I’ve dedicated years to “mind expansion” techniques, diving into a wide array of practices and experiences. From mastering multiple meditation practices to exploring ancient psychedelics, from voraciously reading channeled books to immersing myself in the deepest corners of conspiracy theories, my journey has been both profound and ongoing. Each of these experiences has awakened me in unique ways, peeling back layers of illusion and opening my eyes to new perspectives. Awakening, however, is merely the first step toward enlightenment. I’ve always been careful not to confuse the two. In fact, I’ve learned that when you’re already awake, chasing more awakening can sometimes be detrimental—it’s a sign that it’s time to move forward on the path to true enlightenment.
No Drug Will Cause Enlightenment
There’s nothing quite like your first ayahuasca experience, or even that initial “aha” moment of marijuana intoxication. Honestly, I’d recommend that anyone entrenched in the modern world consider a controlled psychedelic experience with a guide. It’s one of those things that can take you out of your shell and help you see the world in a different way. Even if it results in an unpleasant experience that reaffirms your existing beliefs, that might be a worthwhile endeavor. That said, I’ve met a number of “psychonauts” who have done “hundreds” of ayahuasca ceremonies. Yet, they seem no closer to enlightenment than anyone else. These drug experiences break open consciousness, but they never seem to put things back together to the point where you “get to the destination.” Instead, they end up on an endless journey of meandering consciousness. Psychedelics can be a worthwhile tool for awakening from the matrix, and indeed, for some, they might even be a required step toward enlightenment (after all, awakening is the first step to enlightenment). But drugs will never lead to enlightenment, no matter how many trips you take.
Following Conspiracy Theories Will Not Lead to Enlightenment
I’ve been an on-and-off follower of Alex Jones since the start of this century. That’s how I found out about the history of water fluoridation, alternative medicine, the concepts of “false flag attacks,” and, yes, the “deep state” of 3-letter agencies that operate above the law and guide people through social manipulation. I would definitely credit Jones with my “political awakening.” Nowadays, the field is getting much wider with the likes of Tucker Carlson, Stew Peters, Vivek Ramaswamy, Ian Carroll and to a lesser extent, Joe Rogan pointing out how we are being manipulated. There are even sub-branches of this, such as in the medical field, with Dr. Robert Malone, Dr. Peter McCullough, and other medical experts who have come forward to expose the medical tyranny that has been unleashed in the last few years. The rabbit hole goes deeper when we look at how hard the establishment has gone to silence these people, even though they often just present data that the establishment itself put out. We see the world of doublespeak, doublethink, gaslighting, the memory hole, and the ministry of truth, as the telescreen (our phones) tracks our every move. All of these channels of alternative media serve us in the “great awakening” as the sleeping masses begin to understand the global cabal that surrounds us and wants our “loosh.” (Jeffrey Epstein didn’t kill himself, anyone?). However, at some point, it serves us to let go of it all and look within for the answers. Like taking ayahuasca on a regular basis can spin you out, so can digging so deep into the rabbit holes of conspiracy theories where even the more wild ones seem plausible because so many that previously seemed absurd have turned out to be true. It can be maddening. Alternative media is a great place to find awakening, but it will never lead to enlightenment.
Meditation: A Tool for Awakening, Not a Guarantee of Enlightenment
Meditation has been a cornerstone of my journey, offering moments of clarity and stillness that have profoundly awakened me to my inner world. Practices like mindfulness, breathwork, and Vipassana have helped me peel back layers of mental chatter, revealing deeper truths about myself and the nature of reality. These mindful meditation practices can be incredibly powerful for breaking through the illusions of everyday life, much like psychedelics or alternative media. However, I’ve seen many meditators—myself included at times—fall into the trap of believing that more meditation will automatically lead to enlightenment. Sitting for hours, attending endless retreats, or mastering advanced techniques can deepen your awakening, but it doesn’t guarantee enlightenment. Meditation often opens the door to self-awareness, but enlightenment requires walking through that door and integrating those insights into your daily life. Without this integration, meditation can become another form of chasing—an endless cycle of seeking rather than arriving. True spiritual growth lies in using meditation as a stepping stone, not as the final destination.
Channeled Books and Spiritual Texts: Guidance, Not Gospel
My shelves are filled with spiritual texts that have played a significant role in my awakening. Books like The Secret by Rhonda Byrne reaffirmed what I already knew about the power of intention and the law of attraction, while Wayne Dyer’s Real Magic offered practical wisdom for manifesting a meaningful life. The teachings of Osho, with their raw and unfiltered approach to consciousness, challenged me to question societal norms, and The Law of One provided a profound framework for understanding unity and the nature of existence. These texts have been instrumental in expanding my perspective and breaking through mental barriers. But I’ve noticed a pattern among avid readers of spiritual texts: some treat these writings as the ultimate truth, believing that enlightenment lies in absorbing every word or following every teaching to the letter. This can lead to a kind of intellectual awakening—where your mind expands, but your heart and spirit remain untouched. Enlightenment isn’t about accumulating esoteric knowledge; it’s about embodying that wisdom in your actions, relationships, and inner peace. Channeled books can point you toward enlightenment, but they won’t carry you there. The real work happens when you close the book and live the teachings through self-awareness and compassionate action. You can explore more of my favorite reads on my Goodreads profile.
The Path to Enlightenment: A Lifelong Weaving of Moments
So, if psychedelics, conspiracy theories, meditation, and spiritual texts can awaken you but not enlighten you, what does the path to enlightenment look like? In my experience, enlightenment is not a fixed destination you arrive at and stay in forever—it’s a series of moments that you weave in and out of throughout your life. You can have profound moments of enlightenment where you feel completely aligned with your true self, fully present, and at peace, only to drift back into a state of distraction or unconsciousness. It’s a long life, and we are constantly moving between these states of wakefulness and sleep. The key to sustaining those enlightened moments lies in being in the moment. Enlightenment happens when you stop chasing external experiences and instead focus on the present—whether that’s through a simple act of gratitude, a deep breath in nature, or a quiet moment of reflection. For me, this has meant stepping back from the tools that awakened me and cultivating daily practices that anchor me in the now, like savoring a sunrise, journaling my thoughts, or practicing kindness without expectation. Enlightenment is about returning to the present over and over again, integrating the insights of your awakening into each moment you live. It’s a lifelong journey of weaving in and out of clarity, always coming back to the stillness of the present.
Final Thoughts: Move Beyond Awakening to Find Enlightenment
Awakening and enlightenment are two distinct stages on the spiritual path. Awakening opens your eyes, shakes you out of complacency, and reveals the illusions that surround us—whether through psychedelics, conspiracy theories, meditation, or spiritual teachings. But enlightenment requires you to take those revelations and weave them into the fabric of your life, creating a state of inner peace and wisdom that transcends the tools that got you there. If you find yourself endlessly chasing more awakening experiences—another ayahuasca ceremony, another conspiracy theory rabbit hole, another meditation retreat—it might be time to pause and ask: Am I seeking awakening, or am I ready to embody enlightenment? The journey inward, grounded in the present moment, is where the real transformation happens. For more insights on balancing awakening with practical spiritual growth, explore our guide on Authenticating your authentic self.
About the Author
Russell Eric Dobda is a lifelong seeker of truth and wisdom, blending meditation, travel, and mindful practices to explore the depths of consciousness. Follow his journey at Spin the World Around.
