Most of our lives are lived in a gig-economy hustle-culture race to the finish line (which is, spoiler alert: just death). But if you’re like me, you might be feeling like you’re not actually taking it all in at that pace. This can extend to your cannabis use. Between the parties, the video games, the music and the reality television we cram into our session, sometimes we can miss out on the holistic marvels that each strain is bringing to our lives.
So do this right now:
Breathe in for 4 seconds. Hold your breath for 4 seconds. Breathe out for 8 seconds. Do that sequence one more time. How do you feel now? Perhaps calmer? More in sync? This is a grounding technique to help you feel more present. And here are four techniques to be more “in the moment” with your cannabis experience.
Roll With It (Silently)
While rolling with a podcast or YouTube playlist running can be fun, it can split your concentration. Rolling mindfully can help one be more connected to the Self, as well as the task at hand. Whether you’re working on your Dutch Tulip roll, Shotgun, Pinner or a classic L: breathe. Pay attention to how the paper feels. The sounds it makes. Rolling mindfully will help you both understand the flexibility of your rolling skill set, but also connect you to the joint you’re about to partake in.
Turn Off. Tune In.
Often I’ll continue listening to that podcast I had on or keep watching that next episode of The Simpsons while smoking. But I can really miss out on some of the simple pleasures that the the cannabis experience offers. A giggle for no reason. A shiver that runs down the back of my scalp. The absolute batshit adventures of my cat after I give him a pinch of catnip and tell him to be “one with nature.” But I also get the chance to really dial into this strain. Does it feel energetic? Euphoric? Relaxing? How do the nugs smell? How does a dry pull bring out the taste profile?
Canna You Journal?
Most likely you already have one or know someone who does. A cannabis journal can help you keep track of tastes, effects, and terpene profiles you respond to, but it also forces you to sit with the experience for a minute to write these all down. This time sitting with what you’re feeling can help you really dial in to your system’s reaction to the flower. Write down how you feel and after a while, you’ll be able to see patterns in the strains you respond to which will help you be able to determine which new strains to rush out and pick up and which ones to pass on next time you’re at the dispensary.
Time's Just a Construct
Sometimes we can get lost in the activities we begin after smoking. After all that meditating on breath, rolling in silence, and jotting down your initial experience in your journal, set an alarm for 30-60 minutes after you smoke. It will remind you to check back in with yourself. How have the effects changed? How has your breath changed? Is your mind alight and active? Or do you feel passive and calm? How do your muscles and bones feel? What emotions are at the forefront of your heart? All of these are an important part of the experience and change as the minutes after smoking drop away. With all of these new practices in mind, I sincerely hope you can find a new layer of relationship to your cannabis, and (like any relationship) deepen your connection by being present with it and yourself.
