Metaphors and emotions

In this essay, I will share my first-hand experience attending a retreat involving 5-MeO-DMT and examine the utility of various metaphors used to describe the trip.

The profound nature of a 5-MeO-DMT journey often leads individuals to resort to metaphors in an attempt to convey their experiences. These metaphors serve as linguistic tools to translate the ineffable into the understandable, but they also have their limitations. I will explore the advantages and disadvantages of different metaphors, shedding light on how they influence our comprehension of this unique experience.

A. Nature and physics metaphors

When it comes to describing my 5-MeO-DMT journeys, I’ve found that using metaphors from nature and physics offers a gentle and gradual approach. These comparisons make it easier to navigate the intricacies of the experience without overwhelming the mind. It’s like dipping your toes into the waters of consciousness, especially when starting with lower doses. The “sipping” method, which aligns with this approach, allows me to ease into the journey and maintain a sense of playfulness and exploration without high stakes.

1. Diving

Drawing a parallel between my own 5-MeO-DMT journeys and diving, especially freediving, uncovers some fascinating similarities. Both experiences involve delving into profound depths, be it the vast ocean or the realms of consciousness. In both, I can keenly sense the depth, and the deeper I dive, the greater the pressure, much like the way a 5-MeO-DMT experience escalates in energy. The deeper states in both scenarios tend to be simpler, and wholly absorbing in their darkness or uniformity. Breathing holds a pivotal role in both activities. In diving, the emphasis is on controlled breathing, relaxing the body, and conserving energy for safety and performance. In contrast, during a 5-MeO-DMT journey, we inhale the substance by smoking it and then hold the breath to allow the effects of the smoke to transform consciousness. The longer one holds my breath, the more pronounced the effects become. Remarkably, the nitrogen narcosis experienced in diving, induced by specific gasses at high pressure, shares some likeness with the sensation of enveloping relaxation during a 5-MeO-DMT journey.

Nevertheless, while diving entails exploration in a consistently visually dark environment, a 5-MeO-DMT experience can transition from light to darkness depending on the setting and mindset.

Considering the benefits of using diving as a metaphor for 5-MeO-DMT, it offers a familiar and accessible framework for drawing comparisons. Unlike more mystical metaphors, diving provides a concrete and practical reference point for comprehending the 5-MeO-DMT experience. For instance, it may be advantageous to apply techniques from diving breathwork, such as learning how to hold one’s breath without stress, to enhance the quality of a 5-MeO-DMT journey.

2. Zero gravity

Comparing a 5-MeO-DMT experience to zero gravity and floating in space, there are some intriguing parallels. Much like diving, both activities share the notion of floating in an environment where conventional boundaries blur. However, the transition to a zero-gravity state might be more abrupt than the gradual descent of diving or the onset of a 5-MeO-DMT journey. While it offers a unique perspective on weightlessness and boundless freedom, accessing zero gravity remains a challenge for most.

3. Phases of matter

Examining the phases of matter can offer intriguing insights into the nature of consciousness during a 5-MeO-DMT journey. In a sober state of consciousness, we often liken it to the solidity of a solid, characterized by stable structures, viscosity in thought, and a sense of groundedness. However, when venturing into the psychedelic realm, particularly at lower doses, it’s akin to entering a liquid state. Here, thoughts jump between concepts with rapid fluidity, much like how matter shifts and flows in a liquid state. At high doses of 5-MeO-DMT, one may find themselves in a gaseous state of consciousness, where boundaries dissolve, and the distinction between objects disappears entirely. This analogy suggests a gentle, gradual approach to experiencing the diverse phases of consciousness during a 5-MeO-DMT journey, following the transformations of matter as it changes from solid to liquid to gas and perhaps avoiding suddenly jumping from solid to gaseous.

B. Internal and mystical metaphors

4. Absorption states in meditation

During my retreat, I couldn’t help but notice some interesting parallels between the self-absorption meditative states, particularly the jhanas, and 5-MeO-DMT journeys. It’s almost like they share a similar directional flow, taking one consciousness towards a less and less fabricated state. There’s a surprising amount of phenomenological overlap. For instance, both jhanas and 5-MeO-DMT trips tend to start with a higher level of jittering energy, which then dissipates and suffuses. I wonder if it’s not merely a metaphor but if these experiences might actually involve similar neural processes.

One crucial distinction I’ve observed is the energy dynamic at play. While 5-MeO-DMT tends to amp up the energy and propel me into an intense state, meditation seems to do the opposite, gradually dialing down the energy levels. This distinction is significant because it makes meditation a slower and more challenging process. It’s like slowly descending into a calm pool rather than getting pulled into a whirlwind. This difference, I’ve come to realize, makes meditation a safer avenue for exploring altered states of consciousness. It allows me to let go and sink down gently.

On the flip side, 5-MeO-DMT often exerts a magnetic pull towards its unique state, creating a sense of momentum that can be risky if one isn’t adequately prepared. So, while these two experiences seem to move in the same direction, they certainly take distinct paths, each with its own set of challenges and rewards.

5. Dying

In both the 5-MeO-DMT journey and the concept of dying, there are notable similarities. They both involve progressive deactivations of mental functions and layers, gradually stripping away the complexities of ordinary perception and thought. It’s akin to becoming absorbed in simple, elemental states and gradually disconnecting from the familiar self-perception as a human, losing awareness of one’s physical body or even of the notion of ever having been human.

However, it’s important to acknowledge the drawbacks of using death as a metaphor. Accessing the experience of dying is not only challenging but potentially unsafe. The metaphor can also be confusing when it blurs the lines between near-death experiences and actual death, which are distinctly different phenomena. While, 5-MeO-DMT journey may share similarities with accounts of near-death experiences, they both still tell us nothing about actual death and beyond and we should be careful with making any ontological-bearing inference. Death is a culturally loaded metaphor that can carry heavy connotations and expectations.

Similarly, the mysticism often associated with high doses of 5-MeO-DMT can lead to pressure and over-effort in the pursuit of something transcendental. This pressure can inadvertently obstruct the journey’s playfulness and spontaneity. Personally, I’ve found that a less pretentious frame, centered around self-absorption, play, and the exploration of higher valence experiences, feels more authentic and enjoyable.

On the positive side, meditations on death, whether through 5-MeO-DMT or other practices, have helped me relax and take life more lightly. Working with this metaphor has allowed me to confront and ease my fear of death, transforming it into a source of wisdom and insight. It’s like gazing into the abyss and discovering that it’s not as daunting as it seems, ultimately revealing the impermanence of life.

6. Massage for the soul

The concept of a “massage for the soul” or a “nervous system massage” resonates with my experiences in the world of 5-MeO-DMT. This metaphor suggests relaxing and fulfilling after-effects: smoothing over and unifying all sensory channels, creating a sense of profound harmony within.

One notable advantage of framing a 5-MeO-DMT journey as a soul or nervous system massage is that it imbues the experience with a sense of low pressure. This perspective encourages relaxation and a natural inclination to seek out calming and serene settings, much like one would when preparing for a soothing massage. It promotes an atmosphere of tranquility and receptivity, enhancing the overall quality of the journey. In essence, it’s a gentle reminder to treat the mind and soul with the same care and attention as we would our physical bodies.

Emotions

Now, let’s turn our attention to the emotional facets of the 5-MeO-DMT experience. In this section, I will delve into the tapestry of emotions, thoughts, and sensations that have accompanied my journeys with this substance.

In personifying 5-MeO-DMT, I would describe its personality as exceptionally charismatic. It exudes a high-energy and high-intensity aura, which can be both captivating and overwhelming. Surprisingly, amidst its intensity, there’s a calm and grounding presence that it radiates, almost like a serene anchor in the midst of a storm. One remarkable characteristic is its ability to mirror and reflect back the inner dimensions of the individual experiencing it, creating a profound connection and understanding. In many ways, 5-MeO-DMT takes on the role of a charismatic and enigmatic guide, leading the way through the intricate pathways of consciousness.

My sense is that when we approach using 5-MeO-DMT, our emotional beliefs, whether conscious or unconscious, can deeply shape the way we relate to the substance. Believes that seem to have a critical effect of such relationship seem to be:

• Whether we believe that what we experience is primarily generated by our minds vs somehow externally induced by the substance
• Whether we consider ourselves inherently good or bad
• Whether we consider others (including entheogens) inherently good or bad

When we hold the belief that our experiences are primarily drug-induced, and simultaneously harbor a negative view of ourselves alongside a positive model of others, a specific dynamic can emerge. This dynamic often involves an attachment to high-valence experiences, where we seek and cherish those moments induced by the drug that offer a heightened sense of positivity and connection. This attachment can take the form of an anxious attachment style, characterized by a strong desire for these experiences to continue. It may lead to a pattern of seeking higher doses to attain deeper, more profound states, driven by the goal of replacing our negative self-image with externally induced high-valence experiences. However, caution is warranted in this pursuit, as it may eventually lead to a psychological crash when the contrast between the drug-induced state and everyday life becomes stark and challenging to reconcile.

Cultivating qualities like equanimity and loving-kindness can play a profoundly beneficial role in 5-MeO-DMT experiences. These practices hold the potential to foster a positive view of both oneself and others, which, in turn, may contribute to calmer and significantly high-valence experiences during the drug’s use. The infusion of equanimity and loving-kindness can help create a foundation of positivity and connection, which can manifest as a sense of healing and transformation in the aftermath of the experience. However, it’s important to acknowledge that the impact of these practices may vary from person to person and should be approached with a humble and open-minded perspective, as the nature of these experiences remains deeply personal and subject to individual interpretation.