Do you know Ayahuasca?
“So, have you planned any more bike races soon?”
I finish our meeting with some small talk.
My favourite client, an energetic online shop owner in his early forties, grins.
“Yeah, I have a trip planned to the Netherlands.”
“Oh nice! Are you going to a Wim Hof workshop again?”
“No, I’m going to see a shaman.”
“Wait, what kind of shaman?”
“Do you know ayahuasca?”
“Waait, let me stop the recording first.”
That was not the direction I expected our conversation to go at all.
In my role as an IT consultant, I’ve been working with him for some months to build his online shop.
He always shows up with a smile and a positive vibe.
Laid-back, but focused. I genuinely enjoy working with him.
Looks like from now on, we’re going to explore some new topics.
A week later, he appears on my screen with the familiar grin.
“You’re glowing. How was it?” I greet him.
His eyes sparkle as he summarises the experience.
We start our official meeting a few minutes late.
Of everything that could have happened in my first months in this role, bonding with a client over psychedelic experiences wasn’t on my bingo card.
I’ve heard many stories about the widespread use of mind-altering substances and microdosing in Silicon Valley for performance enhancement.
However, to my knowledge, that’s not common in Germany or other big European cities.
Coffee, tobacco, booze, and weed remain the main daily companions.
Apparently, I haven’t found the right circles yet.
My client visits Grandmother Aya once a year. He also microdoses acid regularly and takes occasional trips with other plant allies.
“You know, I really don’t care what people think. Psychedelics has changed me in ways I’ve never thought possible. The effect it had on my life is tremendous.”
Hearing him talk openly and shamelessly about his experiences inspired me to start researching again.
I have been microdosing on and off over the years.
In recent years, I have often felt guilty about relying on that extra support.
But why feel guilty in the first place?
Because psychedelics are so misunderstood and stigmatised?
Because it feels like cheating to move through everyday life feeling relaxed, loved, uplifted, and creatively kissed by the muse?
Which brings us to the same old question: why are certain substances heavily advertised, while other plant medicines remain stigmatised and even criminalised?
For a decade, exploring altered states of consciousness has captivated me.
It has led to more questions than answers, ultimately guiding me back to Source each time.
The darker season invites us to seek inner coziness.
To breathe more slowly.
To engage in quiet introspection.
To connect with ourselves, our intuition, our deepest shadows and desires.
I think I’m going to ask some plant allies for support.