A top federal agency is actively exploring the possibility of creating a task force to investigate the therapeutic use of MDMA and psilocybin in anticipation of federal approval of the substances for prescription use within the next two years.

We are in the midst of a mental health crisis exacerbated by the COVID pandemic (among other collective ongoing traumas). Congressional lawmakers noted that even National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) Director Nora Volkow has said the "train has left the station" on psychedelics and they wrote that "people are going to use them regardless of whether regulators act."

The issues around safe use and administration of the medicines are numerous and multilayered. At the most basic level, issues include preparation, mindset, setting and the most important, integration afterward. Reducing the harm and fostering the benefits is the aim for public health.

The U.S. House of Representatives recently approved a large-scale defense bill that includes an amendment directing the Department of Defense (DOD) to carry out a study into the medical potential of psilocybin and MDMA, as well as marijuana, for military veterans with certain conditions. 

Don't Postpone Joy

"The seed of suffering in you may be strong, but don't wait until you have no more suffering before allowing yourself to be happy."

 ― Thich Nhat Hanh, The Heart of the Buddha's Teaching: Transforming Suffering into Peace, Joy, and Liberation

"Don't Postpone Joy" I saw that bumper sticker often when I was in the middle of the most significant transition of my life, separating from a marriage of 26 years and moving from Connecticut to North Carolina. Every time I saw it, my heart leaped up and shouted YES, I am claiming my right to joy! That bumper sticker represented hope for me. It was a helpful mantra at a pivotal time because it offered me a new way of perceiving myself and the world. Joy is not a constant state, though. It often seems fleeting, or simply inaccessible.

When Joy Feels Far Away

When you think of your joy, does it seem to be in the distant future? How often do you dampen your joy for fear of being criticized? Your inner critic might say, "What if I sing enthusiastically but offkey?"

Do you postpone the feeling of happiness available here and now? You might have grown up believing better self-esteem equals happiness, but compassion research reveals that "having high self-esteem requires feeling special and above average. To be called average is considered an insult in our culture. This need to feel superior results in social comparison in which we continually try to puff ourselves up and put others down." — Dr. Kristin Neff. 

What to do

Give yourself a compassion break. The first aspect of self-compassion is acknowledging suffering, difficulty, or dissatisfaction. Acknowledge that some feelings are uncomfortable. Some obviously uncomfortable feelings are sadness, anger, guilt, and jealousy but can also include joy and pleasure. It might feel easier to postpone joy. Doing things to evoke joy is often challenging because it goes against the grain of cultural conditioning. It can feel risky to raise self-care to the top priority. The truth is your self-care is the most essential way to take care of yourself and the world. When we take good care of ourselves, we have so much more to offer and we give others permission to follow our model.

Small steps Feel Safe

The harsh reality of dis-ease on the earth is hitting us hard these days. To feel safe while experiencing happiness and joy, we need to practice feeling it in small steps. Soul nourishing self-care is an organic happiness infusion. Moving your body by swaying, shaking and bouncing, dancing or doing "legs-up-the-chair" super-slow yoga on your living room floor is a fantastic evidence-based resiliency tool you already own. All you need is five minutes. We call it micro-movements (think of a homeopathic micro-dose) that helps you bounce back from adversity and adapt to the accelerated pace of change. Your guaranteed, highly profitable investment for the future is a deeper dive into soul-nourishing self-care. It pays off as spontaneous joy.

An integration circle is a sacred and safe space to share or just listen and learn about the non-ordinary experiences of others.  It is a place where anonymity is protected and varied perspectives are honored. 

Whether you are contemplating a therapeutic psychedelic experience or have an experience to share, a community is here to support you on your journey.