Truma- giving from the heart and creating sacred containers
Pinni Baumol
The Torah portion of Truma describes the intricate design of the Tabernacle, which includes the Ark of the Covenant, an ornate and sacred container that housed the tablets of the Ten Commandments. Within the Ark of the Covenant, there were two golden cherubs that faced each other and sheltered the space between them with their wings.
This image of the cherubs facing each other with their wings extended provides a powerful metaphor for the way in which we can approach psychedelic experiences. Just as the cherubs protect and shelter the space between them, so too can we build tools and practices that support us in holding a safe and sacred container for our journeys.
One such tool is the integration process, which involves reflecting on and integrating insights gained during psychedelic experiences into our everyday lives. Integration practices can take many forms, including journaling, therapy, meditation, and creative expression. By engaging in these practices, we can create a space in which we can safely explore our inner selves, gain new perspectives, and ultimately grow and evolve.
In addition to integration, it is also important to approach psychedelic experiences with a sense of community and mutual support. Just as the cherubs face each other, we too can hold space for each other during our journeys. This can involve connecting with trusted friends or allies, or participating in group ceremonies facilitated by experienced practitioners. By coming together in this way, we can create a sense of safety and support that allows us to dive deeper into our experiences and emerge with greater insights and understanding.
Ultimately, the image of the cherubs facing each other and sheltering the space between them reminds us of the importance of building supportive and safe containers for our psychedelic journeys. By engaging in integration practices, connecting with others, and approaching our experiences with a sense of reverence and respect, we can deepen our spiritual understanding and cultivate a greater sense of interconnectedness and harmony in our lives.
The Torah portion of Truma also emphasizes the importance of donating and contributing to the building of sacred spaces and objects. In the text, the Israelites are called upon to offer their donations and heart's gifts to support the construction of the Tabernacle and its sacred furnishings. This call to donate reminds us of the importance of supporting the organizations and individuals who are blazing the path for safe and responsible psychedelic use.
Donating to organizations that support research, advocacy, and harm reduction efforts can help to ensure that the healing and transformative potential of psychedelics is accessible to all. Just as the Israelites were called upon to contribute to the construction of the Tabernacle, we too can support the creation of safe and sacred spaces for psychedelic experiences. Through our donations and effort,we can help to build a world in which these tools are used responsibly and with reverence, leading to greater spiritual understanding and personal growth. I call this "integrAction" social action as integration.
In conclusion, the Torah portion of Truma offers us a powerful metaphor for approaching psychedelic experiences with care and reverence. By building supportive containers for our journeys, connecting with others, and supporting the organizations and individuals who are working to advance these healing and transformative practices, we can deepen our spiritual understanding and cultivate a greater sense of interconnectedness in the world.
May we all be inspired by the example of the Israelites and the sacred tools they built, and may we continue to build a world in which these transformative tools are used responsibly and with respect.
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