Navigating the Layers of Awareness in Cannabis-Assisted Therapy

Cannabis-Assisted Therapy stands as a testament to the healing power of awareness. By delving deep into the layers of our consciousness, this therapeutic approach offers a profound journey through the self, guided by the Five Awareness practices. These practices serve as the foundation for a transformative experience, fostering a deeper connection with our inner world and promoting healing on a fundamental level.

1. Physical Sensations: Body Sensing

At the core of awareness is the body — our primary interface with the world. Body sensing invites us to explore the rich tapestry of sensations that reside within. From the basic five senses to the nuanced perceptions of proprioception, tension, and pain, this practice encourages us to attune to our body’s messages, understanding its signals of balance, movement, and even discomfort as pathways to deeper self-awareness.

Trigger Questions:

• What physical sensation is most prominent in your body right now?
• Can you describe the location, size, and shape of this sensation?
• What texture or consistency does this sensation have?

2. Energetic Sensations: Subtle Sensing

Moving beyond the physical, subtle sensing taps into the energetic dimensions of our being. This practice encompasses the proprioception of our energetic field, temperature sensations, and the dynamics of expansion and contraction. By tuning into the electromagnetic qualities, vibrations, and energy currents, we open ourselves to a realm of sensation that transcends the tangible, connecting with the chakras and meridians that map our inner landscape.

Trigger Questions:

• Do you sense any shifts in energy within or around you?
• Can you describe the temperature and movement of these energetic sensations?
• What changes do you notice in your body’s energy field?

3. Feelings/Emotions

Emotions are the language of our psyche, conveying the depths of our experiences. This aspect of awareness encourages emotional intelligence — the ability to identify, engage, and navigate through our emotional states. From simple feelings to complex and extreme emotions, this practice offers a gateway to understanding the intricate dance of our emotional world, fostering a compassionate engagement with our innermost selves.

Trigger Questions:

• What emotion is most present for you at this moment?
• Can you allow yourself to fully experience this emotion and describe its qualities?
• What other emotions or sensations arise as you sit with this feeling?

4. Thoughts/Memories/Beliefs

Our thoughts, memories, and beliefs form the narrative of our identity. This layer of awareness prompts us to observe the mental constructs that shape our reality, offering insights, ideas, and inspirations. By examining the flow of thoughts and the memories and beliefs they’re tethered to, we gain access to a deeper understanding of ourselves, challenging and reframing the stories we tell about who we are.

Trigger Questions:

• What thoughts or memories come to mind in this moment?
• How do these thoughts relate to your current experience?
• What beliefs are influencing your perception right now?

5. Visual/Auditory/Symbolic/Imaginal

The realm of the imaginal is where symbols, images, and archetypes dwell. This practice invites us to explore the symbolic dimensions of our consciousness, where colors, shapes, and sounds convey meanings far beyond words. Engaging with this layer of awareness allows us to tap into the collective unconscious, encountering archetypal energies and symbolic narratives that guide us toward deeper insights and healing.

Trigger Questions:

• What images or symbols are emerging in your awareness?
• How do these images relate to your feelings or experiences?
• What story or message do these symbols convey to you?

Deepening the Practice: The Art of Inquiry

The journey through the Five Awareness practices is enriched by a series of deepening questions that guide the exploration of each layer. These questions encourage a curious and non-judgmental engagement with our experiences, inviting us to probe deeper into the sensations, emotions, and imagery that arise. By pairing awareness with acceptance, we open the door to healing, allowing the therapeutic process to unfold within the body and mind.

Trusting the Process

The essence of Cannabis-Assisted Therapy lies in the art of letting go — releasing expectations and trusting the meandering path of consciousness. This journey is characterized by an unfolding awareness, where the simple act of being present in our inner experiences is enough to catalyze profound healing. As we navigate through the layers of awareness, we learn to embrace the flow of our inner world, allowing the process of discharge and release to carry us toward transformation.

Cannabis-Assisted Therapy, through the Five Awareness practices, offers a holistic and integrative approach to healing. By embracing these layers of awareness, we embark on a journey of self-discovery and healing that transcends the conventional, tapping into the deep wellspring of wisdom that resides within us all.