Microdosing Made Me Break Up With My Ego
The smallest doses can shift the deepest structures.
Hi Beautiful Souls,
Microdosing made me break up with my ego—not by force, not in one dramatic moment, but by loosening the hold it had on the way I thought, spoke, and responded to the world.
The ego is not the villain. It’s a part of us designed to help us survive… to keep us safe in uncertain territory. But when it runs unchecked, it begins to run the whole show. It filters what we say so we can look “right.” It hides what we feel so we can appear “strong.” It resists change so we can stay “in control.”
What microdosing does is soften those walls. It gives just enough space between stimulus and response for us to notice… Wait. That’s my ego speaking. That’s my image to protect. That’s not the truth underneath.
How Microdosing Creates Space Around the Ego
Lowering the Default Mode Network Activity
The Default Mode Network (DMN) is a network of brain regions linked to self-referential thinking—the “I” narrative that is often driven by the ego. Microdosing decreases activity in the DMN, making that constant self-referencing a little quieter. You’re not as wrapped up in protecting your story, and you can actually listen to other parts of yourself.Shifting from Reactivity to Responsiveness
Small doses can help the nervous system downshift out of stress response mode. This doesn’t erase your triggers, but it gives you enough pause to choose a different response, one that isn’t fueled by defending the ego.Increasing Self-Compassion
When the ego softens, self-criticism often eases too. This is because the medicine supports more connection between the parts of the brain responsible for empathy and emotional regulation. That empathy can be directed inward, making it easier to see the ego’s protective strategies without shaming yourself for having them.Encouraging Curiosity Over Certainty
Ego likes certainty—it feels safe. But growth happens in curiosity. Microdosing supports a more open, flexible state of mind, where it’s easier to say, I don’t know, but I’m willing to explore.
Working with the Ego in Microdosing Practice
Microdosing isn’t about erasing the ego. It’s about seeing it clearly, understanding its role, and learning when to let it step aside.
When you notice the ego rising this week—defending, performing, needing to be right—pause. Ask:
What is this part of me trying to protect?
Then ask:
Is protection what I need right now, or is it connection?
Over time, these small moments of awareness build into a profound shift. The ego loosens. The mask slips. And something more real steps forward.
Tools for Transformation
1. Journal Prompts
When I think about my ego, what qualities come to mind?
In what situations do I notice myself protecting an image or role?
What might happen if I allowed myself to show up without that protection?
2. Somatic Awareness Practice
Once each day, pause in a moment when you feel defensive or protective. Place your hand on your chest. Breathe in slowly for a count of 4, hold for 2, exhale for 6. Ask yourself quietly, What am I trying to protect right now?
3. Microdosing Reflection
If you’re working with a microdose, set your intention to watch for small moments where you drop the mask. At the end of the day, write down one example—however subtle—when you responded with authenticity instead of performance.
A Song to Journey With
This song is a surrender prayer wrapped in melody. Let it be a reminder this week that you don’t have to force or manage the unfolding of your change. As you listen, breathe into the places where the ego is gripping tight, and allow the words to soften the hold.
What’s Next for Paid Subscribers
On Wednesday, paid subscribers will receive the Weekly Invitation—a deep, practical practice to help you identify ego patterns as they surface and work with them instead of against them.
On Thursday, you’ll get an Audio Guide that blends science, story, and somatic tools to explore how microdosing can reshape the way you meet yourself in moments of ego.
And on Saturday, you’ll receive the Dose Download—a grounded, research-informed, and experience-backed look at microdosing and macrodosing, designed to expand your understanding and help you work more effectively with the medicine.
In Your Corner, Always
The ego is not your enemy. It’s a part of you. But it’s not all of you.
Microdosing can help you remember that.
Not by breaking you apart, but by making space for more of you to show up.
With you in this,
Alice