[netcan]

A while ago I was listening to some podcast discussion on beneficial "drugs" and some of the problems of classifying things as drugs, harmful or beneficial.

In any case, 'even alcohol can teach you some things" came up. It got me thinking. Most people experience (or semi-knowingly exhibit) reduced inhibition. If you're able to pay attention and observe, experiencing reduced inhibition has a side effect of shedding light on the existence and the nature of your inhibitions otherwise. It's interesting. It's not a 'nature of compassion' type of enlightenment, but potentially interesting nonetheless.

There's a resurgence of interest in psychedelic spiritual practices. The use of drugs in religious or cultural context is extremely ancient, possibly predating fully modern humans. But alcohol is also a part of that tradition. In fact, the use of alcohol in religious ceremony survives and is widespread in Christianity, Judaism and many other religions.

Ketamine is addictive and potentially harmful in several ways. Many are adamant that it's interesting and beneficial as well. I'm not sure those statements are competitive.

[yodsanklai]

I can relate to that. The first few times I smoked weed, I noticed I was able to listen to music much more deeply. Somehow, it taught me how to appreciate music in a different way.

[netcan]

I think grass changes (or enhances) the way we make connections and associations. That's got all sorts of interactions with art. The "Woah! Dude. Have you ever thought.." cliche has a deeper, less silly version too.

Context is limited to the associations you make and a lot of meaning is dependent on context. It's a fairly good approximation for perspective another cliche way of describing the effects. If feel like I should say "mind expanding" just for completion's sake.

Speaking of associations, I'm remembering years ago hearing some old recording of Christopher Hitchens furiously defending Salman Rushdie and even more furiously attacking the apologists and appeasers. He apologized for all the cliches he was forced to use. Freedom is indivisible. Fascism means War. etc.

Cliches are easy and cheap but sometimes they contain a simple version of an insight, hidden behind a kind of cliche blindness. There's a reason they keep getting rediscovered.

Anyway.. Dude have you ever really listened to yellow submarine? I mean really listened? Dude...

[tomp]

I definitely learned a lot by drinking. Quite a few times, I went into a meditative state, where I was observing the way I feel/think/act while being drunk. Or I would go over the events that happened, before I got completely sober (and forgot most of what happened). I think I'm much more honest and open because of it (not always a good thing, but it's aligned with my principles and I like living like that). I don't drink that much any more.

[uptownJimmy]

I learned a TON from booze. But at some point it stopped helping and started hurting. Dunzo.