How Salvia Divinorum Changed My Life and Creative Process
Written by Callan Hansen | Published on
Have you ever had an experience that completely changed the way you see everything? For me, that experience was with Salvia Divinorum. If you've heard of it, you know it's unlike anything else out there. It's not just about the wild visuals or intense sensations—it's about what it reveals, what it teaches you, and how it completely changes the way you look at yourself and the world.
I vividly remember my first experience. It was as though I wasn't even me anymore. There was no “Callan,” no ego, no identity to cling to, just pure, unfiltered existence. Time itself froze, and I couldn't move. I was stuck, but not in a bad way, just frozen in place, like my body had hit pause on reality. And then, the world around me opened up like pages of a book. I could see time itself, or maybe it was the space between reality and the things that truly made it up. I couldn't stop laughing. It was like I had just cracked the code to the universe, but no one had told me it was a joke. I could feel everything deep in my bones, as if I'd always been everything all at once but never truly realized it. It was terrifying in the moment, but at the time, it was also the funniest thing I'd ever experienced. And looking back, I get it now. It was one of the most important moments of my life. I felt connected to everything in a way I couldn't explain, as if I was remembering something sacred and long forgotten, something I wasn't meant to forget, but also something that was just too ridiculous to take seriously.
This sense of being part of something bigger, something beyond myself, didn't stop after that trip. Since then, I've had plenty of Salvia experiences, and each one has taught me something new. Some trips felt like I was being judged by otherworldly entities, while others felt like I was being pulled through different layers of reality. But the thing that always stays with me is the insight I gain afterward—those bigger questions and perspectives that keep poking at my mind long after the trip is over.
Salvia doesn't give you answers, but it shows you things that you need to see, even if you're not ready for them. Sometimes it strips everything away, and you're left with nothing but the raw truth of the moment. Other times, it opens up a whole new way of seeing the world. For me, that shift in perspective has been huge in both my personal life and in my work as a game designer.
In game design, I'm always looking for new ways to think about the worlds I create. Salvia has helped me unlock new ways of thinking that I never saw coming. It's like my brain suddenly started making connections that were always there but were just out of reach. Problems that once felt impossible now seem easier to tackle, and I'm coming up with solutions that feel more natural and creative. It's changed the way I approach programming, and even how I look at problem-solving in general. Salvia has shown me how much more complicated and layered everything is—not just in the world around me, but in how we interact with it, whether it's through thought or through code. It's inspired me to create games that don't just make players think differently, but also get them to approach problems in ways they might never have considered before. Instead of just making things “realistic,” I want to create experiences that encourage players to think beyond the surface and explore new ways of seeing the world.
Salvia has given me a deep sense of gratitude for being alive, for experiencing everything that I am right now. When you go through moments where everything you take for granted is suddenly stripped away, you realize just how precious life is—how incredible it is to simply exist in this moment, to feel, to think, to breathe. That feeling has stayed with me long after each experience, reminding me that every moment matters, even the ones we often overlook.
For me, this book isn't about glorifying the experience or pretending it's easy—it's about what I've learned through it. It's about the profound moments, the things I've seen, and the questions it's raised within me. Salvia doesn't give you answers, but it forces you to look beyond what you thought you knew, to appreciate the beauty and the mystery of life, and to see the world in ways you might never have considered. It's made me a better game designer and a more grateful person, someone who cherishes the mystery and the magic of the world around us.
I'm not here to tell you what's real or what's not. I'm just sharing my experiences. Some parts might sound crazy, others might make you think. But it's all part of my journey, and I hope it helps you with yours, whether you've tried Salvia or not.
If my story and experiences have connected with you, I'd be so grateful if you'd check out my book, Beyond Reality: Incredible Wonders of Salvia Divinorum. It's not just a collection of strange trips; it's a very personal look into how those moments have shaped my understanding of life, creativity, and the world. Inside, you'll find over 25 archetypes that explore the symbolic figures that emerge during Salvia experiences, 10 personal stories that share raw, firsthand encounters, and a deep dive into the effects, risks, and benefits of Salvia. You'll also discover insights into self-discovery, breaking free from societal expectations, and the transformative nature of these experiences.
Supporting this book means more than just helping me keep creating—it helps me share these insights with others who might need them too. Your support would honestly mean the world to me and would keep me pushing forward in my journey, both in game design and in life. Thanks for being a part of this adventure!
I'd love for you to join me in exploring these insights, whether you've tried Salvia or not. If my story resonates with you, check out my book, Beyond Reality: Incredible Wonders of Salvia Divinorum.