Urine, in the absence of pathology, is probably cleaner these days than some of our drinking water. But I was getting nervous reading about you waiting for the mushrooms to kick in. Being of a certain age, I've had more than my share of unpleasant trips to South Psychedelia. A guide would be an excellent idea. Have a nice trip.
Interesting to read your opinion of pee! I'd still prefer to drink water these days, even if it's not the purest. One day, maybe I'll find that guide. Or not! Life has been pretty trippy lately, in all the best possible ways. xo
I was so ready to hear about your trippy trip. So sorry that didn't happen for you. On the pee drinking part of the story, I never knew that could even be a thing. I'm generally a never-say-never person, but on this I will wholeheartedly commit to never.
YOU are very, very wise. If I'd had you around advising me back in the day, it probably wouldn't have stopped me. I didn't tell anyone I was doing it at the time, because I'm sure some part of me thought it was a bad idea. I can be very headstrong. Thanks for reading, Leslie and commenting. I'm with you, never, never, ever again for sure. And this essay was a public service announcement. Really, really don't try this at home. EVER. xo
Nan, one thing is evident here and in much of your storytelling: You're not likely to let fear get between you and something you want. There's real courage in that, even if the flavor of some of the decision-making leans into impulse. I tend the other way, I think. Not that I've never been brave, but even after researching and overthinking a thing to death, I can end up doing nothing. That always seems like a waste of brain energy!
Loved learning this new nugget of information about you and the lightness with which you shared it. I've only tried mushrooms once, a very long time ago, and it was a blast of an experience. I've never laughed so much!
I'm jealous about your mushroom experience. I want to laugh more than I ever have. May have to get to it through another avenue though...maybe by chewing on a Chris Stanton story or two? And "even if the flavor of some of the decision-making leans into impulse," is funny, because clearly you don't know me well enough, yet. Some of the decision-making? More than some, less than all (at least for the moment), though talk to me about the latest tattoo...it was clear that I was going to get it, but it was wholly fueled by impulse! And I'm sure you've been brave many, many times. Maybe doing nothing is a function of discernment, instead of impulse. I aspire to that, at least some of the time! xo
I can't drink coffee or beer, much less pee. Sensitive palate, I think.
What a wonderfully funny story - as always. But thank you so much for putting the note at the bottom about getting help. So many people I know are dealing with depression and anxiety or worse - the loss of a loved one to suicide. It helps to know that you can come out on the other side.
Thanks, Mimi. Pee is disgusting as a beverage of choice, for sure. Obviously not my smartest moments. I wanted a fix for my situation. I wasn't the most discerning critter on the block in those days. Things are definitely looking up! And yes, I believe it's possible to heal, to move forward, even coming from the depths. I know it for myself. The thing that's very hard to remember is that things always change. Just because we're depressed one day, one week, or longer doesn't mean we stay that way. The most important thing I can speak to is not giving up, finding help, and be willing to move through the pain to get to the other side. Don't go. Stay. Stay. Stay. xo
What a fascinating story, Nan! I never tried or recommended oral urine therapy myself, so I share no lived experience in that regard. But when I ran a backpacking company with my mountain-guide was-band, years ago, it did—pardon the pun—enter the stream of first-aid options. On long remote backcountry trips in the Rockies and Patagonia, some folks opted to use their own urine for cuts or stings. Since it's sterile. I tried it myself with a foot cut. We're talking topically.
Well, your comment certainly IS topical, Heidi! I'm sure you're aware as a naturopath, of this practice. Do you have a professional opinion? And thanks for reading. xo
You know, I never really came across this in naturopathic medical school, except in the context that whatever we take in orally is detoxified by the liver and kidneys—so what comes out in urine isn’t really something that makes sense to re-circulate internally, it exited for a reason :). Like that Yoga Journal article you mentioned, I’ve also heard that the idea originated in Vedic medicine, ancient times, Back then, long before “better living through chemistry and plastics,” what people were ingesting, I am guessing, would have been less problematic than today. Unless of course in your apothecary, you had a side-hustle as an alchemist and dabbled with metals... Sigh. Perhaps there was no *clean and pure* urine therapy to be had anytime, anywhere.
Really interesting essay, Nan. I think a lot of people, myself included, can relate to the explorative, trial-and-error process of trying to make our brains get in line and bring ourselves some peace. So urine good company.
Yikes, Nan, about drinking wee! I have heard of this, and I think I even knew someone who did it, but...gross, and yes, so toxic. But I get the desperation to find something to make you feel better because I've been there myself. You made me smile, and I'm glad the mushrooms didn't kick in as I've heard some pretty hairy stories... But I could picture you lying on the bed, wondering whether you were high yet! Lordy!
I've often spoken about having IBD on here, as well as fibromyalgia and depression because of having all these things and having no life! I had been managing my IBD more or less ok without meds for about 8 months, but it was hard and I was getting ever so thin as I was eating three things. I was seeing a funky doctor for my fibromyalgia who did mini-vitamin injections for pain management and he was pretty good, to be honest, and helped a lot of me people. Me, well, sort of. But meh.
Years ago, I had a fantastic naturopath/homeopath/magic man who was a little trippy, but extremely good, and helped me with numerous ailments. But he retired, so I was looking for a new magic man in a similar vein. So I asked the pain management man who did the injections if he might suggest someone, and he suggested his colleague, who was a "real doctor" too, but really into holistic and alternative(yeah yeah) medicine. So I made an appointment, and to my surprise my first appointment was by phone. Alarm bells should have gone off, but when you're desperate for help and have been mucked around by various "real doctors" for years you (well, I) decided to go all in. He diagnosed me with Lyme disease and to make sure I had to go and do a blood test for a gazillion things. Also a 24 hours wee test and fill a bucket to take to the lab. So I did those things, and waited for the results. I came back negative for Lyme, but he insisted that it was obviously a false negative as my readings /values/ numbers were close to being on the positive side. And then he prescribed weeks and weeks worth of parasite cleaning pills (strong stuff, not airy-fairy stuff) and all sorts of supplements that of course my insurance would not cover. Long story short, he wiped out the rest of my poor, struggling intestinal lining! And I've been mega sick ever since! Now I'm on immunosuppressants (from a proper gastroenterologist., I never saw the naturo-nutcase again) but they're not working so I have another colonoscopy in a few weeks to see what other immunosuppressants might help.
I've never done mushrooms, but in my younger days I did quite a selection of other fun stuff, but I'm far too much of a control freak and scaredy cat to do anything that might send me to a dimension a little too far away!
A fascinating TedX talk indeed! Thanks for sharing all of this. Navigating health, mental or physical or both at the same time is tremendously challenging. I've been doing a form of energy work/somatic therapy and that has helped so much with me learning to feel my reactions in my body, and to diminish pain in my body by releasing held trauma. I thought it sounded airy-fairy in the beginning but I've seen the changes in my life and it's been amazing. I've had my fair share of interactions with doctors who colored outside the lines. Some good, some ridiculous. Seek, and eventually you'll find. I like to think that way.
AND tell me how you really feel about wee-drinking? You made me laugh with your passionate response to that! xo
I liked your story and could relate to your feelings in a lot if ways. Like you I was desperate to trip having been too uptight in college when I should have. But the year I turned 60 I got some 'organic' shrooms and had a 'shroomy solstice' day on the beach. It was a gentle, enjoyable trip, and I published a short story about the experience.
Nan, you are a wonder. I used to read Yoga Journal, but I don’t remember the home remedies. Non-pharmaceuticals are something I’d be willing to consider. My husband grew opium poppies for a time, and made opium tea, the thing that got Michael Pollan in such trouble. It’s actually quite nice. Haven’t ventured beyond that in my advanced years, except for pot gummies, but I don’t like their effects. Have my tales to tell about the anti-s and the benzos. Another time. Thank for making me smile. xoxo
Why, thank you, Ms. Mary! Opium tea sounds lovely. I love my pot gummy at night. I sleep so deeply and that makes me happy, so very, very happy. LOVE you! xoxo
I'm sure you must be exhausted now by replying to a stream of pee comments, but the drinking of the urine really is funny even if it was a point reached through desperation to change/control circumstances. Truly, it took a lot of fortitude to do that. Where I grew up, they drank a lot of Ale 8. I'm not sure I ever (ever) actually drank one, but I must have had a sip because in my head, that stuff tastes like pee. Hah. Sorry about the hours of waiting for the mushrooms to kick in.
Compliance is a tricky one. Enjoyed the post, Nan.
Not exhausted at all...I'll talk about anything, it seems! The mushroom debacle was certainly disappointing on one level, but also a relief, since I had no idea what to expect. And it made for a fun story. Compliance IS tricky. I also think there are better words. Certain words enter the medical canon and they are judgy and harsh. Labeling. I don't like it! xo
Well Nan, join the club. The very big club of women willing to try just about ANYTHING!
When I was in my 20's (we're talking 1973), I was at a party in Cambridge and smoked a joint. All of a sudden I felt like I couldn't breathe and went flying out to my little VW and drove myself to the nearest emergency room. The doctors there just humored me and let me sleep it off. That was the last time I ever smoked pot (or PCP, whatever it was). But I was lucky I didn't end up in a ditch like you...or worse.
Fiddling with pharmaceuticals, some say abusing, is easy if you have willing doctors. But—and I'm playing the long game here—learning to be happy takes times and a lot of hard work. There are no shortcuts, and I know you know this cuz we do similar work to that end. But I still take some prescriptions to keep me balanced and healthy. And that's okay.
Thanks for sharing this story, one that I know will resonate with many of us. xoxo
Ack! PCP? I knew a guy in high school who fried his brain on that stuff. I'm glad you were okay. The work in healing can't be accomplished only with pharmaceuticals. That's one of the lessons I desperately needed to learn. No pill can fix everything. Personal accountability and eyes wide open must be in place. Radical honesty must be one of the prescriptions. xo
You are amazing. I loved this, including your urine-cocktail confession (what was Yoga Journal thinking to publish that? they could have been sued?), which I am glad didn't cause you anymore injury than fainting and running off the road, but that's bad enough. And wow on the mushrooms--I suppose if you had read all of those books, you might have learned that SSRIs block those brain receptors. Or you might not have. Maybe what that 'shroom trip did was tell you that you could be okay as you are. That is a lesson that's golden, and yay for you for learning it in your own way. I'm so glad you're you, and that you're sharing your wisdom. Blessings!
Thank you so much, Susan. SO glad we had that conversation last week. It spurred me to write this one for sure. There's been a process of opening throughout my writing adventure on Substack. I'm letting myself come out of hiding, and celebrating my life. I'm also getting braver and challenging myself to develop my voice...which includes a person with an active sense of humor. I love laughing. Also, love what you said about the 'shroom trip being a teaching in and of itself. I agree! Hugs to you. xo
I'll send you my bill for inspiration later. Hah hah hah! :) It was a fun and fascinating conversation, and I love, love, love your sense of humor here. xo
Even through the humor, one of your super powers, I saw more clearly than ever the long painful road to your recovery and join your celebration of the happiness of now. Everyday a new now. I'm very happy for that huge shift in your life.
A bonafide child of the sixties, I joined my boyfriend in several trippy substances. (That is not what people mean when they suggest a guide.) It wasn't life changing, and each time I was also greatly relieved to return to normal. Outside was the best, the worst was an all night restaurant that seemed to have a lot of mirrors. Since I was more than ok with my normal, I stopped tripping. I also think Law School was a major interruptor.
I could see how going to law school might get in the way! And thank you for sharing your experience too. Yes, you got it. The road to recovery was long, and painful, and hard. Frustrating to say the least, but what I never lost was my curiosity and willingness to try different things. And that's not to say that resistance didn't come up for me...often! If I ever do experience a psychedelic trip, it will be with someone who is truly a guide, a facilitator skilled in helping make the experience as valuable as possible, and also someone who can oversee my personal safety. That's a big one. I have been know to not think before I act. That's changing for me a lot. Thank you for your kind and thoughtful comment, Leslie. xo
Not tried pee or mushrooms, but thanks for the insights, Nan.
The British actress Sarah Miles often talked about her pee-drinking habit. Maybe journalists only ever asked her about it because it was such a talking point. Just checked and she’s still alive at 83, so presumably no harm done!
Phew! Interesting. I'm going to have to research that. I feel like I haven't tried mushrooms either...because it was a bust. And I'm successfully abstaining from pee! No more drinking problem. xo
Loved this. I dated someone who drank his morning pee, and insisted all his dojo students did as well. Needless to say, I wasn't a student but your mushrooms. Gawd. Mushrooms are the worst tasting thing in the world. I thought I could disguise the taste by putting them in strawberry smoothies. It just meant instead of having to eat a small handful of gak! I had a blender full of gak! gag! to get down. But once down, it was lovely. I tried deprivation tanks after watching Altered States, but nothing, nada. And I was addicted to Carlos Castenada in high school...
Glad you enjoyed it, Jodi! Why did HE drink pee? I really want to have the experience one day on the one hand, and on the other...who knows. I love the work "gak" so very much. I tried a deprivation tank once, recently. Nada for me as well. Carlos was a pal of mine, too! I used to hang out with him in my high school courtyard smoking area...I was a non-imbiber of all things in HS. Too scared at the time because of my seizure stuff back then to do any experimenting. xo
Gosh, entering a pin? What is this, breaking into Fort Knox? Just to say I loved your drinking pee story. (You've done it for me, and saved me the trouble. Not to mention the taste! Yew!!) 65? Oh, man, yer just a baby yet. Lots of wild rides ahead, girl. By all means keep on truckin', particularly if you have found meds that keep the wheels on the bus.
I definitely saved you the trouble! Don't do it...it's not what Yoga Journal made it out to be. Worth skipping. I do believe in science, these days. xo
Urine, in the absence of pathology, is probably cleaner these days than some of our drinking water. But I was getting nervous reading about you waiting for the mushrooms to kick in. Being of a certain age, I've had more than my share of unpleasant trips to South Psychedelia. A guide would be an excellent idea. Have a nice trip.
Interesting to read your opinion of pee! I'd still prefer to drink water these days, even if it's not the purest. One day, maybe I'll find that guide. Or not! Life has been pretty trippy lately, in all the best possible ways. xo
I was so ready to hear about your trippy trip. So sorry that didn't happen for you. On the pee drinking part of the story, I never knew that could even be a thing. I'm generally a never-say-never person, but on this I will wholeheartedly commit to never.
YOU are very, very wise. If I'd had you around advising me back in the day, it probably wouldn't have stopped me. I didn't tell anyone I was doing it at the time, because I'm sure some part of me thought it was a bad idea. I can be very headstrong. Thanks for reading, Leslie and commenting. I'm with you, never, never, ever again for sure. And this essay was a public service announcement. Really, really don't try this at home. EVER. xo
Nan, one thing is evident here and in much of your storytelling: You're not likely to let fear get between you and something you want. There's real courage in that, even if the flavor of some of the decision-making leans into impulse. I tend the other way, I think. Not that I've never been brave, but even after researching and overthinking a thing to death, I can end up doing nothing. That always seems like a waste of brain energy!
Loved learning this new nugget of information about you and the lightness with which you shared it. I've only tried mushrooms once, a very long time ago, and it was a blast of an experience. I've never laughed so much!
I'm jealous about your mushroom experience. I want to laugh more than I ever have. May have to get to it through another avenue though...maybe by chewing on a Chris Stanton story or two? And "even if the flavor of some of the decision-making leans into impulse," is funny, because clearly you don't know me well enough, yet. Some of the decision-making? More than some, less than all (at least for the moment), though talk to me about the latest tattoo...it was clear that I was going to get it, but it was wholly fueled by impulse! And I'm sure you've been brave many, many times. Maybe doing nothing is a function of discernment, instead of impulse. I aspire to that, at least some of the time! xo
I can't drink coffee or beer, much less pee. Sensitive palate, I think.
What a wonderfully funny story - as always. But thank you so much for putting the note at the bottom about getting help. So many people I know are dealing with depression and anxiety or worse - the loss of a loved one to suicide. It helps to know that you can come out on the other side.
Thanks, Mimi. Pee is disgusting as a beverage of choice, for sure. Obviously not my smartest moments. I wanted a fix for my situation. I wasn't the most discerning critter on the block in those days. Things are definitely looking up! And yes, I believe it's possible to heal, to move forward, even coming from the depths. I know it for myself. The thing that's very hard to remember is that things always change. Just because we're depressed one day, one week, or longer doesn't mean we stay that way. The most important thing I can speak to is not giving up, finding help, and be willing to move through the pain to get to the other side. Don't go. Stay. Stay. Stay. xo
What a fascinating story, Nan! I never tried or recommended oral urine therapy myself, so I share no lived experience in that regard. But when I ran a backpacking company with my mountain-guide was-band, years ago, it did—pardon the pun—enter the stream of first-aid options. On long remote backcountry trips in the Rockies and Patagonia, some folks opted to use their own urine for cuts or stings. Since it's sterile. I tried it myself with a foot cut. We're talking topically.
Well, your comment certainly IS topical, Heidi! I'm sure you're aware as a naturopath, of this practice. Do you have a professional opinion? And thanks for reading. xo
You know, I never really came across this in naturopathic medical school, except in the context that whatever we take in orally is detoxified by the liver and kidneys—so what comes out in urine isn’t really something that makes sense to re-circulate internally, it exited for a reason :). Like that Yoga Journal article you mentioned, I’ve also heard that the idea originated in Vedic medicine, ancient times, Back then, long before “better living through chemistry and plastics,” what people were ingesting, I am guessing, would have been less problematic than today. Unless of course in your apothecary, you had a side-hustle as an alchemist and dabbled with metals... Sigh. Perhaps there was no *clean and pure* urine therapy to be had anytime, anywhere.
Really interesting essay, Nan. I think a lot of people, myself included, can relate to the explorative, trial-and-error process of trying to make our brains get in line and bring ourselves some peace. So urine good company.
Hahah!
He's hilarious!
Hee haw! Slappin' my knee. Love you! xo
Yikes, Nan, about drinking wee! I have heard of this, and I think I even knew someone who did it, but...gross, and yes, so toxic. But I get the desperation to find something to make you feel better because I've been there myself. You made me smile, and I'm glad the mushrooms didn't kick in as I've heard some pretty hairy stories... But I could picture you lying on the bed, wondering whether you were high yet! Lordy!
I've often spoken about having IBD on here, as well as fibromyalgia and depression because of having all these things and having no life! I had been managing my IBD more or less ok without meds for about 8 months, but it was hard and I was getting ever so thin as I was eating three things. I was seeing a funky doctor for my fibromyalgia who did mini-vitamin injections for pain management and he was pretty good, to be honest, and helped a lot of me people. Me, well, sort of. But meh.
Years ago, I had a fantastic naturopath/homeopath/magic man who was a little trippy, but extremely good, and helped me with numerous ailments. But he retired, so I was looking for a new magic man in a similar vein. So I asked the pain management man who did the injections if he might suggest someone, and he suggested his colleague, who was a "real doctor" too, but really into holistic and alternative(yeah yeah) medicine. So I made an appointment, and to my surprise my first appointment was by phone. Alarm bells should have gone off, but when you're desperate for help and have been mucked around by various "real doctors" for years you (well, I) decided to go all in. He diagnosed me with Lyme disease and to make sure I had to go and do a blood test for a gazillion things. Also a 24 hours wee test and fill a bucket to take to the lab. So I did those things, and waited for the results. I came back negative for Lyme, but he insisted that it was obviously a false negative as my readings /values/ numbers were close to being on the positive side. And then he prescribed weeks and weeks worth of parasite cleaning pills (strong stuff, not airy-fairy stuff) and all sorts of supplements that of course my insurance would not cover. Long story short, he wiped out the rest of my poor, struggling intestinal lining! And I've been mega sick ever since! Now I'm on immunosuppressants (from a proper gastroenterologist., I never saw the naturo-nutcase again) but they're not working so I have another colonoscopy in a few weeks to see what other immunosuppressants might help.
I've never done mushrooms, but in my younger days I did quite a selection of other fun stuff, but I'm far too much of a control freak and scaredy cat to do anything that might send me to a dimension a little too far away!
There, I've done another Ted talk... Sorry!
Love
Francesca xx
A fascinating TedX talk indeed! Thanks for sharing all of this. Navigating health, mental or physical or both at the same time is tremendously challenging. I've been doing a form of energy work/somatic therapy and that has helped so much with me learning to feel my reactions in my body, and to diminish pain in my body by releasing held trauma. I thought it sounded airy-fairy in the beginning but I've seen the changes in my life and it's been amazing. I've had my fair share of interactions with doctors who colored outside the lines. Some good, some ridiculous. Seek, and eventually you'll find. I like to think that way.
AND tell me how you really feel about wee-drinking? You made me laugh with your passionate response to that! xo
I liked your story and could relate to your feelings in a lot if ways. Like you I was desperate to trip having been too uptight in college when I should have. But the year I turned 60 I got some 'organic' shrooms and had a 'shroomy solstice' day on the beach. It was a gentle, enjoyable trip, and I published a short story about the experience.
Thank you! Yes, I don't know if I ever will but I've left that door open. I'm glad you had a good experience, Chera. xo
Nan, you are a wonder. I used to read Yoga Journal, but I don’t remember the home remedies. Non-pharmaceuticals are something I’d be willing to consider. My husband grew opium poppies for a time, and made opium tea, the thing that got Michael Pollan in such trouble. It’s actually quite nice. Haven’t ventured beyond that in my advanced years, except for pot gummies, but I don’t like their effects. Have my tales to tell about the anti-s and the benzos. Another time. Thank for making me smile. xoxo
Why, thank you, Ms. Mary! Opium tea sounds lovely. I love my pot gummy at night. I sleep so deeply and that makes me happy, so very, very happy. LOVE you! xoxo
I'm sure you must be exhausted now by replying to a stream of pee comments, but the drinking of the urine really is funny even if it was a point reached through desperation to change/control circumstances. Truly, it took a lot of fortitude to do that. Where I grew up, they drank a lot of Ale 8. I'm not sure I ever (ever) actually drank one, but I must have had a sip because in my head, that stuff tastes like pee. Hah. Sorry about the hours of waiting for the mushrooms to kick in.
Compliance is a tricky one. Enjoyed the post, Nan.
Not exhausted at all...I'll talk about anything, it seems! The mushroom debacle was certainly disappointing on one level, but also a relief, since I had no idea what to expect. And it made for a fun story. Compliance IS tricky. I also think there are better words. Certain words enter the medical canon and they are judgy and harsh. Labeling. I don't like it! xo
Well Nan, join the club. The very big club of women willing to try just about ANYTHING!
When I was in my 20's (we're talking 1973), I was at a party in Cambridge and smoked a joint. All of a sudden I felt like I couldn't breathe and went flying out to my little VW and drove myself to the nearest emergency room. The doctors there just humored me and let me sleep it off. That was the last time I ever smoked pot (or PCP, whatever it was). But I was lucky I didn't end up in a ditch like you...or worse.
Fiddling with pharmaceuticals, some say abusing, is easy if you have willing doctors. But—and I'm playing the long game here—learning to be happy takes times and a lot of hard work. There are no shortcuts, and I know you know this cuz we do similar work to that end. But I still take some prescriptions to keep me balanced and healthy. And that's okay.
Thanks for sharing this story, one that I know will resonate with many of us. xoxo
Ack! PCP? I knew a guy in high school who fried his brain on that stuff. I'm glad you were okay. The work in healing can't be accomplished only with pharmaceuticals. That's one of the lessons I desperately needed to learn. No pill can fix everything. Personal accountability and eyes wide open must be in place. Radical honesty must be one of the prescriptions. xo
You are amazing. I loved this, including your urine-cocktail confession (what was Yoga Journal thinking to publish that? they could have been sued?), which I am glad didn't cause you anymore injury than fainting and running off the road, but that's bad enough. And wow on the mushrooms--I suppose if you had read all of those books, you might have learned that SSRIs block those brain receptors. Or you might not have. Maybe what that 'shroom trip did was tell you that you could be okay as you are. That is a lesson that's golden, and yay for you for learning it in your own way. I'm so glad you're you, and that you're sharing your wisdom. Blessings!
Thank you so much, Susan. SO glad we had that conversation last week. It spurred me to write this one for sure. There's been a process of opening throughout my writing adventure on Substack. I'm letting myself come out of hiding, and celebrating my life. I'm also getting braver and challenging myself to develop my voice...which includes a person with an active sense of humor. I love laughing. Also, love what you said about the 'shroom trip being a teaching in and of itself. I agree! Hugs to you. xo
I'll send you my bill for inspiration later. Hah hah hah! :) It was a fun and fascinating conversation, and I love, love, love your sense of humor here. xo
I've got my wallet out...xo
Even through the humor, one of your super powers, I saw more clearly than ever the long painful road to your recovery and join your celebration of the happiness of now. Everyday a new now. I'm very happy for that huge shift in your life.
A bonafide child of the sixties, I joined my boyfriend in several trippy substances. (That is not what people mean when they suggest a guide.) It wasn't life changing, and each time I was also greatly relieved to return to normal. Outside was the best, the worst was an all night restaurant that seemed to have a lot of mirrors. Since I was more than ok with my normal, I stopped tripping. I also think Law School was a major interruptor.
I could see how going to law school might get in the way! And thank you for sharing your experience too. Yes, you got it. The road to recovery was long, and painful, and hard. Frustrating to say the least, but what I never lost was my curiosity and willingness to try different things. And that's not to say that resistance didn't come up for me...often! If I ever do experience a psychedelic trip, it will be with someone who is truly a guide, a facilitator skilled in helping make the experience as valuable as possible, and also someone who can oversee my personal safety. That's a big one. I have been know to not think before I act. That's changing for me a lot. Thank you for your kind and thoughtful comment, Leslie. xo
Not tried pee or mushrooms, but thanks for the insights, Nan.
The British actress Sarah Miles often talked about her pee-drinking habit. Maybe journalists only ever asked her about it because it was such a talking point. Just checked and she’s still alive at 83, so presumably no harm done!
Phew! Interesting. I'm going to have to research that. I feel like I haven't tried mushrooms either...because it was a bust. And I'm successfully abstaining from pee! No more drinking problem. xo
Loved this. I dated someone who drank his morning pee, and insisted all his dojo students did as well. Needless to say, I wasn't a student but your mushrooms. Gawd. Mushrooms are the worst tasting thing in the world. I thought I could disguise the taste by putting them in strawberry smoothies. It just meant instead of having to eat a small handful of gak! I had a blender full of gak! gag! to get down. But once down, it was lovely. I tried deprivation tanks after watching Altered States, but nothing, nada. And I was addicted to Carlos Castenada in high school...
Glad you enjoyed it, Jodi! Why did HE drink pee? I really want to have the experience one day on the one hand, and on the other...who knows. I love the work "gak" so very much. I tried a deprivation tank once, recently. Nada for me as well. Carlos was a pal of mine, too! I used to hang out with him in my high school courtyard smoking area...I was a non-imbiber of all things in HS. Too scared at the time because of my seizure stuff back then to do any experimenting. xo
Gosh, entering a pin? What is this, breaking into Fort Knox? Just to say I loved your drinking pee story. (You've done it for me, and saved me the trouble. Not to mention the taste! Yew!!) 65? Oh, man, yer just a baby yet. Lots of wild rides ahead, girl. By all means keep on truckin', particularly if you have found meds that keep the wheels on the bus.
I definitely saved you the trouble! Don't do it...it's not what Yoga Journal made it out to be. Worth skipping. I do believe in science, these days. xo