Shaky Legs, Spiritual Cannibalism, and Come Up Anxiety
A Little Pranayama Goes a Long Way.
I've been seeing this trend on social media. People are making videos with them, exaggerating their restless leg syndrome while lip-synching to a song about anxiety. Their friend points to the leg as if to ask what the deal is, and they respond, "It's my anxiety."
Before I go any further, I want to note that I know that Restless Leg Syndrome is a legitimate medical issue that has various causes, and that my philosophical ramblings about it should not be considered medical advice. I know it's not always about anxiety. Please also know that I don't intend to diminish anyone's suffering, nor do I mean any disrespect. I often think about how we manage our emotions and energy, and how they relate to each other. This is what I'm thinking about today.
So I want to give you something practical today, at the bottom of this essay.
I mentioned this trend to another coach friend today, and he said, "I guess people need to discharge energy sometimes..."
I guess on one hand, this is true, but on the other, why can't this energy just be integrated into the system? Is the anxiety keeping the person's vitality from being integrated into the holistic system? What is at stake here?
Something is at stake. Run this problem through your own body. There is anxiety, urges stemming from fears and desires that are too painful to look at. There is a psychological block that is creating an energetic block. We can't feed too much energy into the area; it would force the issues to the surface, and we can't have that. There would be too much unexpected terror, grief, and confusion. So, we've got no choice but to shake it off.
Come to think of it, this sounds a lot like reports of psychedelic come-up anxiety. A rush of energy and information that confronts us right where we stand. Sometimes, so much energy that we don't know if we can deal with it. We might feel overwhelmed. We might need to sit down and take a deep breath, if we're not seated already.
Spiritual Cannibalism comes into play.
Spiritual Cannabalisim is a book by Rudi. It's great. In it, he talks about the importance of being able to digest the energy in our system in order to grow (spiritually). If someone throws bad energy at us, we don't hurl it back; we just eat it. If pent-up, repressed, anxious energy starts to show itself, we don't immediately discharge it. It's important for us to be able to alchemize as much energy as possible. We need to be able to work with like, and all that comes with it in an integrated and creative way. We can't just collapse or freak out every time things get intense.
We want to be increasingly masterful and capable with our energy. To carry more of it. To carry more light.
This is why breath practice is so important.
We're all taught that breath can help energize and relax us. Maybe we're taught 'box breathing' or 'alternate nostril breathing.' Maybe in through the nose and out the mouth. These are all great.
I want to offer you a specific practice. A Kumbhaka Pranayama.
Kumbhaka means retention. It means you hold your breath for a bit. In this practice, you hold it on the inhale.
This practice is designed to help you integrate anxious energy, which might be felt as fear, confusion, overwhelm, or even just a buzzing in your nervous system.
Find a comfortable seat or lie down. Cannabis is permissible.
Recognize your intention to grow your capacity for presence and energetic alchemy, not just for yourself, but for all beings. Affirm that you can do this. Build your confidence that it is possible for you right now.
Inhale deeply, visualizing yourself drawing any anxious energy into the belly along with the breath.
Hold your breath for a time, not so long that it creates stress. You should be able to inhale and exhale slowly and evenly.
As you hold your breath, visualize the energy slowing down and swirling gently before melting like butter into your tissues, nourishing them.
Notice this is possible, and that you can do it. Continue to affirm your ability.
If you're having difficulty, consider asking for supernatural aid. Any god, deity, ancestor, teacher, or elemental is fine.
Continue for about five minutes. Don't try to do it for too long at first.
If you're anxious about an upcoming journey, or if you're anxious as the result of a recent journey, or even if just life has got you a little jammed up, try this for a little bit.
Tell me how it goes. Double your money back if it doesn't work!
Doechii - Anxiety
Goat - Live
Upcoming Events and Such
Coaching Training Info Session
Thursday June 26th, 8:00pm Eastern Time
Join Here!
We would like to invite you to attend a friendly and casual conversation to share about the world of psychedelic integration coaching. This event is designed for individuals who are passionate about supporting others in their healing and growth and are interested in becoming highly skilled and competent coaches.
As you may know, the use of psychedelics has increased in recent years and many people are seeking support in their integration process. As a result, there is a growing demand for trained professionals who can provide guidance and support. This event will provide you with the opportunity to learn about the latest developments in the field and to gain the knowledge and skills needed to become a successful coach.
During the event, you will have the opportunity to hear from the director of the program, Daniel Shankin, who will share their knowledge and experience in the field. You will also have the chance to learn about the latest techniques and approaches used in psychedelic integration coaching.
We hope that you will take advantage of this unique opportunity to learn about psychedelic integration coaching and to connect with others who are passionate about supporting others in their healing and growth.
We look forward to seeing you there!
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mt-tam-psychedelic-integration-coaching-training-info-call-tickets-1407857813619?aff=oddtdtcreator
Psychedelics and Ayurveda with Dr. Nibodhi - June 25th
Wednesday, June 25th at 8pm Eastern Time - $30 or free with Golden Road
Register Here
Dr. Nibodhi is a practitioner and educator in Ayurveda, Yoga, Tantra, Jyotish and Naturopathy. He is certified in Vedic psychology/counseling and a practitioner of Compassionate Inquiry and Mindfulness. He is the author of six books on health and consciousness. Since 2004, he has run a 100% charitable, non-profit clinic in India Nibodhi’s practice is deeply rooted in compassion and a commitment to service. Whether you seek to address acute or chronic issues, enhance your vitality, or embark on a spiritual healing journey, Nibodhi provides a path to wellness rooted in ancient wisdom and modern insight.
Ayurveda & Psychedelic Healing: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Transformation In this talk I will explore how Ayurveda can be a powerful ally on the path of psychedelic healing and consciousness expansion. We will explore how aligning with our unique constitution (dosha), optimizing digestion (agni), and working with the subtle energies (prana, tejas, ojas) can create a resilient inner ecosystem for deep transformation. I can talk about how Vedic psychology, soma/somatic experiencing, breathwork and plant wisdom can help to integrate, stabilize the nervous system, and support sustainable health and consciousness.
Tripsitting Training for Friends and Family - Live in the Berkshires
June 28th at Sweetgrass - 635 Laurel Street, Lee, MA
Join here
Are you interested In supporting your loved ones through a psychedelic experience in a conscious, compassionate, and safe manner?
Join us for this practical, beginner-friendly workshop that covers the core skills needed to support someone through a psychedelic experience. This 3-hour session is ideal for those just getting started, as well as anyone wanting to build confidence and deepen their understanding.
What you’ll learn:
An overview of common molecules
Supporting conscious preparation for the journey, helping them get ready.
Varieties of psychedelic experience: what to expect – the good, the bad, the transcendent.
Best practices for attending to your loved one.
How to maintain a supportive presence.
Methods of aftercare and integration.
Meditation for the Journey: Autumn Retreat in the Berkshires
September 26-27-28, Plainfield, MA
Link to Register
Join a group of like minded explorers
for a weekend of transcendent practice and ceremony
~ Explore the guided somatic practices and visualizations that you can share with your clients.
~ Experience how mantra and sacred sound can deepen somatic awareness and release.
~ Enjoy ceremony in the gorgousness of New England Autumn
~ 15 people max.
What’s included:
Lodging
Delicious organic and locally-sourced meals
Meditation, yoga, dharma talks
Introduction to guiding Yoga Nidra to support come up anxiety
Chanting the chakras for somatic awareness and release
Cannabis ceremony with guided Yoga Nidra
Drum Journey Ceremony
Playing in nature/ nature walk
Hot Tub
Art making
Autumn Leaves!
This intensive is designed to create a powerful container for people with emerging spiritual visions. The sessions will offer group members an opportunity to deepen their practice and care for themselves, knowing that they will take what they learn and experience back to their clients and communities.
You will be offered a weekend designed to explore the depths of your body, mind, and consciousness with simple clarity. The curriculum is designed to make you a more centered being as well as a better guide.
We’ll open Friday with some sound healing, exploring how our voice can be used to express and release in ways that support catharsis while maintaining a regulated nervous system. This will lead into our drum led ceremony.
On Saturday, we’ll explore the intersection of visualization and somatics as a wonderful adjunct to a journey. Continuing the theme from Friday, we’ll look at how we support a calm inner environment in through our presence and guidance. This will culminate in our Saturday evening ceremony.
Sunday, as we integrate our experience, we’ll explore how our stories can convey deep universal truths, and how taking our seat as a teacher can provide deep value to our students.
Group Coaching and Mentorship- The Golden Road Collective
I have a group offering called The Golden Road Collective.
The Golden Road is a collective of psychonauts, healers, guides, and transformational change agents. We work together to create and embody the visions that have been gifted us in our ceremonies. We’re stepping into a shared future that is mindful, resilient, and committed to the versions of ourselves that we know we can be.
It's a chance to receive teaching, mentoring on your personal or professional practice, and group coaching with Daniel. There are also group meditations and monthly special guests. You can join at any time. Learn More Here