Becoming part of the solution

4 minute read :

Exploring the intricate tapestry of the modern human experience reveals a captivating phenomenon that has unfurled over the past decade. A remarkable surge of interest has taken hold, a curiosity sparked by the allure of engaging with psychoactive plants and their enigmatic substances such as DMT and Mescaline. These substances, elusive yet captivating, have woven their presence through diverse avenues, with Ayahuasca, San Pedro, and Peyote emerging as notable emissaries. Among these, Ayahuasca shines as the beacon of choice, casting its influence far and wide.

While practitioners and shamans embrace these substances as potent medicines, skeptics linger on the label of hallucinogenic drugs. Regardless of nomenclature, the unassailable truth remains that hundreds of thousands of individuals have embarked on journeys of exploration. These journeys traverse the boundaries of home countries and embrace the verdant embrace of South American jungles, the very cradle of Ayahuasca.

In the wake of this phenomenon, a poignant question beckons: What impels this multitude to seek solace within this realm of healing, and what dimensions of efficacy does it unfurl?

In tandem with this exploration, the spotlight on mental health has intensified in recent years, and for valid reasons. In the era preceding the current millennium, conversations about mental well-being were shrouded in societal taboos, particularly for men. The 20th century cast those grappling with mental health challenges as feeble, relegated to institutions dubbed ‘loony bins.’ This gave rise to a culture of silent endurance, where individuals bore their struggles alone, unassisted.

While some skeptics might cast contemporary society as emotionally brittle compared to its predecessors, who seemingly weathered storms without verbalizing their strife, such a perspective lacks resonance.

It is true that past generations, like my grandmother’s, lived through the crucible of two world wars, an experience that undoubtedly forged their outlook on a of myriad matters. Gratefully, we seem to have moved beyond the era of world wars. However, the technological strides that followed those historical conflicts, while noteworthy, are dwarfed by the monumental leaps and their profound implications observed in the recent decades.

Why else do these historical contexts matter? Contemplate the historical norms, where vocations entailed substantial physical exertion. Even before delving into dietary shifts (assuming one wasn’t among the malnourished masses of the past), daily routines contributed to superior physical well-being. Consequently, juxtaposed against our present-day decline in fitness and weight-related challenges, it becomes evident that my grandmother’s era didn’t grapple with the digital age’s additional hurdles.

While the digital age ushers undeniable benefits, such as instantaneous communication, limitless information access, global connectivity, and streamlined efficiency, these rewards arrive with a cost.

Distilled to its essence, the advent of the digital age has orchestrated all to often a profound metamorphosis in our lifestyle, propelling us from a state of constant motion to one of relative stillness, reshaping intimate face-to-face engagements into disembodied virtual bonds, transmuting once overt expressions of our minds into a domain of synthetic emotions within social media, whilst engendering a pervasive sense of busyness that pervades every facet of our existence.

In this landscape of change, the seismic transition from tangible connections to virtual interfaces reforges the ways we connect, communicate, and nurture relationships. The limitations of geography fade, yet the tangible warmth of shared moments dims. Nuances conveyed through non-verbal cues dissipate into the digital realm, leaving emoticons to convey what once danced effortlessly upon facial expressions and gestures.

In this evolving epoch, the omnipresent ‘busyness’ and perceived ‘happiness’ through social media posts emerges as both a badge of honour and a tacit adversary. It symbolizes an era where productivity is ceaselessly chased yet rarely defined. The delineations between work and leisure blur, upheld by devices that perpetually beckon us to engage, respond, and contribute. Calendars brim with commitments, notifications compete for attention, and the notion of genuine downtime recedes. Amid this whirlwind, the art of being present wanes, replaced by a relentless pursuit of digital achievements.

Consequently, the surge of inquiries into our existence and life’s purpose seems inevitable. This trajectory has steered us toward diverse avenues of comfort and healing, a natural response to our evolving human experience.

Therefore, can the utilisation of psychoactive plants assist us in comprehending the essence of our existence? Can their safety be affirmed? Are there alternative, less radical avenues available? It’s crucial to recognise that these substances may not be suitable for everyone. This stems from the reality that, unlike techniques such as traditional therapies or meditation, both you and your therapist lack complete control over the process.

For certain individuals, however, this is precisely what they require, as their necessity for control could be a symptom necessitating deconstruction to reach the root causes of their issues. One might liken this method to embarking on an accelerated journey into the larger  consciousness system. In many instances, the destination might not align with one’s initial expectations.

It’s important to approach psychoactive plants with caution and respect, as its effects can also be intense and challenging, and not everyone may have positive outcomes. Additionally, their use should  be conducted in a controlled and ceremonial setting with experienced guides/shamans or practitioners. One should always prioritise safety and informed decision-making when considering such experiences.

The outcomes however can be profoundly illuminating. The spectrum of experiences encompasses spiritual revelations that foster an enriched comprehension of one’s place in the cosmos, personal purpose, and interconnectedness with all existence. Emotional and at times physical healing, self-discovery, alleviation of anxiety and depression, heightened creativity and problem-solving skills, an amplified bond with nature, personal empowerment, rediscovery of the inner self, cathartic emotional release, and heightened mindfulness and presence can also manifest.

A notable challenge faced by many individuals is the initial sense of exhilaration that often follows the experience. However, this sensation gradually diminishes over time, leading some to believe that repeating the encounter is necessary. Herein lies the crux of the matter – a pivotal point deserving of attention. While there’s no inherent reason not to revisit the experience, the fundamental purpose of delving into the larger consciousness system, whether through meditation or the acceleration of psychoactive plants, is to gain wisdom and return with insights that propel the evolution of one’s consciousness. It’s not intended to foster dependency on the encounter.

A fitting analogy could be the training wheels on a bicycle when you’re first learning to ride as a child. The goal is to master riding and then remove the training wheels. Similarly, this principle applies to the use of psychoactive plants. Following their consumption, it’s essential to sincerely ask oneself: What have I learned from my most recent experience, and how have I integrated this knowledge into my life since then? If the response leans towards the negative, it’s improbable that continued usage will prove beneficial.

In the end, our quest for understanding in the face of profound change propels us toward avenues both novel and ancient. As our digital age transforms us, the allure of exploration—whether through psychoactive plants, meditation, or other means—speaks to our unyielding human spirit’s yearning for growth, connection, and healing in a world of evolving complexities.

Written by Stephen Griffin and ChatGPT