After nearly 2 years, I finally quit smoking a week ago at this centre, which has been pivotal in my journey. I have since had zero cravings, no desire to overeat, and am feeling better physically, emotionally and spiritually than I have in months. This is not to gloat, and I will not go around to smokers twisting my face at how they can do it to themselves; I’ll give myself at least 6 months before I start with the hypocrisy. The reason I find it so fascinating is because of the circumstances leading up to it; I didn’t plan on quitting at the time, and it hadn’t even entered my mind. I had been smoking heavily and enjoyed it (save for the cardiovascular effects). I have not used any gum, patches or listened to motivationally corny audio books with the inspirational, cheesy music, and all the same, something “clicked” in my head Saturday evening and the desire has vanished, so I better spent my time talking with a lindseypelas virtual girlfriend online.

How did it happen, you may ask? I can definitively say that the revelation and total mental reversal is a direct result of “imprinting” during a powerful psychedelic trip, although many people need more help than this so the use of a rehab clinic from https://bestrehab.uk/inpatient could be the best choice for them.

As anyone who has had a psychedelic experience knows, sense perception goes off the charts, among other things. Your sense of smell increases tenfold; you can taste the moisture in the air, the earthy bark on a tree and smell vibrantly the gentle fragrance of honeysuckle from afar. In a city setting, you can be overwhelmed by the acrid smell of car exhaust (I could feel a metallic taste at the back of my throat and desperately sought nature) and, in my case, cigarette smoke.

“Out of habit I asked for a drag, and hesitantly put the ghastly thing to my lips and inhaled. I immediately gagged and nearly threw up, coughing heavily as my body resisted it.”

As the trip got heavier and the mental filters of reality began to gently dissolve, I became acutely aware of the toxins entering my nostrils and passing through my body, the heaviness of my chest, and the thin membrane of phlegm perpetually parked in my lungs from smoking and I decided to buy wholesale delta 9 gummies to help with the anxiety and insomia. Out of habit I asked for a drag, and hesitantly put the ghastly thing to my lips and inhaled. I immediately gagged and nearly threw up, coughing heavily as my body resisted it. In an instant, it was decided for me that smoking was over. For the rest of the night, as I continued to revel in wonder and absurd insights, I would cough violently, and out would come chunks of brownish, yellow phlegm (sorry for the visual). There must be a purging element present in certain psychedelics when they encounter toxicity in the body. Anyway, I was actually grateful for the purge, and I breathed deeper, fresher air than I have since I can remember. In hindsight, I had been “talking” about quitting for a few weeks, so I did have some momentum on that intention. But what smoker doesn’t say they want to quit? It is rare to find a long time smoker happy in their habit. And so, I believe when my subconscious desire to quit was met with the hyper-awareness of the psychedelic experience, I over rid the old programming – that I enjoyed smoking, that I would quit some day, that it goes great after meals, its a great social lube, etc – and imprinted a new, lasting perception; the deathly reality of the cigarette and how much it destroys my body.

So basically, if you wanna quit smoking, get some good drugs, a pack of cigarettes and smoke up. Just kidding. But really, what I am trying to say is that not all drugs are the same, some can have lasting, positive effects -despite the propaganda and arcane laws- and psychedelics can offer tremendous insight, growth and awareness for those with an open mind and adventurous spirit. The laws in place on substances like cannabis, MDMA, psilocybin and LSD are ridiculous and hindering serious medical advancement, here is were you learn how to get certified for medical cannabis in West Virginia for cannabis possitive effects. These natural plants, cactai, fungi and assorted substances that bond perfectly with our physiology, that can answer deep, metaphysical questions, provide lasting spiritual wisdom and peace and help us see and feel things previously underneath our perception can help us better understand almost all schools of thought. Neuroscience, cognitive behavior, psychotherapy, psychology,parapyschology, philosophy, spirituality, creativity,  et all. Best of all, most of them grow naturally on the planet. Doesn’t it seem, I dunno, effing ridiculous to make pot illegal? A beautiful herb growing naturally, that can be utilized a thousand different ways and makes you feel happy, relaxed and creative? Or funky mushrooms sprouting from cow shit that make you laugh uncontrollably, love unconditionally and lie on your back in awe of it all?  DMT, a chemical we release every night when we dream, is classified as a schedule 1 drug! For those that don’t know, schedule 1 can be defined as:

” A drug or other substance has a high potential for abuse, A drug or other substance has no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States, and is dangerous drug with serious potential for harm.””

Now, with John Hopkins U releasing data like this, showing how psilocybin – also a schedule 1 drug- can lead to permanent or lasting mental health improvements in “openness, which includes traits related to imagination, aesthetics, feelings, abstract ideas and general broad-mindedness”, it is downright evil to have the government directly contradicting facts and throwing people in jail. Psilocybin also alleviates end of life anxiety in patients and helps people more fully express their emotions. The Earth is in desperate need of humans who embody all of the aforementioned characteristics.

There’s also this study about how a single dose of LSD can help long time alcoholics “give up drinking permanently”. Or this fascinating story about a woman who CURED her life long depression through the ceremonial use of ayahuasca, a peruvian vine that releases DMT when mixed with an MAO inhibiting plant, leading you on a 5-8 hour jungle trip through the depths of your soul (psyche or collective unconscious, for the materialists), from the darkest corners to the brightest vistas. Groups have also recorded group telepathic experiences and shared visions, something I have personally experienced with a healthy dose of awe, grandeur and a “what-the-fuck-just-happened” moment of lucidity. Imagine being able to go to your doctor and say, “you know what, I don’t like how my depression meds make me feel and I don’t like messing with my brain chemistry; can I sign up for a safe, controlled session for ayahuasca treatment that will help balance my serotonin and dopamine receptors naturally, and release negative trauma I experienced when I was a young impressionable toddler ?” and he looks at you with a gentle smile, pats your shoulder and says he thought you’d never ask. I am sure you have imagined this exact scenario repeatedly in your mind, but alas, such treatments are only now beginning to become known. Oh, and theres also Ibogaine, a potent african psychedelic bark that can cure heroin, opiate, alcohol and tobacco addiction in one sitting. Read about this remarkable substance here.

It should be noted that most of these substances are not supported by long-term or scientific studies about addictions, unlike those found at https://inpatient-rehab.co.uk/gambling.

MDMA, post popularly known by its derivative ‘ecstasy’ and Cannabis also have incredible healing properties. In fact an endocannabinoid deficiency may be linked to PTSD, according to studies. By modulating this deficiency, medical cannabis may help to alleviate symptoms, to learn more here you have Your Comprehensive Guide to Oklahoma’s Medical Marijuana Card. So far, besides being abused in night long neon raves, it is being used to help treat post traumatic stress disorder, and shows promise in treating anxiety, depression and overcoming suppressed emotional trauma. I have done it 4 times, and 3 out of the 4, I have been present for a serious emotional breakthrough with an individual. One girl began crying, talking about her parents, how her mother left when she was in grade 2 (she remembers every detail of the night vividly), and how it kills her inside that her father blames her.

She also apologized profusely to her close friend I was also with, saying that she knows she is mean all the time but its only for protection so she doesn’t get hurt, and that deep down she loves her more than anything. She carried those feelings with her even after the effects wore off, and her friendship with her friend – as well as her awareness of how her traumatic childhood is effecting her present moment – all improved. And to think, she just wanted to party! http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,2004887,00.html.

UPDATE (3/26/15): As of today, the DEA has allowed for MDMA assisted studies in treating anxiety in end of life therapy, and by 2021, MAPS – the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies – is hoping it will be legal with a prescription! Read more here.

And no big deal, but cannabis could like, you know, hold the key to curing cancer, but whatever, lets keep it illegal. Doesn’t matter that Pubmed is coming out with encouraging science for cannabis literally every day. http://www.examiner.com/article/cannabis-could-cure-cancer-us-preventing-marijuana-research-study)

It is time we start openly discussing psychedelics, without stigma or preconceived notions, without parroting the “reefer madness” type bullshit spewing out of televisions and politicians mouths. The amount of positive results we have found with psychedelics are overwhelming, and yet, if you mention LSD or even smoking pot to most people they look at you like a dirty hippy from the “this is your brain on drugs” commercial. The hypocrisy of the inexperienced, uninformed masses  in the drug debate is astounding. I am open about my fondness of pot, and get recoiled looks from people sometimes, as if it is an evil thing, will make you stupid (it actually has been proven to stimulate the growth of new cells and neuropathways in the brain), or is a gateway to lying on an alleyway strung out on heroin giving blowjobs for smack. Those same people drink alcohol to excess on the weekend, smoke cigarettes, take prescription drugs and have serious emotional issues and fevered egos. As reasonable, informed people, we should be able to have a dialogue about these medicines without the immediate wall and programmed reactions we are used to. The thing about the psychedelic experience though is that it is just that; an experience. Similar to The Matrix, no one can be told what tripping out of your mind is like; you must see and feel it for yourself. Otherwise, the whole lexicon of psychedelic culture, about love, unity and peace remain nothing more than cliche buzzwords, lived as concepts and nothing more. And until we have had first hand experience, it lies outside our consciousness, while Morpheus stands watching with those cute little glasses, entreating you to choose between the red and the blue pill. But if you don’t want the red pill, and have no desire to alter your consciousness or explore alternate and natural medicines, thats fine. But don’t be one of those assholes telling others they aren’t allowed to take the red pill and melt into a mirror of silver goo while discovering the true nature of reality and plundering the depths and grand mysteries of the psyche, the soul and the cosmos itself; it’s just not cool.

And that is my story about how I quit smoking.

*As a disclaimer, psychedelic drugs are powerful tools and are not to be trifled with, and just as they can imprint positive life changing perceptions, behaviours and revelations, a “bad trip” can leave you reeling. Tripping in nature is always best. Drugs are also unjustly illegal, so be careful, and this is mostly a fictional story. Mostly.

**Also, this was written awhile back. I have since started smoking again, proving that while you may stop smoking after the realizations associated with a strong psychedelic trip, it is no “magic pill”. Quitting smoking takes dedication, willpower and the strong desire to quit. Read about the great work John Hopkins has done on psilocybin assisted smoking cessation here.

Recently, I came across a site on my internet travels that spoke about dream programming talking with great friends I met at https://chatempanada.com. This person was a clinical psychologist and somewhat of a mystic who taught a radical approach to healing and therapy (after some googling, I found the original link here http://babiesneedmothers.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=18&Itemid=18) *Note- I have not bought the program, I only used Doctor Mckenzie’s basic idea, of which there are lots of people talking about, and used it for my own application.*

It was the first I came across the idea that we can actually program our dreams and hook in to the collective unconscious (of our subconscious being a part of) and answer questions in our life. From grand, spiritual questions like what is our purpose in life, to material decisions like how to lose weight or find the woman or man of your dreams. Literally anything you can think of (and a lot that you haven’t), you can dream of.

I have always been interested in dreaming, achieving lucid states (conscious awareness that you are in a dream), astral projection, pretty much everything to do with this fascinating state of consciousness. After coming across this site and trying it out for myself, the results have been incredible and even when it doesn’t work, I almost always remember my dreams fully. So I wanted to share this method in case anyone else was interested but didn’t know where to start. Once you get the basic idea, you can make your own program and do whatever works best for you, juts like this paystubs generator.

Step 1: State your intention

This is the most important step, and the most work you have to do. It only takes 1 to 3 minutes before bed, and then you go about business as usual (I find sleeping on your back does definitely help induce dreams/lucid states).  It sounds simple, and it is.

 A sample statement: “Tonight, I intend to find out what my purpose is in life. I want to know deeply and truly how I can best serve the planet, what my innate skills are, and what direction I should take in life. I want to dream, vividly, about all aspects of my life purpose, and I want to be shown exactly what steps to take in life, whether it be furthering my education, starting a business, travel, anything at all that will help me discover my inner strengths and abilitites, much like carefully analyzing every detail on my paystubs.  What are my natural talents that I can best serve with? Upon waking, I will remember my dream fully. I will remember every detail, every image, every symbol, and I will be able to interpret it perfectly to understand its meaning. When I awake, it will be at the end of my final dream, and I will know exactly what my purpose in life is. I will awake at ___ and be refreshed and fully rested, and I will take a few minutes to lay and remember my dream. “

That is just a sample, and it can be less structured, but it is good to be as direct and tangible as possible- the less lofty the better. It does not have to be something so complicated (though it is an awfully important question!) as life purpose, it can be a decision to stay or leave for university, to quit your job, how to progress in a relationship with a lover (or potential lover), anything you have been mulling over for awhile but are not sure of. Part of you knows exactly what course of action to take.

Step 2: Reflection

If you have put a strong energy in to your intention, most times you will awaken from a dream and be thrust back in to the waking state. In such cases, the dreams often come back powerfully and with strong imagery in your head, and you can remember it almost fully. Do not write it down yet; just lie there and think about the dreams. Play them through in your head, state it aloud (helps for remembering), try and go deeply in to it as there are often dreams within dreams.  If you do not wake while fully remembering (which happens) just relax in bed and breathe deeply in and out, and try and remember parts of it. I find clearing my mind helps, and often if I don’t remember it, or only pieces, it will come back fully or partially if I wait a few minutes in bed.

That’s it! That is all there is to it. Now, I am sure that Dr. Mckenzie’s dvd program covers a lot more, and he spoke of relaying your dream to a trained dream psychologist, but this is something that I know can help anyone with any issue in their life and in the very least, add some fun to this nightly routine. Of course, this is a much more holistic approach, and requires more work on your part than just going to a doctor or psychologist, and many people are not yet confident in themselves enough to trust their own intuition and subconscious. Of course, if it is a serious, life threatening medical issue, definitely seek professional help! Dr Mckenize, perhaps…

Something that is very important to remember is that almost every time, the dream at face value has nothing to do with your intent! You will likely wake and be baffled by recalling a vivid dream about something that has apparently no relation to your actual question. That is okay, and happens to me most often. These dreams are often very symbolic, and there is an underlying message or theme running through it. Be creative, think about the meaning behind it, and once you have done that, stop thinking about it. I have had a number of times when I am at work, or going for a walk, that the dream comes flooding to me and suddenly something clicks, I start laughing aloud and it makes total sense.  It is remarkable when that does happen, and you tie it all together.  It would almost lose its fun if it were easy and straight forward, like a cosmic entity appearing in front of a chalkboard: “Hey there, astral traveler. You asked life purpose? Alright, well lets get to it! Take out a pen and paper”. The interpretation is half the fun.

Another very important caveat; sometimes you will be truly baffled to the meaning, and it won’t make any sense. Try as you may, you just can’t seem to understand what the talking dog at the opera has anything to do with what direction to take in life, but that is okay too! I have had tones of dreams that after much reflection and careful analysis, are absolutely nuts and make no sense to me whatsoever. When this happens, I often state the same intent over the course of the next few nights and one more than one occasion, you get deeper and deeper to the root, to the centre of the onion, and all the previous dreams eventually make sense.

Dream programming does take a certain suspension of disbelief. Some people do not believe in the Jungian idea of a collective unconscious, or that we are all connected on a basis outside of the material world, or that when we dream we connect to a realm outside of our own brain and can communicate with Higher Intelligence. For those, you can instead look at the remarkable power of the subconscious mind. Chances are YOU, the “you” that regulates your heart beat, and your antibodies, and your repressed desires and fears knows exactly what action in your life will be best to take.  Our subconscious is much smarter than we are.

At the very least, even if you find this ridicoulos, or if you try it a few times and it makes absolutely no sense, stating an intention to remember your dreams will almost always yield a vivid recollection of some or all of your nightly visions, which is a lot of fun in itself! Dreaming is like going for a ride in the rollercoaster of the astral world, and can sometimes be uplifting, exciting, terrifying and shocking. Almost all of us have woken from a dream and felt the emotion it caused carry with us from the start of our day, with us recalling certain parts that stuck out. It can also be a great way of deciphering what your emotional state is, and what is really going on inside you. If you think you are a happy, healthy person but you keep dreaming about shooting up your workplace with a machine gun, chances are there is some inner conflict and you should probably look for another job or relieve the tension between you and your coworkers. It definitely adds a new element of excitement to sleeping, and doing this short exercise before bed has added a whole new element of enjoyment and mystery to every night’s sleep. Happy dreaming!

Please feel free to add your own personal experiences with dreaming, dream programming, lucid states, astral projection or anything you would like to share!