I got into an argument with someone about the nature of psychedelics. I was trying to explain the difference between using something to get high and experiencing something to have a deeper connection with the world around them. This person did experience a couple positive examples but rejected the idea a few weeks later during our argument. I have been very excited to continue my research and was planning at looking at these things maybe 1-2 times a month. My creativity has increased (I painted 2 bad ass painting for x-mas gifts for loved ones), see the world as that much more beautiful lately, and haven't had any obvious negative effects other than time consumption- which has been a subject of contention with my friend in the past. I'll admit: when I initially get into something, I get in the zone. Most hobbies stick around but my time comes back into balance.
So I was a little disturbed by our disagreement. Mainly because I was chastised and told to not engage in said things. Things cooled down and it was left at that, basically. We did the 'space from each other' thing and I was left considering the situation. I sat on the couch and flicked on the TV. I saw "Star Trek: Next Generation" on.
This show held a soft spot in my heart. It reminds me of my childhood and watching TV with my dad and uncle. Star Trek, Seinfeld, Sightings, America's Most Wanted, Cops, X-Files, Miami Dolphins in the Marino days...ya, the 90's!
So Star Trek was on and I jokingly indicated to myself: Star Trek, what does this episode have to tell me? Parallel something that I can take from this episode with my life.
Into the episode I became more and more intrigued. It was about a certain officer of the ship who was having problems connecting with the crew. Instead of addressing his social behavior, he spent more and more time on the holodeck. He was writing his own custom programs with simulations of the other members of the crew in these fantasy programs.
I don't consider my research fantasy. I think it has very real implications. I do think I have a tendency to dedicate too much time to certain things. My friend is right that there's a need for balance but I don't like their stance that I should refrain from my recently discovered corners of our living experience completely- I've only had mellow trips mind you, It's not like I was launching into another galaxy!
To conclude the episode, the ships warp drive frooze and started a nonstop climb- warp 7, to warp 8 to warp 9. The ship was going to self destruct and no one could find the only officer who could rectify the problem, he was missing as usual. Two other officers knew where he was but they had to 'play through' his simulation to find him. They alerted him of the impending danger and took him back to engineering to adress the problem. He came up with a brilliant solution and after the crises was averted, saw how his lack of dealing with reality and escaping to a fantasy world didn't solve anything. He decides to deal with things in a much more responsible manner. He goes back to the holodeck and says, "Computer, erase all of my programs." He begins to walk out, turns around, and says, "...except program nine" with a grin on his face.
What that says is it's okay to enjoy yourself in moderation. It's okay to even engage in a fantasy world. I think you will see it more and more as technology advances. My particular problem isn't the spiritual and universal discoveries that psychedelics can offer, but the way I devote time and don't have proper balance once I get into something. Hopefully my friend will come around too...
-------------------- Fav Threads: Stories from the Psychedelic Underground (dwpineal) My LSD Trip That Lasted 8 Months (dwpineal) The "THUMBPRINT" (Learyfan)
I think not to wander so far down the path that we can't find our way back. -Northerner
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