7 Comments

While this was easier to read than your previous post, it doesn't mean it was any less significant.

Expand full comment

Tom, I was right there every step of your way to and from and back again to the Cuckoo's nest. This piece made me feel how close we all are, how vulnerable we all are to going "too far" and having a "break" from a shared reality. You'll have to let me know if you ever did give anyone a telepathic orgasim. Made me smile, stop and ponder, and you made me more human by reading this.

Expand full comment

Hi Tom, I read your previous chapter but don’t know if I “liked “ it….but I can tell you now that I did! I am interested in quantum physics as well; I find it fascinating and exciting.

My thoughts during this chapter were that you were young and experimenting while searching for meaning in life. You just got hooked on the quick track to broaden your perspective, versus the slow track, which is what I’ve practiced many years. I’ve wondered what psychedelics would feel like, but wasn’t ever exposed to them. Now they’re making a comeback for healing in the psychiatric/psychologic community.

The other thought I had reading your chapter was “thank goodness for loving mothers!” There for you when you’re down!

Expand full comment

Hi Barbara,

Thank you for your great feedback! I am glad the quantum physics post didn't put you to sleep. I have a very high level, and unproven theory, that quantum physics, psychedelics, meditation, and certain forms of mental illness are all pointing to the same thing - albeit from different directions.

It is interesting to see the proliferation of psychedelics in mental health and some of the amazing efficacy rates for some forms of psychedelic treatments, especially in PTSD and major depression.

What is your "slow track" that you have been practicing for many years? Do you meditate?

Expand full comment

Hi Tom, I try various forms of spiritual/conscious awareness practices including meditation for many years, though I still struggle, yoga for almost 30 years, QiGong, shamanism(and made my own drum 2 years ago in a course, which was great), Reiki master, energy medicine, zero balancing, and practice craniosacral therapy which has a mental focus aspect to it. A couple of years ago I was in the Bahamas where took a course and acted as an assistant therapist in Dolphin Assisted Therapy, where dolphins use their echolocation to scan a client’s body to figure out where they need energy work. I’m going back for another round in 2 summers. Plus walks and swims at Sills beach always helps me!

Three years ago, the day after my mother passed away, I had a clear vision of her, with my father in the background (who passed away 2 years earlier). She was thanking me for everything I did to help her over time after my father died and it was clear that she totally understood everything that happened, and why we did things the way we did (she had had dementia). She was beaming, beautiful, and so happy. This visitation was so powerful that it lead me to take a couple of Mediumship classes.

Well, that’s a long answer to your question! But thanks for your interest. Some of what I told you above I haven’t shared with colleagues and some friends, who would think that I was too far out there. I think you’ll understand, considering your book posts.

Also, I agree with your theory, and I believe some psychologists would agree as well.

I’m looking forward to your next entry.

Barbara

Expand full comment

Thanks for Sharing! I totally get keeping some of this stuff under wraps with professional colleagues. I made the choice to actually post all of this on LinkedIn, with some trepidation. But, I have nothing to hide, and I am at a point in my life where I feel the benefit to others of sharing these experiences outweighs the fear of how it may be received. Interestingly I have had an overwhelming positive response, even from current clients who are high powered executives.

If you have not checked it out, you may want to look at Sam Harris' "Waking Up" app. The meditations on there have been a game changer for me. Truly next level. There is a 30 day intro set of mediations which are great.

Expand full comment

Thank you, I will check that out!

I work as a physical therapist, mostly with children 5-21 yrs. The diagnoses include physical disabilities, emotional disabilities and autism. My colleagues already know I’m more broad in my scope of practice since I use craniosacral therapy and Reiki (which isn’t billable). Any further stuff would throw them over the edge, ha! But the kids connect with the treatments.

Expand full comment