photo: Torben Hansen on flickr
Dear Meli,
I am a fan of marijuana. I like it a lot! As a matter of fact, I use it almost every day. I am also a fan of spirituality. In fact, I meditate almost every day. I don’t see a contradiction between my use of pot and my spiritual practice. Others, however, do. Most notably my girlfriend. Ultimately, I know that it’s not up to her, but it does cause some friction between us. She thinks marijuana takes me out of a connection with Spirit, but I think it deepens it. What do you think?
Toking in Tucson
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Dear Toking,
This brings to mind a memory for me, so forgive me while I tell you a little story on the way to my answer.
When I was in college, I smoked pot every day. I was majoring in both Psychology and Music and I used to practice classical piano about 4-6 hours a day. I was also singing in a band.
One night, I was hanging out with the guys from the band after rehearsal, and we got high. I was talking about how amazing my classical playing was when I was high. How I felt an entirely different level of connection between the music and my heart and my fingers. At their request, I played a bit of the piece I was working on at the time.
Unbeknownst to me, one of them recorded my playing. The next day, they gave me the recording.
Much to my surprise, it was terrible! The music was disconnected and awful.
How had I had been so wrong about my playing while high?
When we partake, our sense of self is altered. Our sense of everything outside of us is also altered. Indeed, our senses, themselves, are altered.
I see now that I was not able to judge how my playing was because I (my full normal self, if you will) was not actually present.
This is one possibility of what could be happening for you in your spiritual practice.
This said, it’s also possible that you really connect more fully. Who am I to say?
But if you take the possibility of my theory – and add to it that your partaking is creating friction between you and your girlfriend – might that not be something to consider? If it truly isn’t a big deal to you, then go without. See how that is for you. Try abstaining for a month or two, and see how your connection feels when you’re straight in your practice.
My guess is that after a few weeks or months, you will be amazed at the connection you discover. But I won’t go so far as to promise. Still, if that is a possibility, and it would also be a good thing for your relationship, perhaps it’s worth a shot?
As someone who is now 25+ years sober – because I could not stop smoking pot without others to support me – I know this might be a challenge. If you’re not one of those people, this trial would be a breeze. But if you find it difficult, it may be that you could have a dependency issue.
If this is the case, the smoking is probably keeping you from feeling all kinds of things! And feeling things can be very helpful in giving us information about choices we make.
Give it a try and see how it is for you. Abstaining from pot smoking has been one of the most valuable gifts in my entire life! I wish all this good for you too, however it may show up!
Meli
Do you have any stories about drugs and spiritual practice? Share them below!
Have a question for Meli? Interested in a private session (in person or Skype)? Contact her at meli@ohmygodlife.com
I don’t have a personal story, but I do like the comments of Abraham-Hicks on substance use — it can feel good for now and meaningful for now, but it wears off when the substance wears off. When we increase our sense of connection with Source through choosing good-feeling thoughts, meditation, etc., daily, there’s a permanent, positive, on-going result. 🙂
Yes! I really like the way you put this! 🙂
I’ve heard Abraham talk about drug use and I really like the way they talk about it. Getting high can feel great in the moment, but it doesn’t necessarily increase our ongoing connection with Source. Thank you for pointing this out! Blessings and Love to you…
I like to think of it as a helicopter ride to the top of the mountain…can be helpful to see what the view is like and where we might be headed, but it just doesn’t compare to the discipline of hiking up step by step (spiritual practice)…natural highs are the best!
Hey Firefly!
AWESOME metaphor! Thank you!
I refer to those experiences (or people) that are glimpses into where I’m going as reference points. And, indeed, I love being high “on the natch” 🙂
Love you!
I consumed a lot of drugs in my past. I was a recreational pot smoker for decades. It did not hinder my ambition or drive. I spent 35 years as a school administrator including director, principal, and superintendent. I also earned a Ph.D. I have always been a spiritual person and never thought that my cannabis use interfered with my spiritual journey. About 15 years ago I lost the desire to use cannabis. It was nothing startling, I was just done. I will say, though, that back in the 70’s I took LSD a couple times and it fundamentally changed my life. It gave me a connection with the universe that stays with me to this day. It was profoundly spiritual. I can see why indians used peyote, mushrooms, etc. to receive spiritual guidance. I do not recommend it, especially in this day of designer drugs, but I cannot deny its effect on my life.
Thank you, Robert!
I, too, have had experiences using drugs that have supported my spiritual journey…in the years prior to my wishing I could stop using, and not being able to. I usually forget those times now, because they were overshadowed by the years of struggle. And – wow! I think your experience with cannabis is unusual! Or maybe I just know lots of addicts and not many people who use in a non-addictive manner. LOL Hard to know, really. But I very much appreciate your chiming in and sharing your experience here! THANK YOU!