Gratitude

In the captivating opening scene of the 1992 film ‘Last of the Mohicans,’ there’s a profound moment of respect and gratitude that always resonates with me. As the characters honor the life of a stag they’ve just hunted, it reminds me of the deep-rooted tradition of giving thanks that I grew up with. This ritual, once a staple at family dinners, has taken on new meaning for me over the years, especially in the wake of personal loss and change.

This sense of gratitude was profoundly deepened following a transformative experience with 5-MeO-DMT, a powerful entheogen. I recall a moment when my sister and I, dining outdoors, observed a young couple expressing their thanks for their meal. This simple act of gratitude was a powerful reminder of the beauty in appreciating the present moment.

Reflecting on this, I’m struck by the contrast between many indigenous cultures, who have long embraced sacred plant medicines, and the often expectation-driven mindset of Western societies. Indigenous cultures live in a state of gratitude, celebrating the present, while many in the West are fixated on desired outcomes or pleasures.

In my journey, I’ve learned that approaching life with gratitude, rather than expectation, can profoundly shift our experiences. This is especially true with entheogenic substances, which, in my view, should be approached with a deep sense of thankfulness. These substances don’t always yield what we want, but often what we need. In our practices, we express gratitude for the gift of life and acknowledge those who have preserved these sacred traditions.

The most common feedback we receive from those who join us in our ceremonial experiences is a sense of deep gratitude. This has led me to believe that the true power of these experiences begins not just at the moment of ingestion but in the approach we take towards them and ourselves. If we can embrace these experiences with gratitude, their impact can extend far beyond the immediate journey, enriching our lives in profound and lasting ways.