Exploring Your Inner World: A Flower Meditation Journey || By Rick Garcia, Certified Sex/Cannabis Coach, LMT
In keeping with the topics of Cannabased Coaching and Wellness, I will start this blog off by saying that while this post is safe for work, some people might find the information to be charged. I’ll be talking about some lighter things like meditation and healing. However, I will also be exploring cannabis and psychedelics. If these are subjects that you find to be jarring, then please stop reading, but if you are open to the idea of cultivating change, then please proceed.
I think it’s safe to say that as humans we want to evolve; we want to connect with something that is greater than ourselves and gain a deeper understanding of our inner self. Over the years people have done this in various ways: meditation, hypnosis, walking across fire, kink, becoming lost in religious experiences, and even using psychedelics. Not one of these concepts can be called new. Ancient texts like the Atharva VedaIn (1000 BCE) spoke about the spiritual and medicinal properties of cannabis and other sacred herbs. Lord Shiva has often been associated with cannabis and his devotees used cannabis to enhance their meditations.
Now, let’s flash over to psychedelics. They come in many forms. Some are modern and synthetic, others are natural and have been used for a very long time. Of course, exact dates are not possible, but these substances have been around for thousands of years and show up in many cultures and regions: Indian, Serbian, Indigenous American, and, well…you get the idea. It’s a shorter list to name cultures that haven’t used psychedelics.
So, why have so many people used these substances? After all, they are usually illegal. Well, yes, they have been and that is why we are just now starting to understand the therapeutic applications of these substances with a scientific lens. Psychedelics alter perception, mood, and consciousness. They work primarily by affecting the brain’s serotonin receptors, which play a key role in regulating mood and perception. While on psychedelics, people can experience what’s called an “ego death” which sounds scarier than it actually is. While the ego is disengaged, our brain can actually create new neural pathways, causing our minds to approach life with new perspectives. When the ego is disengaged we can experience:
● Altered Perception: A unique sensory experience
● Expanded Consciousness: This comes with an increased sense of connection to self, others, and sometimes the divine.
● Emotional Healing: Some research shows that it can help with reduced anxiety, depression, and PTSD symptoms.
● Mindfulness: Here, the user can cultivate a deeper understanding of one’s thoughts and emotions.
These benefits mirror those of meditation. Meditation has way more benefits that have been scientifically measured. Like psychedelics, meditation (if done intentionally and controlled) can be used to induce an altered state of consciousness.
Like anything else, it’s not all rainbows and butterflies. Expanded sensations (through psychedelics) are not for everyone. It can lead to a “bad trip,” one that will probably not have the user see benefits. Depending on what/how much you take, you could be tripping for 4-10 hours.
This is the reason that I love to combine cannabis with meditation. Cannabis meditation offers a gentler approach to achieving altered states of consciousness. Cannabis, when used mindfully and in appropriate doses, can enhance the meditative experience by promoting relaxation, sensory awareness, and a deeper connection to one’s thoughts and emotions. Unlike psychedelics, the effects of cannabis can be managed more easily, allowing individuals to navigate their inner journey with a guide to help steer the ship. The first time I explored a guided cannabis meditation, I went to the moon! I saw aspects of myself that I wasn’t aware of. I saw where I needed to heal and then I was able to start healing these spaces. After a few sessions, I knew that I wanted to offer this in my practice. This combination creates so many benefits! You might feel:
● Reduced Anxiety: Cannabis has been shown to have anxiolytic properties that can help ease anxiety.
● Heightened Sensory Perception: The combination of cannabis and meditation can lead to heightened sensory experiences, allowing individuals to explore their inner world more deeply.
● Self-Exploration: Cannabis meditation can facilitate introspection and self-discovery, aiding individuals in understanding their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.
● Enhanced Creativity: Altered states induced by cannabis meditation can boost creativity and innovative thinking.
● Enhanced Sexual Expression: Inner exploration with breathwork can help you learn how to enhance and prolong your sexual encounters (be it solo or shared).
Cannabis meditation blends an ancient tradition with modern mindfulness to reach altered states of consciousness. This fusion offers a safer alternative to traditional psychedelics, enabling individuals to embark on inner journeys with a reduced risk of overwhelming experiences. You should reach out to me if you are seeking a more holistic method for personal growth and exploration. Cannabis meditation might be a path towards expanded awareness and self-discovery.
Remember, if you’re interested in exploring cannabis meditation, it’s essential to approach it with an open mind, respect for the plant, a commitment to responsible consumption and of course, someone who can guide you and be with you through the experience. Always consult with a healthcare professional if you have any underlying health conditions or concerns before trying any new practices.
This will be a new service I will be offering at Cannabased Coaching and Wellness. Feel free to book a free consultation with me to learn more.
About the Author: Rick Garcia (he/him) is the owner of Cannabased Coaching & Wellness. Rick started his career in the healing arts as a licensed massage therapist in 2005. Looking for a shift he transitioned to HIV prevention and has worked in sexual health for 11 years. Realizing the gap in sexual health and sexual fulfillment Rick became a certified sex coach and sexologist so that he could help people explore their ideal sexual self while remaining as safe as possible. His sex coaching services are holistic and combine elements such as talk, somatic exercises, the MEBES model, cannabis and a variety of other modalities. When his wellness center opened he decided to have another arm available for massage therapy. To learn more about Rick’s services please visit www.cannabasedcoachingandwellness.com or contact him at [email protected].
