During one or two Higher Thought games, I have had the experience of being too stoned.
Not too stoned to enjoy what was cascading through my mind, but too stoned to play the game, too stoned to listen, too stoned to connect with people, too stoned to really focus on the game questions.
I think that if we are going to imbibe cannabis, we have to let it “do its work” in us. We have to be open to what it reveals. I think it’s not best to numb out or bring ourselves down by overeating. Similarly, I don’t think we should try and force ourselves to concentrate on a particular thing, just because our minds (egos) have set an agenda to focus on that thing.
Our instructions say to just start with a small hit of pot – whatever a small hit is for you. But that can be tricky because weed is often so powerful these days. When I get super stoned, I occasionally struggle to stay tuned into the game.
If I had it to do over again, I’d insert another small section in our game instructions: When you need to, take a step back. Pass on answering a question. Say, “Oops. I’m having an internal process right now. I’ll be back.” And then maybe even go for a walk if you need to.
This is not “connective” in the usual sense of the word. But it’s genuine. And actually it’s connective too … connective with ourselves, which ultimately enables us to more truly connect with others. It’s honoring of ourselves and the plant … and the game questions will still be there when we’re ready.
Bottom line: The game questions are for fun, not for “cultivating your mind” or for – dear god – “spiritual growth.” Our game is non-aspirational. Enjoy it, but if you’re a bit too far out there, don’t tether yourself to it. Just go where you need to go.
Always love yourself. Even (especially!) when you’re a little too high to focus on the game.
And come to think of it, here’s another question that I suppose could be added to the game:
What does “too stoned” mean to you?
Can you be “too stoned” in some general sense, or only “too stoned to do such-and-such”?
I have had this experience a few times while involved in a game and for me, it manifests in not wanting to interact socially, not wanting to focus and be present with anyone else playing but I find my mind is active and wants to share and I see that my ego self is wanting to share my cool thought (in MY mind LOL) but my higher self knows I am not being present to what anyone else has to share and I usually just end up leaving the game, feeling anti-social and disappointed. Bottom line: I always enjoy the game most when MILDLY stoned
Thanks, Robyn! Agreed … mildly stoned is the best way to play. Although sometimes I am happy to ride along, very stoned, not too concerned about following every conversational thread.
Your presence is always beautiful, in my experience of playing with you.