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Is LSD always spiritual and introspective?

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bonsaikitten

bonsaikitten

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Jul 26, 2009
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Australia
I was a little disappointed recently when I had my first proper full dose of LSD because I found it a little superficial - it seemed to be all color and visuals mixed in with cycles, fear and a complete incomprehension of time... but it wasn't really as insightful/enlightening as I'd expected.

Why do you think this is? Does the spiritual aspect only pertain to higher doses, or is it all about the set and setting? (I probably wasn't in the best setting for it, really... Due to my stupidity and impatience, I ended up dosing with a friend at a rave in the middle of no where). It was an interesting experience but I still feel just a bit let down. I just wanted to know how you can optimise/enhance the thought-provoking and introspective nature of LSD?
 
They can't all be winners.

Lsd is always a great time for me, but its not always a *spiritual* experience or an earth shattering one.
 
Had similiar 1st (and by now only) time with acid. I had thought that automatically, by paying 40PLN, taking it and sitting, my life would change for better ;p
Next time I think I'll do it better prepared, maybe alone in woods :)

btw. It's about half a year to reset the tolerance for shrooms and acid, am I right?
 
^ Agreed. Most tolerance from psyches is gone in a few days to a week at most as far as I know. That's not to say it's wise to trip so often but of course, but you certainly don't need to wait six months between doses.

bonsaikitten said:
(I probably wasn't in the best setting for it, really... Due to my stupidity and impatience, I ended up dosing with a friend at a rave in the middle of no where)
Click to expand...

I suspect this may be a big part of it. Dosing at raves is unlikely to lead to a spiritual experience really as you're in a recreational setting and set to have a good time not ponder the innerworkings of your navel ;)

Maybe try taking it alone in a quiet place or in nature. Some people advocate silence and darkness for optimal spiritual insight but I find that unnecessary. There's no way to guarantee a spiritual rather than purely recreational trip but set and setting make a huge difference in guiding it in ways more conducive to insight.

I find recreational fun trips can be pretty insightful too, myself. In a different way but definitely spiritual in a sense. I get something of value from pretty much every trip - even shits and giggles can be very healing :)
 
Yeah that kind of setting really constantly destracts you, leaving no room for a deepening experience at least often thats true. Dosage also has something to do with it, but apart from increasing the chance of unbelievable experiences the chance of side-effects, confusion or whatever also increases.
It's much better to use acid as a catalyst which it actually is, rather than a real substantial substrate. It amplifies everything going on inside you regardless of what that is, if you are already in a perfect moment then it dilates until you are totally swallowed by it and have a spiritual experience. If you take the time to contemplate things that will cause introspection... while distractions and active recreation will often only enhance your occupations.

These different ways of investing yourself in your set and setting are not clearly divided and can change from one moment to the other, sometimes unexpected. You can shift gears so to speak.

So the answer is no: there are many other different possible kinds of experiences with LSD.
 
Wow, thanks everyone... Hmm... Yes, I got the feeling that this might be the case. I mean, I did like the experience, I just felt somewhat let down. But I'll take your advice on board. I was being quite arrogant at the time, I think. I sort of had this idea that set and setting "didn't really" matter and that I'd be fine. While it wasn't a bad trip, it did have some scary moments. And I totally agree with what you have said about becoming easily distracted. I also don't think I was quite prepared - I have found out since that the blotter is well known to be quite potent and in that setting, it was easy to become a bit afraid and distracted as I fought to keep a tenuous grip on reality.

Thanks again, everyone. I am planning my next trip to be in a quiet and peaceful environment - I feel like I haven't given Lucy a chance to properly introduce herself ;)
 
One thing I'm pretty sure of: there's no "always" when it comes to LSD. :)

I've noticed that the less physically active I am, the more introspective it all becomes: my last trip mainly involved a group of us riding all over the place on bicycles and it was by far the least introspective trip I've had thus far (also my first trip where distance came into the equation! Very interesting addition) -- not to say it wasn't really fun, or that I didn't take away anything important from it! It was rather nice to just be carefree, and not contemplating anything too heavy for a change (this, of course, can be directly related to my everyday existence! :D Good lesson for me).

I think it's valuable (and fun) to try out different settings and factors: my first trip was ...well, certainly a +++ and quite pleasurable on top of that and I spent my next couple of trips trying/yearning to replicate that experience: I was totally doing it wrong, and expectations are not useful things to hold onto -- harmful, even. I've learned to be more content, both in everyday life as well as in tripspace ("then" being early this year; I've taken maybe 8 trips since) which has been a very important thing for me to really learn and take into my heart. I've also been more open to trying new things instead of repeating things...

I support your plan for a "quiet and peaceful" setting! I have also found that I personally have a tendency to be much more interested in looking at natural objects when tripping versus blinky toys or technology (i.e. videoshows or people playing with lightsticks: watching firespinning is AMAZING, however)... the "trippy" stuff just doesn't seem to engage my interest for some reason. Walks in the woods are so lovely! Looking through art books and listening to music are two things I really like in an indoor setting if you're restricted to that, maybe give that a try (particularly listening to music; that can really take you places).

Solipsis said:
These different ways of investing yourself in your set and setting are not clearly divided and can change from one moment to the other, sometimes unexpected. You can shift gears so to speak.
Click to expand...

Do remember this if you can. It's something I "know" that I'm still working on KNOWING: you're holding the rudder. Standing up and going somewhere else (figuratively or actually) is ALWAYS an option, and often a good one. The world is constantly shifting and changing, so can you.
 
haha! I totally agree with what you said about nature being more interesting! I found the light show they had interesting but it was a pale shadow on the trees! (which I took great pleasure in staring at for extended periods of time - it truly was the most remarkable and beautiful thing I've seen). Also, there was fire twirling and I concur that it was beautiful to watch.

A lot of the people there were just incredibly drunk - maybe it's just me, but I absolutely hated being around drunk people while I was tripping. There was something bestial and neanderthalic about them; I felt quite fragile and delicate, and being around them made me uneasy.

I found moving around helped if I realised I was scared or finding it hard to handle. I spent a lot of the trip just walking up and down this promenade bit between the tents and the actual rave... I also spent a while just sitting flat on my ass. I liked that being in close contact with the ground gave me a sense of security.

Thanks lots for your advice :) I'll definitely take it on board.
 
Most of the good tips have already been given here - the only thing I can add is to simply increase dosage. Eat enough LSD, and likely whether you want it or not you WILL find yourself in a spiritual, or at least highly revelatory experience.
 
haha. Yeah, thanks applecore. I'm going to dose again the same as before but next time I can get some I will try playing around with dosage. ;) It's all so exciting.
 
No, it's not. It has to do with your set (mental state and expectations) and setting (location and circumstances - your environment).

Glad your question could be answered. :) I'm going to close this. If you feel you need to discuss this more, PM me and the other PD mods and one of us will open it.
 
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