Maybe ganja isn't necessary
It's a new cultural phenomenon! Marijuana is definitely a hot-button topic right now. But, perhaps all the talk, is as far as the entertainment should go.
I'm all for the legalization phase we are in, in the USA and world. I am a firm believer that the less government oversight the better. That being said, on a personal level, I question the need for people to consume such a powerful chemical.
There are a lot of proponents of weed out there. Many people believe it's a miracle plant that will do special things for humanity. The grand majority would claim it's safer than alcohol. But, my question is, why would we compare it to something that doesn't resolve our problems? Why are we trying to mask our problems, instead of fixing them at the root?
The cannabis plant has a sticky resinous flower that people love to smoke, eat, and apply. I can see why; it gives a calming lighthearted sensation, it helps people relax, and it can ease pain, among a plethora of other health benefits, you can find here.
The catch here is, why weed over other practices?
Before I really begin, I want you all to know that I have been in phases where I used a lot of the sticky green plant. I have also had phases that I haven't. Due to that fact, I have seen myself from both sides and personally have become aware that I enjoy being weed-free, rather than full of it.
So why did I smoke weed in the past?
- It helped me deal with emotions
- It cured boredom
- It calmed me down
- I felt cool
- It was a good way to connect with people
- It gave me a feeling of being centered
What is interesting to me is that weed tends to separate the person from society. It allows for a sense of disconnect where you can “escape” from societal norms, this immediately allows a reprieve in stress, it allows for a momentary improvement in self-esteem, it allows an ease of mind that does not encourage growth or invoke a pressure to improve.
These benefits solved my problems, I didn't need to worry about improving myself, I didn't need to worry about fitting in, I didn't need to worry about not succeeding with my dreams. All I had to do was smoke a little weed and I could guilt-free do what I wanted to do.
What if I told you there were ways to solve the issues I mentioned without the negative health effects of marijuana?
What are the negative side effects of marijuana anyway?
In her scientific study on the adverse effects of marijuana consumption, Dr. Nolcov touches on two important topics. Brain development and lifetime achievement, are reduced when marijuana is consumed on a regular basis.
I have personally noticed that my willpower becomes destroyed after consuming marijuana. I don't want to do anything. And this feeling of laziness sticks around for a number of days.
I am convinced marijuana filled the shoes it did in my life because I wanted to feel ok not doing much. My soul was calling me to take action in my life, and instead of taking action, I took weed.
What happened is it made quiet the calling from within and made it more difficult to find the inspiration to push myself forward. This is a major consequence because if I struggled until I found my calling I would have found ways to resolve my problems and been stronger and more resilient for it.
Albert Einstein once said, “we cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.”
What I believe he was saying here, is we need to push our minds to develop to overcome the situations we currently see within ourself. If we look at the side effects of marijuana we see that it directly affects brain development and learning.
So, what are some alternatives to smoking weed that could have solved my problems at the root?
Healthy choices
Intermittent fasting has helped me immensely in both learning to deal with boredom and managing addictive traits. When you are bored but don't want to do anything, consider thinking about not eating for a certain number of hours.
Surprisingly, not eating anything keeps the mind busy, “ I won't make it this next hour if I don't do something! Ill go for a run and eat when I come back.” This simple commitment to self, not eating until a certain hour, has both confidence-building attributes, as well as physical health benefits.
According to the Laboratory of Periodontal Biology, in their study, Kundalini yoga Is proven to reduce physical-chemical signatures of stress within the body almost immediately after practice.
I find this fascinating because a fundamental and consistent practice of yoga requires willpower and focus, in return, it provides confidence and stress reduction.
Training the will and the mind to find solutions to my problems was a big boost to my overall well-being, and smoking weed was hindering my ability to see those opportunities.
I will leave you with one more thing. We all have so much hidden and stored potential, we are the kings and queens of our universe, imagine yourself as the regal being that you innately are, and confidently leave the things that no longer serve you. Humanity needs you at your best.