you might have to practice rolling once or twice before it's a smooth ride
Let us strip to the ankles and revel in everything sensual: let us laugh at the world as it looks at itself through mushroom-cloudy glasses... Hunter S. Thompson
Hello, folks,
I've been, and continue to be, focused on generating work of more profound meaning than producing content minutiae; this shift has helped ground me as a writer navigating a volatile terrain of drug culture and recovery. It was easy to lose myself online, but some of us (that's me) felt too old for that shit. Being here, pacing my writing and stories, has been a fantastic adventure.
Thank you for the hearts and messages in my inbox last week.
I'm just so dang grateful for you. Integration of my past experiences is a massive part of maintaining growth and learning. It's not just about providing competent care; it's about responsible care.
Seriously. Thank you so much for being here for all of it.
As many of you know, I was invited to apply + accepted to Substack Growth, a program for Substack's "most promising" writers. Oh my Heart is, in many ways, a modified public journal with a reference column. So whether you're here for the psychedelic juice I pour into these newsletters, the art, or simply to feel better about your life by hearing about my rollercoaster life, I'm grateful for your support through each development phase. I'm working towards an open conversation with some friendly borders without losing the freedom to write exactly what I want when I want.
Still working on that!! Stay tuned.
Thanks to @Michael.Pollan, once a healthy skeptic, he allows many perspectives as his new documentary explores the broad ecosystem of psychedelic science.
Micheal Pollan was curious about psychedelic therapy. That curiosity became an article in The New Yorker (“The Trip Treatment,” 2015). The paper became a book, “How to Change Your Mind” (2019).
And now, the book has become a four-part Netflix series debuting last Tuesday. The series is grounded in accounts of centuries-long sacred use and the troubled history in modern society, especially in the United States, and offers an intelligent look at psychedelic therapy. Focused on four substances — LSD, mescaline, MDMA psilocybin — and how they are being used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder, addiction, depression, anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Advocating for both psychedelic-assisted use in medicalized contexts and psychedelic in recreational, ceremonial, or personal contexts. I think both can be safe and effective.
Let's just say I discovered psychedelics are not exactly like riding a bike; you might have to practice rolling once or twice before it's a smooth ride. The relationship with each experience is different. There are things I love about it (e.g., the to-the-points conversations with myself or others, the playful bond it creates with my husband) and every fascinating combination of dark and light, especially paired with music and warm bodies. And these experiences are very vulnerable and expansive, coming into delicate conscious states for healing and recovery.
Adding my two cents, we need to continue discussing the importance of Integration. I often see people put too much power into the psychedelic experience. These experiences with full Integration are a massive part of maintaining the growth and connection.
So how do you support continuing Integration? Share in the comments.
hugs and drugs,
Resources:
So many conversations, so little time. My bestie Tarzan Kay has bravely stepped into her story. Read colourful stories about sex, drugs, and cults.
@celiapowerz has expanded their menu. You just gotta ask!
I work with clients exploring, preparing, and integrating their journeys through Coaching. The work involves four sessions in a one-month/$1100usd commitment (or longer if you prefer). It's best to connect to discuss. Reply here or book a complimentary call if you want to know more about Integration Coaching with me. Limited spots are available.