Beyond Alcohol and Drugs: Take the Stage for Your Wellbeing
Imagine a thriving community, alive with shared experiences, where individuals of all ages navigate their relationship with substances with mindfulness and self-compassion.
We move beyond limitations, embracing a holistic understanding that empowers personal choices while cherishing the interconnectedness of life.
In this vision, we shift gears
Instead of solely focusing on restricting access, we delve deeper into the intricacies behind our choices. This includes acknowledging the diverse roles substances/medicines play in our lives. Some individuals utilise them for healing and wellbeing, whether traditionally practised or under medical guidance. Others may find temporary solace or recreational enjoyment in their use, while still others might struggle with problematic patterns of abuse. Each individual’s relationship with substances is unique, shaped by complex factors like personal history, underlying issues, and societal influences.
Statistics paint a grim picture
20% of young adults in New Zealand engage in hazardous drinking (NZ Health Survey 2019/20), a symptom of a culture often glamorising excess. This glamorization normalises harmful patterns, while ignoring the potential benefits of conscious awareness and informed decision-making.
Let’s cultivate a culture of conscious awareness and informed decision-making around substances/medicines
This means respecting the potential benefits when used responsibly, whether for healing, wellbeing, or recreation, while acknowledging the inherent risks associated with any substance. It also involves exploring the root causes that might lead individuals to seek them, addressing issues like trauma, lack of connection, or societal pressures. Voices like Dr. Gabor Maté, a renowned physician and addiction expert, remind us that compassion and understanding are crucial in navigating these complexities. Similarly, Johann Hari highlights the importance of community and belonging as antidotes to abuse, fostering well-being that goes beyond external substances/medicines.
Remember, creating a future free from abuse isn’t just about individual choices
Let’s build a space where open dialogue and honest exploration are encouraged. Join the conversation, share your unique perspective, and learn from the journeys of others. Whether it’s complete abstinence, mindful exploration, or something in between, let’s empower each other to make informed choices aligned with our personal values and well-being.
The Earth Beat Festival isn’t just a refuge; it’s a springboard for action
Let’s come together not just to escape, but to celebrate the complexities of life. As Rumi, the 13th-century mystic, reminds us, “Treat your vessel with reverence, for it is the sacred temple you inhabit.” This interconnectedness extends beyond our bodies, encompassing the Earth we tread upon. You are not alone on this path.
Together, let’s rewrite the narrative
Let’s move beyond outdated restrictions and step onto the dance floor of well-being. Let’s create a space where mindful abstinence and respectful engagement with substances/medicines can coexist, guided by self-awareness, compassion, and the wisdom and support of our community.
Read our guidelines for alcohol at EB2024
