Breakdowns and Breakthroughs: A Psychedelic Look at Life

About this book

WELCOME TO THE WORLD OF A PSYCHONAUT WHAT IS A PSYCHONAUT YOU ASK? A psychonaut is someone who deliberately enters altered states of consciousness to explore the hidden depths of the human psyche. Journey with author Scott Brown as he navigates through this mandala called life, and invites us all to see the magic and opportunity present in every moment. Every page of Breakdowns and Breakthroughs is filled with life-changing insights and wisdom:

• How to remain positive and proactive in the face of challenges—and find solutions
• How committing to your personal truth can help you succeed at whatever you put your mind to, regardless of what others think
• How natural foods, herbs and more help heal when traditional medicine fails
• How the real-life benefits of psychedelics helped Scott transcend his physical limitations and achieve mental, emotional, and spiritual liberation
• How asking “why” and bucking the status quo can help you live life without any regrets
• How to love yourself despite so-called “limitations” and become the superhero of your own life
• How to invest in your health and why it’s so critical (health is wealth)
• How to rise above circumstances and stay persistent—no matter what happens
• How flying a wheelchair at full speed off a steep ramp can lead to enlightenment (don’t try this at home)

And so much more…

About the Author

EXCERPT FROM CHAPTER ONE

Hands sweating as I slowly undo each break on my wheelchair, excitedly nudging my body forward I began to move, gaining momentum, rolling faster and faster down the driveway. Closing my eyes, I began to imagine that I was flying and before I realized it, I had launched off the ramp and took flight. Instead of taking off into the stratosphere I went straight down and ate shit. I landed on my face, The taste of blood and asphalt encompassing me. I learned that day that I could fly, that I could go after my dreams even if painful challenges presented themselves along the way. I was born on May 28, 1987, brought into this world by two beautiful parents, JoAnn and Mark Brown. When my mom was nine months pregnant with me, she realized that my brother Jeff (2 at the time) was walking in a funny way. My parents took him to get tests done and found out that his CPK (Creatine Phosphokinase) levels were thousands of times too high. It wasn’t until six years later that we discovered that my brother and I both had Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Meaning, that as we age, our muscles progressively weaken, most likely killing us before our 20’s. Dystrophin is a protein synthesized by the human DNA that allows our muscles to grow. Due to a spontaneous mutation, my body does not allow me to produce this protein. At a young age I became aware that my body was slowly weakening, gradually changing every day. But that never really scared me. I was aware that I would slowly lose the ability to walk, write with a pencil, and eventually need a machine to help me breathe. Knowing that this process was happening taught me how to be patient, when to fight, and when to go with the flow of life.

Testimonials from Readers

"A Book that Shakes You to the Core"

Just when you think the world only revolves around you, and your mental and physical bumps and bruises are eroding your joy, along comes a book that shakes you to the core and tells you just how lucky and amazing life can be. Scott Brown challenges life, where we allow life to challenge us. The more I read, the more I became tempted to take his lead and live my life to the fullest…maybe not launching myself off a ramp and landing face first, but taking more chances in life and being a lot more grateful!

—Clete Keith, Author, Screenwriter

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"A Powerful Testament to What Human Beings Can Accomplish"

Scott is a true warrior and mind master to learn from and model. His beautiful story is a powerful testament to what human beings can accomplish when we choose to take control of our circumstances, instead of allowing our circumstances to control us.

—Heather Mandel, Writer, Yogi, Reiki Master/Teacher

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"Words to Live By"

Breakdowns and Breakthroughs is an amazing story of how one can still pursue a path of independence and expansion, even when your body is steadily moving in the opposite direction. The book describes how a theoretically disabling condition can inspire a genuine desire to live life, both real and imaginary, to the fullest. Scott’s ability to turn life-threatening experiences into opportunities for personal growth is an inspiration to us all. The quotes highlighted throughout the book, be they from Scott or some other noted philosopher, are clearly words to live by.

—Dave Helmsin, Lobbyist

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"Had a Profound Effect on My Life"

Scott has to travel the rest of his path on his own but Jeff will never leave him entirely. These two brothers have had a profound effect on my life, I am a better painter and person for knowing them both and am so grateful to have met them.

—Cynthia Grilli, Painter

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"The book you will soon hold in your hands is a gift, as is its author"

Humorous, moving and punk rock as hell, Breakdowns and Breakthroughs is a liberating testament to the miracle of the human body as a vehicle of transformation. Reading it, I was reminded of the deaf percussionist Evelyn Glennie, who discovered that she could hear music more clearly through her body only after taking her hearing aids out. Scott Brown likewise overturns all-too-common notions of what we call a “disability,” demonstrating that living with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy can in fact be a state of heightened sensitivity and awareness; a path that opens the heart and a way of perceiving our interconnectedness. It will be a source of inspiration not only to those undergoing similar struggles, but to anyone seeking to live life to the fullest. Like his brother Jeff — whose powerful story is also a part of this book — Scott learns not to let his circumstances define him; to climb his mountain without focusing on his sores, but learning to sing. As Scott once told me, “this isn’t a disease but a reason to live.” Breakdowns and Breakthroughs is an extraordinary embodiment of Joseph Campbell’s claim that “Life has no meaning. Each of us has meaning and we bring it to life. It is a waste to be asking the question when you are the answer.

—Steve Elkins, Filmmaker

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