to his passion for mycology and psychedelic healing, his story inspires us to connect with nature and explore the depths of our own minds. His blend of action sports and natural exploration provides a unique perspective on the world around us.

References