Taking a break from this newsletter
I need to take a pause from writing this newsletter, The Psychedelic Corner on Substack. My original intention was to combine my interest in writing with an enthusiasm for psychedelics. However, my beliefs have changed about this subject.
I began with the idea that I was healed from depression after a trip on magic mushrooms several years ago. This condition has improved a great deal, but I can’t say that I’m cured. It may be that I should have the same approach as a recovering alcoholic, that this healing from depression is a process and not a finite thing.
I will continue to post occasionally when I feel moved to write about the subject. One of the areas of focus will be taking a more measured and cautious approach. Altering the brain with any substance should give one pause. No amount of correct choice of set and setting will take the place of a whole culture that provides a supportive framework such as the indigenous provide to the use of psychedelics. How do we recreate this in the western world.
One way we do not recreate this is the push to commodify and medicalize these substances used throughout time. I believe we are working at odds with what they are here to teach us. I’m alarmed at all of the companies who are profiting at the expense of the deep and profound messages psychedelics could provide humanity.
We may have advanced technologically in the modern world, but have we progressed to the same degree emotionally and spiritually? I would say no. And at least in my own life where I have some control of the direction, I want to take the time to relearn some of what I believe we’ve lost.
Thank you so much for all of the contributors along the way. And another thank you to all of the subscribers!