I had a conversation recently with a good friend of mine about how in the world of psychedelic retreats, there are ceremonies and events that are alcohol-free, and yet extremely fun and empowering. They bring people closer together with open hearts that really help form deeper relationships with the people in that community. It got me thinking about the annual company holiday party, especially when a return to the office is now expected after nearly three years of pandemic lockdowns and restrictions. Most corporate holiday events have traditionally revolved around alcohol consumption, not to mention overeating, which can lead to boisterous and embarrassing behavior.
Some folks get so inebriated that they become ill or forget what transpired the very next day. Although many people are more apt to speak freely and loosen up with alcohol, what it really does is closes them off to their heart and compassion. It also amplifies the ego and outside social structures and intensifies negative feelings. Taking psychedelics does just the exact opposite, providing insight and an opening to connect with others on a much more compassionate and deeper level.
Psilocybin mushrooms are one of the safest drugs in the world and research shows that it’s an efficacious treatment of various mental illnesses. Alcohol, on the other hand, increases depression, anxiety, memory loss, sexual harassment and assault (a slippery slope post-#MeToo) and the propensity for violence. To be clear, I’m not suggesting that psychedelic substances replace alcohol at the company holiday party. My point is that there are alternative ways to celebrate the end of the year with colleagues that are just as fun and more thoughtful at a time when we all need to show greater care toward one another.
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