This makes me feel Connected Empowered Enlightened at an Individual but Shared scale
Ayahuasca Ritual
Ayahuasca is a hallucinatory drink used in group rituals to strengthen and expand the mind.
In the early 20th century many Native South Americans introduced ritual use of ayahuasca in their tribes. Ayahuasca is a natural drink composed of two plants, Banisteriopsis Caapi and Psychotria Viridis. Ayahuasca produces hallucinations and euphoria, the effects of which last a couple hours. Used in a group setting like this, community bonds are strengthened and users report a greater connection to the natural world. This can help to treat things like depression, PTSD, and addiction.
Contributor notes
What is surprising, refreshing, most interesting?
We are taught that all drugs are bad and that hallucinogenic drugs are dangerous. I think that the ayahuasca experience disproves this and shows us an alternative form of therapy and medicine.
Key Insights? What can we learn from this?
An ayahuasca experience is certainly more jarring than most experiences. However, it shows us the benefits of hallucinatory drugs, especially when used in a controlled setting. Obviously this isn't for everyone, but I think it has real benefits to people struggling with mental illness.