I am not anyone famous. As you may have seen, I am just a regular 40 something year old guy who started using weed, had some cool experiences and wrote a book. I am not looking to run for political office or be famous in any way, but I do think society needs a reset. As such, I wanted to lay out the core beliefs that I think can help society as this country and this world have never been more divided than they are today.
You may not agree with some or all of these things – all I ask is that you take the time to think about them and figure out if you think any of these could help. There are middle grounds out there – we just need to work towards them.
Please reach out to me at higherconnectionsnow@gmail.com or leave a comment if you want to give feedback.
Thank you for your time and stay connected!
We are ALL connected
- Humans are all connected: whether we like it or not, we all came from the same place (whatever that is) and most of us have similar core wants and needs: safety and love for our family, prosperity for ourselves and others, comfort, a roof over our heads and an enjoyment of life. Whether you religious or not, Republican or Democrat, boy or girl, American or Russian, old or young, we ALL want the same things in life. This in-and-of-itself should be enough to bring society together more than it does today.
- These connections are basic and innate to us: whether we like it or not, we cannot help what we want. It is innate and ingrained in us to want these things. It is what drives our decisions, thoughts and viewpoints on most issues. What drives this is up for debate – call it God, a soul, cause it kismet, we ALL want these things. In my book, I call the source of this want and need your nature soul – what was passed down to you from your parents. As you live your life, your nature soul gets transformed by your nurture soul based on your life experiences. Your nurture soul may have other core things that you want and need like money, fame, travel, knowledge, etc.; however, for the most part, we all want ourselves and our families to be safe, comfortable and prosper.
- We need to try connect to each other: In my book, I talk about how I have connected with those around me, including my wife, my kids, my parents and my friends. What does this mean? Simply put, it means I can sense and feel how they are feeling or what they are thinking in a real-time basis. Essentially, it gives me a view into their brain (which is a scary place in the case of my wife and mother) which, for the most part, has been amazing to be able to sense and feel these things. This generally only happens when I am high. What I think causes this I will not get into, but I think it is important for ALL of us to try to do this – whether it is through meditation, yoga, weed or just talking to each other, we have lost the sense of connection to each other and I think it is important to get that back.
Weed needs to be legalized and researched
- More research needs to be done: I am not a kid in college with nothing going on in his life. I am a full-time professional accountant with 3 kids, a dog, 3 guinea pigs and tons of responsibilities. However, I fully believe marijuana/cannabis/weed/reefer/Mary Jane needs to be federally legalized to allow for more research into how the plant (it is a plant and not a drug) impacts our bodies and our brains. I think our brains are naturally built to work with cannabis and it can open up our brains to a higher level of consciousness and understanding about the world around us. I have personally seen it and experienced it and I wish others could do the same.
- We have legalized and accepted far worse things: Cigarettes, alcohol, fatty foods, sugar, processed meats, caffeine and plastics are all legal and acceptable in society when we KNOW these things can harm us when consumed in excess. Why is cannabis different? If you look at the history of cannabis, the main reason it was made illegal and put into the same category as heroine, LSD, cocaine and other Schedule 1 drugs is because of xenophobia and fear about Mexicans in the early 20th century. At this point, there is no research that suggests that cannabis is any worse for you (in moderation) than ANY of these other consumables.
- Religious people need to get on board with cannabis – there is enough research to suggest that many people in the middle ages, including Jesus and his disciples, utilized cannabis. The plant was widely available and was likely used in some form to heal others. At the end of the day, cannabis is similar to red meat in that cows have been domesticated for human consumption. Cannabis is the same. Religious people need to accept that cannabis has been on this planet forever and if you do believe in God, God put it here for us to consume.
Religion needs to be reexamined as a source of truth
- Organized religion CAN be a good thing: I am not suggesting that religion needs to be ignore but certainly needs to be deemphasized as the most important thing in a civilized society. Organized religion does have positive components to it: charity, love, family, togetherness, support during health crisis. When I look at my life, I am charitable to many types of organizations that support pediatric cancer and the environment. I donate my time to charitable donations and to teach kids about accounting. I love and support my family in every way I can: financially, spiritually and logistically. I feel together and connected with others when I am high. All of these things CAN and DO exist without organized religion. Both things can be true.
- Atheists/agnostics are good people: Just because someone identifies themselves as atheist or agnostic does not mean they are not good people. They have families, donate to charities, are involved in helping people, want to help the planet and want the same things religious people want. The perception that being atheist or agnostic should limit you in any way, especially if you run for political office is outdated and asinine. People are afraid to say they do not believe in organized religion or the concept of God because they feel like that will not be accepted in society. I believe we have developed as a species and a society to be able to say that at this point, the concept of God may not make sense.
- What happens if the Bible turns out to not be true: I have been told for my whole life that the Bible is the source of truth for the world – how that conclusion came to be is not something I can explain. However, if the Bible was proven to not be true, what would happen? Would society collapse? Would you be mad or angry that you have been lied to your entire life? I cannot predict the future, but at some point, it may be proven that the stories in the Bible and the concept of God is not true. What happens then? This is why I think we need to deemphasize the importance of religion in society, starting with politics. Putting your hand on the Bible should be an optional part of any political process and not looked at negatively if the politician does not believe in the traditional concept of God.
- A religion-based society has brought us pain, suffering, war and disagreement: Think about the past 2,000+ years – we have had multiple wars that have killed millions of people, continued poverty, suffering, kids killing kids, famine and the general destruction of our planet. In addition, we can generally not find agreement on major issues from healthcare to the environment to the economy to gun laws. As such, society is falling farther apart than ever before and the country and the world is divided. All of this stemming from a core belief in an all-loving God as the one-and-only way to prosper. How is this really working out for us? Yes, we may be rich economically but are we rich emotionally, spiritually and mentally? I would argue that for most-part, NO.
We need to focus on the environment
- We only have one planet: We are in the middle of the sixth mass extinction. For those of you that don’t know what this is, this basically means that we are losing plant and animal species at an unstainable rate. The Amazon is disappearing, the American west is becoming uninhabitable, Asian countries are losing rainforest and wetlands at unsustainable rates and animals like elephants and giraffes are being slaughtered throughout Africa. for their meat and ivory. For what? Conversion of land for agriculture to feed us, to build highways and because of human greed. These are not opinions – it is happening all over the world. This means our kids and grandkids may never be able to see other species in the wild, other than in a zoo. If we do not change our behaviors soon, the planet will fight back. We know it is happening and we know why – it is up to us to accept it.
- We can grow the economy and be environmentally conscious: The historical argument has been it is either the economy or the environment when decisions are made about land use, water use or climate change. That is incorrect. We can make decisions that are favorable to the environment while adding jobs and money to local economies. Success stories are happening throughout the world from organizations that focus on educating local people on the benefits of saving the environment around them. We need more of this.
- Listen to the scientists and not politicians: Do scientists agree on everything? Of course not. The basics of science involves aggregating and studying data, reviewing observations and discussing hypothesis and theories about the world around us. However, most scientists do, and have, agreed on the basic understanding of what needs to be done to save and improve the environment around us. Bio-diversity, controlling CO2 emissions, saving as much land and animals as we can, protecting the oceans and ensuring we transition to renewable energies are generally agreed to be the actions we need to make. Why is this so hard to do? Will it cost money? Of course – but with the billions and trillions most countries spend on military, there can and should be funds available to do this.
We need to talk
- We need more talking and less arguing: You may disagree with some of everything I say here, but we could and should be able to talk through it. Rather than debating in 140 characters or spewing talking points that make no sense, I guarantee if you and I spent 30 minutes in a room discussing these things calmly, we will find common ground somewhere. This does not happen enough. It has happened before and it can happen again. Social media, big media and the lobbying of politicians have ruined the ability to find common ground.
- We need respect – I don’t care what we all disagree about. Humans are ALWAYS going to disagree. What needs to change is how we respect each other. I have many disagreements on Twitter, primarily around religion. But I always try to respect the other person’s point of view. I know why people feel the way about religion and I respect it, even if I disagree. We can have conversations about things in a respectful manner and not be like the awful politicians in Washington that need to grand-stand to ensure their constituents see how they are standing up for their beliefs. It is bullshit and meaningless. Let’s all have respect towards one another and our beliefs – it can only help.
- FINALLY – Politicians need weed: We have a political system that discourages talking and communicating because it is a sign of weakness and giving in. This has very rarely resulted in significant legislation that improves things in a way most people can see. I think all politicians should be allowed to have negotiations while high – what is the worst thing that happens? They don’t find agreement on things? Not much different than what happens now. I say it is worth a try – give them some edibles and let them talk through healthcare, taxation, the environment, gun laws and any other priority topics. If i EVER get elected to anything of importance, I will be high regardless of whether cannabis is legal or not!
For whomever made it this far – thanks. Hope it was at least interesting for you to read.
Certified, no less! Haha. I like your thoughts, with which I pretty much concur. I used to take a toke in my car before my 4:30 “slog” northbound on I-5 in Seattle after work & wished everyone else had done likewise. I just turned up the music & cruised like Cheech & Chong, enjoying time alone in my own vehicle.
I got here through your Tweet.
Btw, I’m 75 and next year will be my 50th year of partaking, as we call it. Married. Retired corporate go-to girl. Pursuing something beyond myself & finding It is simply within & simultaneously without every instant I turn to It.
My biggest pleasure is listening to NDE stories on YT. IANDS (channel) has great NDE vids, as does Anthony Chene. Awakenings is my current binge.
Anyway, many happy returns. May we meet again!
Marilyn. Love your comment. I used to live on Bainbridge Island and in Bremerton. I also love NDE stories. The NDE association is in Seattle.
That was brilliant, insightful and hopefully will inspire more thoughts and awareness of our human condition! We are spiritual beings having a human experience. It is up to all of us to elevate the human consciousness!
Thank you. I am trying to spread a good message, hence why I wrote my book. Thanks!
Thank you so much and congratulations on 50 years of partaking. Appreciate your thought.
Nicely done. So agree.
You are right about a lot of things. However there’s millions of people that doesn’t want what freedom loving people want.
Consider the terrorist, They don’t want peace, Their goal in life is to kill as many in the (West) as possible. They care nothing for women and children. A roof over their head doesn’t seem to matter to them. They only thing that matters to them is their hate.yes, We should come together. Our words should be come let us reason with each other on how to fix the mess we have let our politicians make. They want to keep people fighting. Black against whites. Democrats against Republicans ect. If only we Americans and other people in other countries would take each others hands we could fix so many problems. IF ONLY.
I agree – but the reason that is the case is based in religious beliefs that drive a philosophy of hatred. It still stems from religion.
You are spot on! So happy you took the time to writ this. I completely agree with you and look forward to reading your news letters.
Thanks–I enjoyed reading your thoughts and find myself agreeing with most of them. So–now what? Guess I’ll sign up for the newsletter and hear more.
I’m with you except for the apology re being religious. I’m more likely to consider an atheist or agnostic a good person than someone who spends hours each week trying to make sense of a book of fiction filled with hatred and horror… especially if they enjoy cannabis. At least they took the time to think about it for themselves! – 80 YO former grower and I.T. consultant, mom of 3.
I understand. My point was more that people should NOT have to apologize or hide from the fact that they may not be religious. I feel like no-one running for public office can say they are atheist or agnostic for fear of backlash from the public. I don’t think it should be that way. Thanks for the comment!
Government is as good as the decisions it makes. Humanity never learned to do it sustainably or responsibly.
https://gopiswrong.net/government.htm
Democracy is better than dictatorship. Right wing government is never good.
https://gopiswrong.net/democracy.htm
You’re right about religion. The most religious countries are the most backward.
https://gopiswrong.net/religion.htm
Science is the best way to determine fact.
https://gopiswrong.net/information.htm
Our greatest challenges are transnational: Climate, energy migration, pollution, nuclear armaments, war. The planet may not support life much longer.
https://gopiswrong.net/environment.htm
I don’t agree with everything, but I am behind you for at least you are trying to find solutions. Most ppl just complain and miran and groan. Thank you. Now perhaps you can answer a question for me. I would love to smoke pot! Unfortunately, I always get very very very anxious and fearful. Is there anything that I can try that will allow me to just get a mellow buzz?
Hi Sheila,
Thank you for reaching out!
If you have never tried cannabis before, I might suggest trying some edibles. Obviously, depending on where you live, you may have different options, but I would suggest with starting with 5 mg – 10 mg on a full stomach and see how you feel after 60-90 minutes.
If you aren’t feeling much, you may need closer to 15-20 mg.
Don’t get nervous or paranoid about what happens to your body – it is all part of the process of getting high. Your heart may beat a little faster, you may feel and sense things differently. That is all normal and perfectly fine.
Examine and go with your thoughts and see where it takes you. 90% of what I wrote about in my book was thought of while I was high, as silly as they were!
I wish you luck and please let me know how it goes if/when you try!
Best,
Eric
Mail Delivery Subsystem
Make sure you are smoking indica strains. Avoid sativa strains as they increase heart rate and are more associated with panic attacks and paranoia. And perhaps try something with a mixture of THC and CBD. CBD naturally modulates the anxiety of the THC in cannabis, but over the years has been bred out of most strains since the cannabis smoking community sought higher highs.
But with the legalization of weed, more mixed strains are coming back for medicinal purposes. CBD has no psychoactive effects, and has anti-anxiety, anti-seizure and anti-inflammatory effects.
I smoke like the Cartel
I dislike the current mood of humanism
I think believing in something is
Important
I believe we should all treat each other as we would want others to treat our children when we are not there
I believe Calming Everyone down will only Help us to get along
I truly enjoyed your thoughts. J don’t necessarily agree with some of them, but it is such a pleasure to read someone’s viewpoint that doesn’t include viscious name calling and vulgar language.
I smoked pot in my 20’s (I’m 65) and if I ever need a sleep aid, it would be my go to, since it puts me to sleep.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
Thank you for taking the time to read them.
Very interesting. If you don’t mind, I would like to share this with some friend of mine.
Thank you Pamela. Much appreciated.