Chemical Vacation

It was fascinating to read about mescalin, a plant based hallucinogen and its similar chemical make-up to adrenalin. Huxley’s description of experiencing moment by moment of naked existence is very profound and thought provoking. The ability to recognize the pure aesthetic nature of reality must be divine. I found it interesting that Huxley, in this estimation, could function normally with misjudging objects – space was there but was not important. His awareness and ability to perceive the universe and its inner light must be surreal.

For some reason, maybe it is my own learning process, Huxley’s explanation and experience on mescalin seemed less contrived than some of the other readings… Huxley seemed to enter the experience with out any pretenses and he quietly enjoyed his enlighten experience. Maybe it is all “Hollywood” but I am amazed that he was not driven to act out in any way.

I enjoyed reading he experiences of the Native American Church and their sacramental use of plant. It is intriguing to thing about our forefathers and their use of plants from the earth. I wonder if people who ate pure unprocessed foods can more easily experience because their bodies are not poisoned by synthetic means.

Knocken’ on Heavens Door

Although I enjoyed the readings I found it difficult to synthesize all its many components. I am looking forward to reading the comments and hypothesis from my classmates.

Visions vs Dreaming was a very interesting section. During this class I had my first, to my recollection, dream with parts of color. It must have been memorable because I mentioned it to my husband upon awaking… The idea that color is the touch-stone of reality is pretty cool!

The section on heaven and hell helped to cement many of the concepts we have been discussing over the past month or so. I really liked the idea that light is aggressive as it pervades even our subconscious. So much of the Christian Bible is filled, as Huxley described, references to light, gems, metals, and color in general. In fact Christian are referred to at being a light - Matthew 5 14"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

Relating the blissful visionary experiences to religion is not new but Huxley provided me with a new way to look at myself and my own beliefs and practices.