A Supportive Community?! Why, How & Where?
The Importance of Support During Inner Exploration with Psychedelics
When you think of the psychedelic community, what comes to mind? To grasp this concept, let’s first ask, “What is a community?” A community can range from frat clubs to coffee shops, some gyms, and maybe that one epic group of people that meet up to play ultimate frisbee. These are different activities and spaces where you can, depending on your preferred flavor, find others with whom to enjoy time and space. When written out like that, it begins to look laughably simple.
Of course, we have spaces for people to exist together. Humans are social creatures; we crave connection and being in a community.
How We Create Community
As humans, we find or make little zones where we can do what we love or feel we should do (like gyms for me), cherishing the moments we can be with others. Like ants going out to work and following another’s path, we still need to take the steps and do the actions (like in the case of a gym), but at least we see others going through a similar experience and journey.
The Role of Psychedelics in Community
So then, how do psychedelics fit in? They are meant to stand out. Despite realizing we are the community we are looking for, we still want people.
This is natural. Completely and wholly a part of the human experience, we start to feel thin and weak when we haven’t had recognition from others. Sharing is caring.
While we may learn and see that we are capable of much more than we realize, we must remember that we can continue to move forward and grow. This is the exact reason for the community: to uplift one another and provide the environment for one another to become the best and most aligned versions of ourselves.
What is Community?
Understanding Community Through Personal Experience
If you asked me growing up, I wouldn’t have necessarily realized that at the time. This is because of a wound I felt, as well as those around me, one I was very good at hiding, even from myself. We can only receive help when we open up for it and are willing to share the fact that we are hurting so others may realize they have the opportunity to help us. Obviously, some others have had better and worse experiences—the beautiful truth of life. Does this remove me of the responsibility to acknowledge what was missing and look to include that within myself so that others may receive it? Far from it. In fact, it incentivizes me to be a part of the change I wish to see in the world.
Much like the Global Psychedelic Society, which has created a central hub to help others find or broadcast their psychedelic society as a community offering.
They are running a beautiful initiative to help individuals connect and find psychedelic societies in their area. These societies form as openings to communities. Communities form when individuals have similar goals, views, and missions. These are important to outline, be aware of, and learn to integrate more and more. When we find the ways that we are moving and learn to look for others that move similarly, we can begin to see that we are connected, less alone, and stronger together.
Where Does Strength Come From?
I have pondered this, sometimes more than I realize. I can say that community, especially those steeped deeply in resonance, is the strongest place to begin coming into yourself.
The Concept of Resonance
Resonance denotes a level of similarity, a likeness that is recognized beyond words or explanation—it simply is. Scientifically, it is when, for example, two tuning forks are tuned to the same frequency. When one is struck, the other will begin to resonate as well. This is what I mean when I speak of resonance—it is when the experience of one allows another to feel their experience beyond just the words. The words serve as a means to convey the experience underneath, and as such, there is the opportunity to lean into the feeling and experience it more deeply.
Benefits of Resonance in Community
The strength comes from having this deep resonance with others. Where energy would be expended trying to explain, justify, or package something in a way that the other can understand, it now simply is. As such, all the energy that would have been used is now available for use on other things. To actually go more deeply into whatever was coming up, to integrate a difficult experience, or to unpack a new one.
This provides a strength beyond moving through the initial resistance, as each person has learned to move beyond the initial frame enough that they can actually show up for the next part.
Why is This Different from Other Communities?
I feel like there are more and more spaces like this popping up. Quite simply, they are “places that are focused on creating community engagement, as opposed to monetary profit.”
There have been plenty, and there will continue to be plenty more. They are growing by the day and will continue to grow. With these communities, the focus is on community healing and the connected experience of us all. Together with these parts and pieces, we are able to learn to become more than we have been. We get to listen to the potential we have, not just in ourselves, but in all those around us as well.
So, What Are We Choosing?
As communities grow, we get the opportunity to see if we truly “click” with one community as much as we possibly could. Now, having the opportunity to test out different parts and pieces, we have the grace to see and choose the one that supports and guides us the most. Bear in mind, this is an ever-changing experience, one that really lets us become as we journey through the changing timescape. What sits well with you today may be abhorrent to you tomorrow—such is the nature of humanity. The important part is to do your best to continuously ask yourself what you are attracted to and then ask, why?
Diving Into Your Internal World
To dive into this, search, quest, and meander through your internal world.
- What do you like that you have experienced recently? What did you like about it?
- What have you disliked about a recent experience? What did you dislike about it?
Look to find an intersection between these two points. Let a level of existence shine through and recognize what is being shown to you. Learn continuously and compassionately. This arises because, like in all spaces, things arise.
This is natural, and we have the opportunity to decide how we relate to what has risen. We can become completely swayed, affected, and engrossed with it, or recognize it is one part of a bigger play, and we are all in a space of becoming. So we can enjoy that space of becoming.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the power of a supportive psychedelic community cannot be overstated. These communities provide an environment where individuals can grow, heal, and connect on a deep, resonant level. By engaging with like-minded individuals, we find strength, understanding, and the ability to move forward in our personal journeys. As we explore the psychedelic experience, the support and connection from a community can make all the difference in actualizing the best and most aligned versions of ourselves.
FAQs
Q1: Why is community important in psychedelic exploration? Community provides support, understanding, and shared experiences, which can enhance personal growth and emotional healing during psychedelic journeys.
Q2: How can I find a psychedelic community? You can find psychedelic communities through online platforms, local meetups, and organizations like the Global Psychedelic Society, which help connect individuals with local societies.
Q3: What is resonance in a community context? Resonance refers to a deep, unspoken understanding and connection between individuals, creating a strong bond and shared experience that goes beyond words.
Q4: What makes psychedelic communities different from other communities? Psychedelic communities focus on personal growth, emotional healing, and spiritual experiences rather than monetary profit, fostering a deeper connection among members.
Q5: How do I choose the right community for me? Explore different communities, attend events, and engage with members to see if their goals and values align with yours. It’s an ever-changing experience, so be open to change and growth.
