94. Using Cannabis and Plant Medicine for Increased Consciousness, Connection and Lifestyle Balance with Ryan Sprague (Part I)

Have you ever really clicked with someone in your life and immediately felt comfortable and grounded, almost as if you’d known them for a long time? If you can relate to that, consider yourself to be truly blessed– because, as we discuss in this episode, life is ALL about relationships. My guest, Ryan Sprague, is one of those people for me. We haven’t known each other for long... In fact, this is the first time we’ve really sat down and had a one-to-one conversation. Ryan Sprague is an expert on cannabis and its holistic and medical uses, and this episode will take you to a wide variety of fascinating and complex topics. Ryan is so full of deep ideas and interesting perspectives that I already have him booked for another episode for you!  Ryan’s mission in life is helping his fellow brothers and sisters become empowered in their experience of being alive through men’s coaching, plant medicine integration coaching and retreat experiences. Ryan is the founder and co-owner of Highly Optimized, which also has a podcast that he hosts in addition to his other show, This One Time On Psychedelics. I highly encourage you to check out Ryan’s programs and podcasts– he is truly a wealth of information.  Some of the topics we discuss in this episode include decision-making fatigue, core values, what it means to live a balanced and healthy life (hint: it does NOT involve strict dieting or removing things that make you happy), the difference between happiness and pleasure, and most importantly: why it is critical to be clear on your “WHY” for doing anything. We also spend some time talking about plant medicines and how to use them to enhance our self awareness for healing, as opposed to relying on them as a means for escape or numbing to the emotions our bodies must process. Lastly, we talk about the importance of using our imagination in the modern world as adults and our responsibility to acknowledge and listen to that inspired child-mind that lies within us all. You’re just going to LOVE this show, and I can’t wait to bring Ryan back to you next week! Please leave a review to let me know what you think of Awakening Aphrodite! TIME STAMPS 00:07:51 Our East Coast Origins And Other Commonalities 00:11:18 Seasonal Affective Disorder 00:13:39 Decision Making Fatigue 00:18:39 The Idea Of Balance 00:21:54 What’s The Deal With Self-Soothing? 00:25:50 The Wisdom Of Weekly Abstinence 00:30:59 The Minimum Effective Dose 00:33:21 Becoming Aware Of Cannabis Dependency 00:37:09 Ryan’s Three-Step Process To Ensure Your Conscious Use Of Plant Medicines 00:43:29 How To Avoid Using A Substance As Your Catalyst 00:46:43 How Belief Systems Shape Your Experience Of Reality 00:49:11 The Simple Step For Making Your Everyday Decisions Conscious 00:51:02 Joe Dispenza 00:52:27 Its All About Relationships 00:55:33 How To Find Ryan: - Instagram: @therealryansprague and @highly.optimized - Facebook: “The Ceremony Circle” HOW TO FIND AMY INSTAGRAM: @FitAmyTV YOUTUBE: Awakening Aphrodite Podcast/FitAmyTV FACEBOOK: Amy Fournier