As the popularity of microdosing magic mushrooms and other microdosing substances continues to soar, it’s high time to consider the impact of colonization on this space. Decolonization is a critical concept that involves reversing the harmful consequences of colonization, which have had a devastating impact on Indigenous communities and their traditional practices.
Why is decolonization so essential to microdosing? By integrating this concept into our practice, we not only prioritize our mental well-being but also support the preservation of Indigenous communities and their cultural heritage. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the various ways you can incorporate decolonization into your microdosing practice and explore what this looks like in the psychedelic space.
Understand the Concept of Decolonization
To understand how we can incorporate decolonization into our microdosing practice, we need to first dive deeper into the full scope and significance of this critical concept.
Decolonization is about more than simply reversing the effects of colonization; it also involves acknowledging and addressing the ongoing impacts of colonialism on Indigenous communities worldwide.
Embarking on the path of decolonization is an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of Indigenous perspectives and experiences. By engaging in dialogue with Indigenous peoples and communities, we can challenge our own assumptions and learn from their unique insights.
By challenging power structures and advocating for Indigenous sovereignty, we can help support their rights and well-being. This process can be challenging and complex, but it’s an essential step toward meaningful change and the respectful use of plant medicines.
Understanding Psychedelic Colonialism
To truly embrace the process of decolonization in the world of psychedelics, we must first come to grips with the insidious nature of psychedelic colonialism.
Put simply, psychedelic colonialism refers to how Western imperialism has influenced the use and perception of psychedelics and plant medicines. This includes the Western appropriation of these substances and the erasure of traditional knowledge and practices related to their use.
The impact of psychedelic colonialism extends far beyond just Western appropriation. It is also vital to recognize the ways in which colonialism has systematically impacted Indigenous communities and their access to traditional medicines. Indigenous communities have faced barriers to accessing their traditional psychedelic medicines, and the oppression and erasure of these practices have had significant impacts on their physical and mental well-being.
The ramifications of psychedelic colonialism are profound and far-reaching. It perpetuates systemic oppression and erasure of Indigenous cultures and communities, leading to significant cultural and personal losses. By understanding the nature and impact of psychedelic colonialism, we can work towards undoing its effects and supporting the rights of Indigenous peoples to reclaim their traditional medicines and practices.
So let’s talk about what are some of the ways you can incorporate decolonization into your microdosing practice.
Five ways to decolonize your microdosing practice
1. Create Space for Indigenous Voices in Microdosing
We believe in taking concrete steps to challenge ongoing oppression and acknowledge the impact of colonialism by creating more space for Indigenous voices in microdosing. One powerful way to do this is by learning about the ancient and traditional uses of psychedelics in various cultures without engaging in cultural appropriation. By deepening our understanding of Indigenous practices, we can integrate psychedelics into our microdosing practice with respect and responsibility.
Besides that, creating space for Indigenous voices also involves actively engaging with Indigenous communities and in an open dialogue within the psychedelic community. This can mean inviting Indigenous speakers to events or microdose-related workshops, amplifying Indigenous voices and perspectives on social media, and educating our friends and family on why decolonizing our practices is so necessary.
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2. Choose Indigenous or Ethically Sourced Substances
Decolonizing our microdosing practice requires us to be mindful of the impact of sourcing the substances we use. Selecting Indigenous or ethically sourced substances can support both our well-being and that of Indigenous communities, while also being mindful of cultural appropriation and sustainability.
One approach to selecting appropriate substances is to research traditional cultural practices and the substances used in those practices. This provides us with insight into the cultural significance of these substances and ensures that we’re using them in a respectful and appropriate manner.
Alternatively, we can seek out suppliers that prioritize sustainability and ethical practices. This can involve exploring the practices of different suppliers or looking for certified suppliers that have been vetted for ethical and sustainable sourcing.
By being intentional about the substances we use for microdosing, we are already shifting the way we relate to these medicines and their history, and our impact on Indigenous communities.
3. Practice Reciprocity and Intention Setting
Reciprocity and intention setting supports us in approaching microdosing with humility and respect for Indigenous cultures. It invites us to reflect on our intentions and motivations for using psychedelics and plant medicine, questioning whether we are only seeking personal benefit or are interested in exploring their spiritual and cultural dimensions and giving back to the Earth and those around us.
At Microdosing Institute we talk a lot about the importance of microdosing with reciprocity, commitment, and intention. This means being mindful of our intentions and approaching the practice with reverence for indigenous cultures. We can start by setting aside time for reflection, setting an intention for the practice, or contemplating our motivations for incorporating microdosing into our mental health routine.
Learn more about unlocking the potential of plant medicine through sacred reciprocity and microdosing.
4. Reflect on Privilege and Power Dynamics
To truly incorporate decolonization into our microdosing practice, we must also reflect on our own privilege and power dynamics and take action toward creating a more just and equitable world.
Examining our own motivations for incorporating microdosing into our mental health practice is important. Are we using these substances solely for personal gain, or are we also considering the impact of our actions on Indigenous communities? By being aware of our own motivations and the impact that our actions have on others, we can approach microdosing with a greater sense of empathy and respect.
5. Stay Informed and Educate Others
Finally, incorporating decolonization into our microdosing practice requires an ongoing commitment to staying informed and educating ourselves and others. It means recognizing that decolonization is not a one-time event, but a continuous process that requires sustained effort and attention.
One way to stay informed and educate ourselves is to seek out resources created by Indigenous peoples themselves. Reading books and articles written by Indigenous authors or listening to podcasts can provide valuable insight into their experiences, struggles, and perspectives. Taking the time to educate yourself and others is a great step towards more awareness and respectful use of plant medicines in microdosing.
A Journey Towards Cultural Diversity and Equity
Ultimately, decolonization involves examining the systems that led us to the current state of our world and determining our individual responsibilities in perpetuating or dismantling them. Incorporating decolonization into our microdosing practice is not just a passing trend; it’s a crucial step in dismantling centuries of cultural oppression and erasure. To truly honor and support Indigenous communities, we must approach microdosing with mindfulness and intentionality. We can start by selecting ethically sourced substances, connecting with and elevating Indigenous voices, and reflecting on our privilege and power dynamics.
Every action we take toward decolonization brings us closer to a more just and equitable world, where cultural diversity is celebrated and respected. When we commit ourselves to this ongoing journey, we become true allies to Indigenous communities in every aspect of our lives. Together, we can make a real difference and create a world that embraces and cherishes the richness of cultural diversity.
About the Author
Jessika Lagarde is a Brazilian plant medicine facilitator, storyteller, climate activist, and Women On Psychedelics co-Founder. Jessika’s environmental work and psychedelic path have made her more aware not only of the crisis of our planet but also of how human disconnection is a direct cause of it. All of her work is informed by taking action in a way that serves the Earth and our human collective, in hopes of mobilizing inner healing toward outer action. To learn more about her offerings, check her website.
