Psychedelics, Mind Altering substances and Plant medicines

The Power of Psychedelics: A Personal Journey of Growth and Awareness

Like any other mind-altering substance, I believe psychedelics are a powerful tool that can shape our habits and thought patterns—both individually and collectively—depending on how they are used. Any tool, whether a knife, a gun, alcohol, or even a car, can serve a positive purpose if wielded with good intentions. If used responsibly, psychedelics can elevate consciousness; if misused, they can lead to harmful consequences.

A Personal Exploration

My personal experience with these substances has been transformative, helping me overcome anxiety, fear, and grief. My first introduction to marijuana came during my high school years, and my relationship with it continued from my time in Bangalore to my master's studies in London and beyond. However, I always maintained a strict boundary between my emotions, my desire to alter my state of mind, and the purpose behind using these substances. I understood my limits and balanced my consumption through meditation. Moderation is key—not just in substance use, but in everything we consume, from love and attention to pleasure and pain. It is about channeling our experiences in a healthy way.

My First Psychedelic Experience

My first psychedelic experience was with LSD, undertaken with my closest friends in a well-researched, ritualistic manner amidst nature. At that time, I was dealing with the trauma of a road accident that had left me with a severe leg fracture and had also taken the life of a friend. This incident brought about intense anxiety and emotional distress. Cannabis, at times, exacerbated these emotions, leading to panic attacks, so I chose to abstain from it for a while.

However, my LSD experience was different—it connected me to the universe in an inexplicable way. Everything around me felt alive, and I realized there was much more to life than mundane everyday routines. This journey reshaped my perception of reality, igniting a deep curiosity within me. New neural pathways were formed, allowing me to see the world in a new light. It pushed me toward meditation and cognitive development, helping me detach from materialistic attachments like alcohol, social validation, and excessive indulgence.

A Deeper Awakening: Ayahuasca

When I moved to the UK for my master’s, life was filled with challenges—the rising cost of living, job instability, the COVID-19 pandemic, and long, cold winters. It was mentally exhausting, and maintaining stability was difficult. Meditation, fasting, and a balanced diet helped me navigate these struggles.

As my 27th birthday approached, I participated in a three-day ayahuasca ceremony guided by a skilled shaman. This was the most intense psychedelic experience of my life, revealing the boundless power of the human mind. I felt connected to a multi-dimensional plane of existence and experienced an overwhelming sense of gratitude toward a maternal cosmic energy that protects all living beings. It offered me a new perspective, helping me detach from materialistic desires and emotional limitations.

Psychedelics vs. Meditation: The Long-Term Perspective

While psychedelics have played a role in my personal growth, my second Vipassana meditation retreat solidified a crucial realization: external substances are not always the best or most sustainable way to elevate the mind. They can act as shortcuts—akin to taking a helicopter to the summit of a mountain rather than climbing it step by step. Meditation and disciplined lifestyle choices offer a more profound and enduring path to self-awareness and enlightenment.

Psychedelics in History and Society

Psychedelics have played a significant role in human history. In Episode #1543 of The Joe Rogan Experience, Joe Rogan speaks with author Brian Muraresku and journalist Graham Hancock about the role of psychedelics in ancient religions. Muraresku, despite never having used psychedelics himself, explores how these substances have influenced spiritual and cultural evolution.

Another enlightening discussion occurs in Episode #1964, featuring Rick Doblin, Ph.D., founder of the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS). Doblin provides extensive research on the therapeutic applications of psychedelics, shedding light on their potential benefits and societal implications.

In Episode #1593, Dr. Carl Hart, a neuroscientist and drug policy expert, challenges misconceptions about psychoactive substances. He advocates for responsible drug use and criticizes the war on drugs for its disproportionate impact on marginalized communities.

Breaking Societal Taboos

These discussions highlight how psychedelics and other mind-altering substances have been unfairly stigmatized. Society often labels their use as taboo, despite their historical significance and potential for healing. With the right education and awareness, these tools can be harnessed to unlock the true potential of the human mind, rather than being dismissed as mere vices.

Final Thoughts

Nature has provided us with all the tools we need to survive, thrive, and evolve. It is up to us to use them wisely. Psychedelics, like any tool, can either uplift or harm, depending on our knowledge, intention, and approach. With proper education and awareness, we can move beyond societal misconceptions and embrace these substances as catalysts for growth and transformation.