DreamSpirit

I would highly recommend going alone. Those are great regions to start with, inexpensive and friendly people. I've always wanted to go to TIbet; it was only like $500 from Nepal, but I didn't want to spend that much. I ended up going to Malaysia for $300 instead; which I loved!! So you'll have a blast if you just go your own way and buy a lonely planet guidebook to read up on the country. It has everything about that country you can imagine. Also, once you get there, you find out more from other travelers too.

@Spence94 Yes, Asia is the place for meditating and yoga, as it began in India...it's BIG in certain parts of Asia. Most countries you go to will have meditation and yoga groups set up. There are temples everywhere!! I first got into meditating when I was there. I had never done it before, so going to Asia, you can't miss it. If you buy a lonely planet guidebook for the country you want to go to, it will give you an updated version on what groups are in that area and you can reach out to them. Also, check on Facebook for expats living there and reach out to them. They'll keep you in the know on that kind of thing. Thailand, Korea, Laos, Vietnam, India, Burma, Cambodia are all places where meditation would be in huge practice.

@Richard Alpert Not in here

I'm glad to see we're back on topic and able to have a healthy, non-accusatory discussion. Also, just so everyone is clear about what is acceptable on this site as far as the user guidelines and the discussion of Psychedelics are concerned (I know there was more than one person); so this is for everyone. This is taken straight from the list of what is NOT accepted: Discussing drugs (exception is made for legitimate psychedelics for spiritual growth & people quitting drugs) Ganging up on other members, starting factions that splinter the community Name-calling, blaming, finger-pointing, conspiracy theories So, I think we’re good in here on our discussion of Psychedelics for those who were curious If you have different opinions on the issue, please note what IS accepted: Expressing strong opinions in a thoughtful, non-hateful, non-violent manner So, with everything, please watch your tone and maintain a friendly demeanor, especially when disagreeing and let's continue to enjoy the discussion and learn from each other.

@Henri You have your opinion and I have mine. I disagree with insinuating someone is ignorant because they suggest listening to Graham Hancock. It's all in your tone. You weren't being factual; you said "some bush-guy". Both statements clearly suggest you were being condescending. It's my job as a moderator to control that. As I've stated, we can disagree all we want, but when you go in attacking (even subtly) like that; it can be a huge problem. And your slight dig at the end about having higher standards of what a moderator is to do in here, I caught that too. Once again, using little digs and jabs; unacceptable and rude. So yes, you've been warned. End of story. Message me if you have anything more to say; as I don't want to go too far off topic in this thread. We're now talking your specific post and not the topic itself.

Henri, This is why you were warned. Your tone is very condescending! And why approach a thread named Psychedelics, if that's not something you're interested in. It's clear and apparent that you came in to start an argument. And calling Shamans "bush-guys" What exactly are you insinuating from that??? That's almost bordeline racist! Are you saying he lives in a bush? Your entire tone is off-set, judgemental, and unfriendly. And be clear...this is why you've been warned! This type of community is not one for that. Instead this is a place of encouragement, conversation, and exploration. We're all after self-actualization, how we individually go about that is up to the person. Some things work for others while some things don't. That's a personal decision for everyone else to make. It's not your place to come in and shove your opinion in people's faces like that. It's like you were intentionally starting an argument. Not cool!

Henri, This is why you were warned. Your tone is very condescending! And why approach a thread named Psychedelics, if that's not something you're interested in. It's clear and apparent that you came in to start an argument. And calling Shamans "bush-guys" What exactly are you insinuating from that??? That's almost bordeline racist! Are you saying he lives in a bush? Your entire tone is off-set, judgemental, and unfriendly. And be clear...this is why you've been warned! This type of community is not one for that. Instead this is a place of encouragement, conversation, and exploration. We're all after self-actualization, how we individually go about that is up to the person. Some things work for others while some things don't. That's a personal decision for everyone else to make. It's not your place to come in and shove your opinion in people's faces like that. It's like you were intentionally starting an argument. Not cool!

@ChimpBrain Wow...sounds like some very powerful insights then. I'm looking forward to that sense of oneness. I know that our minds don't allow us the ability to experience the world as it truly is; our senses just won't allow it. So, going beyond that idea of separation is awesome. Totally looking forward to it.

I think there's a difference between doing them for pure entertainment and doing them for higher awareness. It's important to distinguish the two. There are spiritual groups who do them in retreats to raise their levels of consciousness. It's definitely a subject you have to approach with maturity.

@Henri Correction: Psychadelics are not dope. It's not the most intelligent thing to categorize them together like that. Some psychadelics can give you eye-opening experiences and change your perspective on reality. So, there are some benefits. It's not the same as talking about heroin, crack, cocaine, or even weed. You might benefit from listening to Graham Hancock So, there's nothing wrong here...please don't be so quick to judge. This community does not need that.

@ChimpBrain How would you say they've helped you personally? I'm really looking into them right now. I'm leaning towards experimenting

@Flower Thanks! Yes, I'm very excited about experiencing it. I'll keep you posted how it was.

I'm going to Peru to work with Ayahuasca...it's not necessarily in the drug category because it's a healing plant, but it's the most potent psychadelic on the planet. I can't wait to experience it tho. Im' really feeling called to it. Has anyone ever heard of it?

@Flower So true!!! You've got a lovely spirit!

@Flower Hi that's great you're venturing out into worlds unknown! You're going to have an amazing trip! Asia is a great place to start for first-time backpackers; it's cheap and friendly, and most of all safe if you can stay away from the drinking scene. I've done Thailand, Chang Rai and Bangkok...those were really cool places. Be ready to bargain everywhere you go. I've also done Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh and a couple of other cities, be ready to face crazy traffic! I've never done Cambodia, I did Laos instead, so I have to go back for Cambodia. You've got the right idea for leaving an open itinerary. You don't want to have too much planned. So much can happen on the road and before you know it, you've met some other cool backpackers who want to invite you to where they're going. It's best to leave it open like you're doing. Overlanding it to other countries is much cheaper, too. Sometimes taking a bus gives you a chance to see more of the country's landscaping and take in how beautiful it really is. Your Lonely Planet book is really all you need; it will give you the best tips on where to stay away from and where to go on a budget. Eat lots of street food and keep an open mind. Good on you for wanting to dive into the culture and learn about their history and temples; as soon you as can, befriend a local. They'll give you sooo much more information and insight into their country. What I usually do is get on Facebook and start reaching out to people who are there, they could be locals or expats and I just send messages asking them about their trip; they'll have the most current information for you. Staying at hostels are a great way to make friends. You'll meet other people traveling alone and you guys can link up and do things together. Be sure not to carry large amounts of cash on you; have a backup card in case you lose your main one. Also, you don't want to carry purses if you don't have to...keep things in your pockets. When going into poorer areas, don't dress too flashy, dress down. Learning a little bit of the language before you go takes the target off of you as a tourist. When you're there, you can also look into doing things like WOOFing (Working on Organic Farms); they cover your housing and food in exchange for a few hours of farm work. There's also Couchsurfing, too. I haven't used it yet, but I hear it's a great way to get around and meet people when you're traveling. Make sure your passport has more than 6 months left on it before you head out or they won't let you in. Overall, you're good to go with the Lonely Planet though. Thumb through the pictures and pick out something you want to learn about and it will tell you how to get there. Once you get to the country, you'll find way more information on what's happening though. Hmmm, that's all I can think of for now. Let me know if you have any other questions that come up for you. I think traveling is the best education a human can have. It's real life right in front of you firsthand. You'll learn so much about yourself and the world and be prepared because when you come back, you will not be the same Kudos to you