Part #1 - On Leaving LA
When I first set foot in LA during the spring of 2017, it struck me as a paradise. Having spent my entire life on the East Coast, LA appeared almost cinematic. I saw beautiful women rollerblading down the Venice Beach boardwalk, everyone seemed to be in remarkable shape, noticed the ubiquitous presence of cannabis, and observed what seemed like an abundance of wealth without the visible burden of work. There was a pervasive, carefree attitude towards life that I found incredibly infectious.
The following six years turned out to be some of the best in my life. I wholeheartedly embraced the quintessential California lifestyle. A year into my stay, I had my last alcoholic drink. By the second year, I attended my first of many Psychedelic ceremonies. I shed 30 pounds, fell in love, and laid down roots in what I believed would be my forever home.
However, as is often the case in life, things changed. The advent of COVID-19 and the ensuing lockdowns left an indelible mark on this distinctive culture. It didn't surprise me that the government seized the crisis as an opportunity to expand its reach; anyone with even a marginal understanding of history knows this to be a standard response. What caught me off guard, however, was the public's acquiescence. The once vibrant culture of 'sex, drugs, and rock & roll' transformed into an era dominated by masks, vaccine mandates, and the shaming of those who dared to think differently.
Therefore, I've made the decision to relocate to Austin, a place where the Psychedelic movement is thriving & vibrant.
Part #2 - The Need for Change
There is an adage that people change when the pain of staying the same supersedes the pain of change. This notion struck me with full force upon my return from Mexico, as I navigated the chaos of LAX. There was an undeniable, intuitive feeling washing over me — a sense that Los Angeles, once a haven, was no longer the place I could call home. The familiar streets, the once comforting rhythms of the city, all seemed foreign, as if they belonged to a chapter of my life that was closing. The stress & upheaval involved in moving, daunting as they were, paled in comparison to the growing discomfort of staying put. It was as though every fiber of my being was pushing me towards something new, something different.
This realization led me to ponder the true nature of our decisions. We often believe we are making choices purely based on rational thought, yet there's an undercurrent of something deeper at play. It's an energy, a gut feeling, an intuitive whisper that guides us, often subconsciously, towards or away from places, people, and situations. It's as if there's a silent orchestrator within us, pointing us in directions we might not logically choose but feel compelled to follow. In this light, the concept of Free Will seems almost mythical. As I considered my next move, the thought of Austin began to resonate with me. It felt less like a conscious choice and more like a natural progression, a path that was unfolding before me, almost as if it was destined or inevitable.
Part #3 - What’s Next
The Psychedelic movement in Austin is not just surviving; it's thriving. This city, with its unique blend of libertarian culture & open-minded community, presents an ideal backdrop for my journey & aspirations. I am eagerly anticipating the opportunity to immerse myself in this environment, to attend Psychedelic ceremonies that are rich in tradition & insight, and to share these profound experiences & discoveries with you all. Austin has become a hub for renowned Psychedelic advocates such as Aubrey Marcus & Joe Rogan, each drawn here for reasons that resonate deeply with me. It’s a place that nurtures freedom of thought & expression, making it a natural gathering spot for those who push the boundaries of conventional wisdom.
Austin has evolved into a mecca for independent podcasters, people like Chris Williamson & Lex Fridman, who are reshaping the landscape of media & public discourse. Their presence here is no mere coincidence; it reflects the city's growing reputation as a fertile ground for intellectual & creative exploration. This aligns perfectly with my own aspirations to expand & enrich this think piece. Just as one would have sought out Rome in its heyday to be at the center of cultural & intellectual developments, Austin now represents that epicenter for today’s thinkers & innovators. By positioning myself in this vibrant city, amidst pioneers who are reinventing ways of disseminating news & catalyzing stimulating conversations, I am not just finding a new home. I am joining a movement, a community of forward-thinkers & change-makers, where my work can flourish & contribute to the ever-evolving narrative of our times. This isn’t just a relocation; it’s a strategic alignment with a place that embodies the values & vision that drive my work.
I warmly invite you to continue this journey with me. The path ahead is full of promise & potential, and I firmly believe that the most exciting chapters are yet to be written. Let's explore these unfolding stories together. The future holds incredible possibilities, and I am thrilled at the thought of discovering & sharing them with you. Stay tuned, because the best is undoubtedly yet to come.
If you enjoyed this piece, please do me a favor & ‘Like’ it. I have learned the amount of ‘likes’ a piece gets directly impacts where it ranks in the Substack algorithm. Thank you!
If you are enjoying this think piece, nothing goes further than sharing with others who may be interested (forward this email & they can subscribe via the button below).
Wishing you a happy relocation, looking forward to reading what you experience in the new city.
What is your email address? Thanks. 🙏