These days it's not uncommon to see someone staring down at their phone while walking, eating, driving, or even talking to another person. Perhaps you remember the days before the advent of cell phones, the internet and computers (I feel so ancient saying that, but it wasn't even that long ago!) Modern life is full of distractions and endless to-do lists that keep us busy and on the go, but what might we be missing out on in our subjective experience without even realizing? There's no denying that digital technology has immeasurably advanced our society leaps and bounds, but in many ways it has also contributed to a massive disconnect to ourselves, each other and our ability to be here now. So what do microdosing and mindfulness have in common and how do they offer solutions to this modern day dilemma? Both have a growing body of research that attests to the profound mind-body benefits of getting centered and being present. Mindfulness techniques, including meditation and deep, rhythmic breathing are some of the best lifestyle tools we have to reduce stress, improve sleep and even avoid illness. At the core of its teachings lies the practice of cultivating present moment awareness in everything that we do and as a way of being. Although mindfulness often starts as a meditation practice, we eventually learn to apply its principles to everything from parenting to communicating to doing the dishes. Ultimately, it invites us to pay attention to whatever is arising within us and simply be the witness without feeling compelled to change, avoid or judge ourselves for it. This can include our inner thought processes, emotions, and bodily sensations in addition to having a certain level of attunement with what is going on around us.
Microdosing (which is the act of consuming small amounts of a psychedelic substance) has been clinically shown to reduce depression, anxiety, addictions, PTSD and ADD/ADHD in large sections of the population. It can enhance our creativity, imagination, intuition and self-awareness while encouraging us to find more balance by connecting us to our hearts - (which is where we find all things that make us divinely human). Microdosing has been shown to work on a specific area of the brain known as the Default Mode Network (DMN), which is largely responsible for an array of different mental activities, often based in ruminations or looping thought patterns. Some studies suggest that depression and anxiety are linked to an overactive DMN, which is very common in most people, causing us to over-analyze ourselves and the situations we find ourselves in. This can not only lead to low self esteem since it fuels the inner critic, but it also causes us to continuously step out of the present moment by staying stuck in the past (depression) or feeling fearful about the future (anxiety). I have personally found it to be wonderfully beneficial for treating social anxiety since it helps us to get out of our heads and just find more joy in each moment, without worrying about the judgments, thoughts or opinions of others. This gives us the freedom and permission to just be ourselves and that certainly takes a load off.
So when you combine these two approaches to wellness, you have a very powerful recipe for healing that can bring us out of disconnect and into a more grounded state rooted in ease, grace and flow. Many people today seem to struggle with feeling numb and operate mostly from the logical mind, which is adept at analyzing, organizing, judging, fixing and finding solutions. While this can sometimes be a trauma response, I also believe it is largely due to the Western premise of "I think therefore I am" (vs. "I feel therefore I am" or "I am therefore I am"). The more we base our existence on rationalism and identify as primarily "thinking entities," we more disconnected we become from spirit.
Another benefit of microdosing is that it helps bring our suppressed emotions, pain and traumas gently to the surface and mindfulness teaches us to be able to create a space to hold whatever arises with curiosity, care, and compassion. By peering into the subconscious, which microdosing allows us to do, we can better understand the unconscious patterns that direct our thoughts, actions and behaviors, as well as those of our ancestors, and how that all relates to our life path and purpose. This is why it is best to engage in this type of deep healing with the support of an experienced guide who understands how to work with the subconscious and can provide you with the accountability, structure, and thus, deeper transformation necessary to follow through with your intentions and integrate new ways of being. Unfortunately, a lot of people who microdose on their own don't experience the tangible benefits because they either quit, underutilize this tool or don't have the proper knowledge or approach so it's never properly integrated. Although microdosing is less risky compared to high doses, it is still best to carry out your microdosing protocol under the guidance of a qualified practitioner. The act of microdosing alone will not automatically rewire us to break old habits, adopt new ones, and shift our mindset. It is a holistic process that supports us as we actively engage in the ongoing inner healing work involved in expanding our consciousness. Both mindfulness and microdosing are not quick fixes and teach us the value of patience and making subtle, steady progress. What we gain in return are palpable improvements in the quality of our lives and our relationships. As it is written in the Dao: "The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step."
If you would like to learn more about how to get started, please feel free to schedule a free consultation using the link below: https://calendly.com/sacredsoulmedicine/microdosing-consultation