Thanks Brian - I deeply empathise with you. What a journey!

So yes, I hear that in a way, you're saying that the drugs not only took you into the darkness, but also awakened the possibility of walking the path out of it!

I would say it is definitely on the path for some people to explore these hallucinogens. It's like the Matrix. You can tell people about the dangers, but if people are truly attracted because of something they have to explore, they'll go into it anyway.

What the article is really aimed at, is counterbalancing the popular glamorised idea that there is a fast track to Enlightenment. That we can pop a pill and it all goes away. It doesn't!

It might give us a wider perspective on consciousness, but the risk is the experiences also embed subtle shadows that can be hard to remove later.

Ultimately of course Enlightenment must be through ALL circumstances and situations. We can find rightness no matter what has happened to us. But why not make the journey as straightforwards as possible? Why not walk on a level playing field?

Much love and blessings to you - thanks for a profound sharing.