MINDFUL WAYS TO CELEBRATE 420
420 is growing in popularity as a celebrated holiday all over the world. It’s been a favorite holiday of mine for decades, and if you’re like me, you always feel a little giddy as the day grows close.
In the past, I’ve celebrated cannabis by hosting a Ganja Yoga class or virtual day-long event, by gathering with friends in nature, once at a legalization rally with my mom (fun!), - and usually by honoring the day solo in my sacred space.
Have you given thought to what you’re going to get up to this year, and how you can most honor the amazing ancient plant ally we call friend??
However we plan to spend the global holiday, let’s approach the day with mindfulness and intent. Here’s some ways that might look…
Scenario 1: Celebrating With Friends
Community gatherings can be so energizing for the soul. On many a 420, I’ve gathered with friends to immerse ourselves in nature, smoking joints, dab rigs, and eating edibles. Chatter and laughter create contagious sounds, the stars even start to giggle, am I right?
~ Make It Mindful: Put Intention Into Your Joint-Roll
It’s easy to rush through the process of rolling, or even take a shortcut and purchase a pre-roll pack, despite knowing many brands use lesser-quality cannabis (“shake”) for these.
For this celebration day, I challenge you to mindfully make the joint-rolling process a ritual unto itself, so if you decide to pass one to a friend, your magic and goodwill will be passed on.
Mindful Joint-Rolling:
Slow down as you select the cannabis strain, - examining the bud’s appearance and fragrance, as well as all of the tactile sensations.
Breath deeply, and maybe even close your eyes as you grind the plant. Take a breath or two here before the next step.
Place the paper gently into the joint roller, if using, and roll with slowness, ease, and presence. Accept any flaws in your rolling skills. Develop relaxation and self-love.
You can also mentally repeat a meaningful word or sacred sound here, and really imbue the joint with high vibration.
Elongate the lick with nourishment and grace. Love on the joint as it takes its final form. Perfect for time with friends!
Scenario 2: Solo Celebrations Are So Nourishing
Nothing beats doing absolutely whatever you want and not having to compromise or talk to other people if you’re an introverted stoner.
I’ve had several yummy-alone-time-420’s, and it’s always about creating a peaceful space for myself, with treats, music, and pillows, and perhaps a sacred bath.
Settling into the easy sounds of a favorite playlist, I start my 420 day by ritualistically cleaning my pipes and bongs and charging my vape pens and smoking devices, as well as tidying up my space. If I somehow did all of these the day before, even better.
I then burn some dried sage or other plants to purify my space, and dust off my stones and crystals. Once I’ve settled in and am ready for my first smoke, I set an intention, “May this cannabis be a blessing unto my heart,” a translation from an ancient yogic text from South Asia.
I take a moment to be grateful for this ancient, wise plant friend, then spark it up in honor of her capability to bring healing, connection, and peace to so many people over time.
~ Make It Mindful: Mindful Joint-Smoking
Set an intention before hitting the dab or doobie (haha, “doobie”). What do you want from this cannabis experience? What are you going to do towards aiding the plant in moving you toward this intention? Asking for and receiving is part of working with cannabis, and so is wise action and self-awareness.
Before sparking, do a “dry inhale” where you just puff the pipe or joint, to taste the terpenes. Awaken the senses as a gateway to mindfulness.
Spark up, using a hemp wick, and as the smoke or vapor hits you, feel your body, and allow it to fully relax. BE HERE NOW, as they say. What can you notice, without judgment or expectation, from the mild trance you’re feeling?
