And Then I Got High

Contributor: Lacy Phillips
Photographer: Free & Native

We've been digging into the topic of growth a lot this month. It's that sticky, uncomfortable period of our lives when we've pushed past our cushy comfort zone and feel as though we're free falling into the Magic Dark. With no one to catch us, except the trust we build with The Universe, it's easy to reach for potentially-naughty habits, drinks, pills or powders to take the edge off and "soothe" our inner instability.

That evening glass of wine turns into a bottle or two, that brownie corner into the whole pan, that evening out turns into a wild 7 am party-town rager. Whatever your clutch may be, it's nearly certain that the following morning (or whenever you rise from the haze) will leave you feeling woozy, ungrounded, way more unstable and not-so-high-worth. 

Have no shame in these cycles - Growth is painful and can leave us feeling totally non-magnetic and weak.

But you don't have to reach for the bottle, brownie pan or pills next time you're feeling the contractions of transition.

Here are some high-vibe groovy swaps for not-so-high-vibe habits.  

EATING OUR EMOTIONS 

Dried figs stuffed with sprouted almonds or walnuts - rather than a donut (or a dozen)

The Portuguese reach for this sweet treats alternative because of its fully-loaded mineral, vitamin punch. Figs are naturally high in vitamin A, B1, B2, calcium, iron and potassium. The healthy fats and protein in almonds, or walnuts, balances the digestion of the fruit's natural sugars - delivering you pure, stable bliss that won't leave your blood sugar skyrocketing. Bye, bye sugar crutch. Plus, figs are packed with fiber, which aids digestion and elimination. The mind lives in the gut: clear gut, clear mind.

FRENETIC 

One dropper full of Kava Kava feels like smoking one joint. Or get on the CBD train. 

Kava Kava has very potent relaxation effects. The Kavalactones in the root of the plant have sedative effects on the brain and nervous system. This root can also aid in relieving migraines and inducing sleep.

Chamomile & Lavender Herbal smoke over a regular joint 

You don't even need to add weed to this joint to appreciate its soothing qualities. Read about it here.

ANXIETY

1 500 mg of GABA GABA feels like half a Xanax 

GABA is short for gamma-aminobutyric acid, a naturally occurring chemical in your brain that functions as a neurotransmitter that slows the firing of neurons (the opposite of adrenaline). 

Try Calm plus a vitamin B supplement

Calm is a drinkable magnesium supplement. Magnesium and vitamin B promote the production of GABA in your brain, calming your over-firing brain neurons to give you some peace and clarity.

Drink a cup of skullcap and lavender tea with it and you'll feel like you used to on wine and Xanax!

Skullcap works to release endorphins in your brain. The phenolic compounds in this herb are rich in antioxidants and naturally balance your out-of-whack hormones. Lavender is an ultra soothing and flavorful addition to this tea tonic.

Looking for a pick-me-up

Drink Coca Tea 

Yes, it's made from the same plant used for the production of cocaine. This tea will boost your mood and your energy, without the bloody nose, come down, or crazy high. It will also boost mental focus so that you can clearly navigate your growth. And, apparently, everyone in Europe is snorting it over coke now, so...

DRINKING OUR TROUBLES

Strong Kombucha rather than booze 

The fermentation process of kombucha creates trace amounts of alcohol. Some brands, such as Boochcraft, have a high enough percentage to give you a slight buzz after a bottle. A little buzz with probiotics and not the poisonous reaction, mineral depletion, dehydration, and hangover.

DEPRESSION

Mucuna daily in your tonic 

Mucuna is a natural, concentrated source of dopamine, a precursor to your happiness brain chemical. Include this powder in your morning tonic.

SLEEP TROUBLES 

2 Tryptophan vs sleeping pills 

Ever heard how a turkey dinner can put you to sleep? That's because turkey is full of Tryptophan. This essential amino acid that helps your body naturally produce serotonin and balance different hormones, which can calm your nervous system and lull you into sweet dreams. It can also help to curb your sweet tooth - 2 birds with 1 stone!

Ashwagandha tonic over your whiskey nightcap 

Ashwagandha supports healthy sleep by rejuvenating the body's energy supplies, calming the nervous system and reducing stress. This potent herb also helps to drain toxins from the brain. The less sleep you got, the less able the brain is to drain out toxins. The more toxins in your brain, the harder it is to sleep. Ashwagandha breaks this cycle (unlike that whiskey nightcap).

SEX FOR ATTENTION

OM Meditation rather than sleeping around to take the edge off

Sleeping around may distract you from all those growth contractions for a few hours (maybe minutes?!), but opting for this meditation will have a much greater impact on coping. Empower yourself with your own OM Meditation, focus on what makes you feel good and raises your self-worth from within. Plus, all the benefits of a high-vibe orgasim!