A Natural Fit, You Say?
Meditating under the influence can be traced back to 1500 BC India in the sacred text of the Vedas, where cannabis is named one of the five sacred plants. Legend has it that the Hindu deity, Lord Shiva, was a proud lover of cannabis. And in Nepal, the key focus of an annual spiritual festival is weed. Many of us have embraced meditation by adding the practice into our daily routines. We have come to learn the boundless benefits of simply breathing. The growing support from science proves that frequent meditation reduces stress-related conditions such as high blood pressure. It can also improve conditions related to inflammation such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease. There is still some perplexity around how meditation produces these effects, but the benefits correlate with decreased activity in the default-mode network, or DMN. The DMN is associated with anxiety, attentional lapses, and other issues such as ADHD. Less activity in the DMN is thought to imply a mind more at rest. Your mind, just like you, needs to chill out from time to time. The pattern of brain activation that is associated with cannabis, in a general sense, suggests that cannabis users are more interested in their internal world rather than their external world. When experiencing a THC high, users are more attracted to the intrapersonal stimuli (the “self”). When we are in this state, we reflect on what is originating from within us. What we discover can be instrumental in the development of ourselves. We can then learn what we need, what we want, and what we need to do to get there. This is an excellent place to be as you head down the path of entering a profound state of stillness.Sold! How Do I Do This?
Instead of getting to that desired state of bliss through years of practice, cannabis users get to see a glimpse of introspection from the other side first. Think of it as a sort of backward approach to enlightenment. The best way to meditate is with a goal in mind. The strain and consumption method of cannabis you choose when you meditate will steer your experience. Do you want to feel calmer in your day-to-day life? Do you want to build up your mental resilience? Do you want to develop super-sharp focus? Give yourself a moment to reflect on what it is you want to achieve. Cannabis, undoubtedly, affects everyone differently. As meditation calls for reflection of the self, channel this into your choice. Kindling customers often prefer Indica for its sedative properties. This can slow down synapsis, reducing mental distractions and expediting concentration. Adding CBD to your practice either with a hybrid strain, or a few drops on its own, can aid the experience due to its naturally calming effect. We highly recommend UFEELU - Calm Drops as they are produced with versatile usability in mind and have lovely, serene hints of lavender and peppermint. Edibles are generally not the preferred method of consumption due to their long-lasting effects, as daily meditation is typically 10-20 minutes. They are also challenging to modulate. Smoking or vaping are arguably best for meditation. Aside from their quick onset effects, users are able to effectively micro dose. Experimenting through small increments, users can precisely find their desired state of consciousness.I’m Ready to Start!
Since we are all victims of continual stimulation, a guided meditation can be helpful. Providing a narrative to follow often makes it easier to achieve a more impactful meditative experience. Guided meditations are highly recommended for beginners. Choose a background sound that resonates with you. Whether that be the binary sounds of crystal bowl recordings, the rain gently falling upon the trees or the smooth voice of Sade. If the sound relaxes you, it should work, regardless of what that sound may be. Allow for the sound waves to dance across your skin, and surrender. It is best to consume cannabis in the same position as your practice so you can effortlessly slip into the meditation as the effects set in. Pennywise 1:1 offers a hybrid strain that naturally balances THC and CBD.
A combination like this may have the ability to relax your mind and body in order to get into the desired head space before your meditation begins. Once cannabis has entered your body it is advised to start with a series of deep breathing exercises. To combat distractions, it is best to make mental notes of each inhale and exhale in your mind by repeating the words “inhale” and “exhale.” If the distractions become too difficult to overcome, allow your thoughts to be fleeting. Try not to be too hard on yourself. Allow them to come and go with simple acknowledgment, and bring your mind back to a focused state. Continue to focus on your breathing for several minutes, or however long is comfortable. Remind yourself to fill up your lungs and exhale fully while allowing the tension to melt out of your muscles. Once your practice is complete, refresh yourself with a drink of cold water.
