CHOICES SHAPE YOUR FUTURE
By Judith Ashton
Brian Redmond was on KCLR Radio recently interviewing a guest about possible laws to decriminalise some recreational drugs in Ireland. The guest had much personal and professional insight into the issue and spoke about the easy availability of drugs across the country. He argued that society needs to better understand why people use drugs and address the factors that can contribute to addiction, e.g. trauma, poor mental health, housing insecurity, unemployment etc. For users, drugs only offer temporary relief. Of course, not all recreational drug users are struggling emotionally, but all users experience some form of reward from the effects. Marijuana may help people relax, while cocaine is often seen as a party drug that makes users feel powerful, energised and euphoric. All recreational drugs can have many risky unexpected side effects, e.g. psychosis, so what has always interested me are the “natural highs” we can easily experience without taking mind-altering substances.
Current statistics show young people smoke less and alcohol consumption has decreased. However, drug usage and vaping has increased, and both will create future health concerns. The mix of chemicals in alcohol, smoking, vaping and drugs are addictive, are undoubtedly detrimental to the human body and affect each individual in unknown ways.
Many young people have healthy habits and are interested in diet, fitness, yoga, meditation etc, which are all things I have been interested in since the 70s. These have positive benefits which hopefully will make these folks less likely to use intoxicants.
What are “natural highs”? They are what make you feel good without any mood-altering substances.
Remember, we aren’t only physical but emotional, sexual, social, spiritual and energetic beings and each aspect needs to be considered when we think about health versus ill health and thriving versus simply surviving.
We often need courage to take a long hard look at our life and to take responsibility for making changes that will uplift us. Intuitively, we know the things that we need to change: be it a relationship, a job, a location etc, and to ask ourselves: “What’s stopping me?”. Habits can become comfortable and we resist change, which can lead to ill health.
We know intuitively when our energy levels are low and when they are not. We know what depletes us, what boosts us.
Let’s consider a few negatives that drain our well-being and energy, compared to the positives that nourish us and help us feel more energised:
- Toxic relationships vs. positive loving relationships.
- Unhealthy food, alcohol, drugs and cigarettes vs. healthy food and drink, and natural highs.
- Isolation v social connections.
- Emotional repression v emotional expression.
- Tiredness and inactivity vs. Sleep and activity.
- Overwork, stress and anxiety vs. rest and
- No creative outlets vs. self-expression.
- Powerlessness vs. personal integrity.
- Insecurity vs. security.
- Living in a spiritual vacuum vs. connection to source or spirit.
Researchers have identified things that boost the immune system and which are completely natural, e.g. being in Nature, experiencing silence, walking barefoot on grass, listening to music, laughter, being in good company, sleeping and eating well, reading, doing some form of creative work and, believe it or not, simply looking at and enjoying art in all its forms. Visiting an art gallery is as beneficial as producing art. Of course, sport and exercise are important but the body needs to be respected and listened to, rather than whipped into shape with overdoing and forcing!
Some people find religion, with its rules, off-putting and restrictive, while genuine spirituality may help people find uplift and personal ways to connect with a deeper, intelligent energy. Most of us have experienced transcendent moments of heightened awareness when we sense that there’s much more magic to life than what is immediately visible, e.g. whilst looking into a newborn baby’s eyes, or taking in a beautiful view.
Feelings of “gratitude” and contentment are positive experiences. The more grateful we are for the good things in our lives, the less frustration we experience and people who have spent their lives chasing material gains seem to have deathbed regrets, wishing instead they had spent quality time with loved ones.
Giving or receiving random acts of kindness can also lift our spirits. By helping others, we also help ourselves. Could you make a daily habit of practising five acts of kindness?
What are your “natural highs”? Once you identify them, make more space for them because the more positive energy you create naturally will help your life feel more energetic, balanced and harmonious.
