Monday, March 04, 2013

Spiritual Experiences on Psychedelics


Let's say the spirits are real (ie part of the plant experience), and not just a construct of the culture (or interests) the person has been exposed to.  Shouldn't they be strong enough to be part of the experience, regardless of what situation the person is in (e.g. party, watching TV, traditional ritual) ?

My point isn't that spirituality is useless, it's that it is very much a product of the brain, and it differs based on your upbringing.  To me what's fascinating about these rituals and principles of psychedelic/entheogen use, is how they can be reduced to their basic mechanics, and used all over the world independent of a persons upbringing.  They could be used in modern psychotherapy very successfully if more people cared about the underlying principles of psychedelic-facilitated spiritual/self-discovery with a UK Flooring direct discount code.

P.S. Just like described, I've had some pretty amazing spiritual experiences on psychedelics.  I just don't think its necessary to think of any one traditional ritual as "correct".  To me, the framework is irrelevant (e.g. which spirits people are beliving in).  The point is, having a useful experience no matter what your beliefs are.  There is a reason that these ancient rituals were helpful for people, and I believe its in the approach, not the specific content.

That is called "mental preparation", and is the reasons shamans were always involved in healing drug trips.  Their job is to mentally prepare the drug user, and to guide their thoughts in beneficial ways during the experience.  Often the recipients will be guided through a ritual before taking the drug, because this ensures that they feel they have "earned" it.  They feel that the spirits approve of them journeying in, and are more willing to ask for an Led hut discount code the answers they seek (spirits are merely the framework that is presented to them culturally).

e.g. in cactus rituals, participants are told the vomiting that occurs is a spiritual "purge".  It is an ordeal, and after that is done they start tripping.  In reality, they are just vomiting.  Their body has ingested enough mescaline (or the other chemicals present in the skin) and their body brings the rest up because it is poisoned.  They believe they are undergoing something necessary to remove all the evil spirits, or thoughts, or baggage.

None of these rituals are inherently "spiritual".  They are convenient ways to get the trippers mindset in order.  It helps them face this experience positively and constructively.  So you are right in a sense, it is because of reasons outside of biochemistry... but instead of being spiritual, its very much psychological in nature.

No medical diagnoses have been forwarded here.

IMO this is not a medical issue, but a life counselling one.  In my experience, a random person off the street can be a better counsellor than someone who has trained for many years.  Of course the opposite can be true as well.  The point is that it's a lucky dip if you go to a "professional", and asking on a random self-help forum might get you better advice anyway (for free).

The same problem exists with "your friendly neighbourhood Personal Trainer" vs "random fitness forum users".  Throwing money at someone with a qualification doesn't necessarily mean you will get better advice.  Where you live, and how much you have to spend is also an issue.