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- Mar 9, 2005
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The acute psychedelic experience does not need to be always colourful, sunny and life-affirming. There is a risk to actual trauma catalysed by these experiences, and McKenna experiencing that doesn't really shock me either. There are, of course, some who can trip a lot and at high doses, and rarely experience anything above 'slightly troubling'. For many others, there is a real darkside to tripping. For me, at least, the high dose and traumatic experiences I have had, namely a large dose of ayahuasca and smaller dose of mushrooms, in the midst of a crazy period of drug addiction and desperation with my life seemingly collapsing, was one of the most terrifying and painful experiences of my life, and also one of the most instructive. Surviving it gave me strength and self-respect, and the internal and spiritual aspect of it both reinforced and dramatically shaped some of my current beliefs, which in turn have added meaning and happiness to my life.
I don't think Terence McKenna was advocating traumatic experiences per se, but he would have known that any group of psychedelic users knows the potential risks, and most users can think and decide for themselves. He was purely an entertaining guy, with some thought provoking views delivered in a uniquely psychedelic linguistic packaging. A good thinker but fantastic communicator. I like hearing him speak, despite not agreeing with some of his ideas.
Completely agree. I'm not sure I ever really want to be completely ego-less again, but I certainly desire the introspection and sense of hyper-perspective on my life that psychedelics can bring about.
I don't think Terence McKenna was advocating traumatic experiences per se, but he would have known that any group of psychedelic users knows the potential risks, and most users can think and decide for themselves. He was purely an entertaining guy, with some thought provoking views delivered in a uniquely psychedelic linguistic packaging. A good thinker but fantastic communicator. I like hearing him speak, despite not agreeing with some of his ideas.
jesus said:low doses outside in nature on a bright and sunny day are the best for introspection if you ask me, or at home with a pen and paper if you don't want to go out.
Completely agree. I'm not sure I ever really want to be completely ego-less again, but I certainly desire the introspection and sense of hyper-perspective on my life that psychedelics can bring about.