(this post part of a thread started here http://kenwilber.meetup.com/59/messages/boards/thread/4558305 ...which may become a series as it progresses.
I have enjoyed very much being associated with this community of inspired and inspiring buddies.)

Hey Lynne,

Thanks for getting the ball rolling again. A wonderful story you started with.

I loved the idea you proposed...so here goes.

This may seem 'light' but was major in my early life...my dog Duke. A shepard/collie mix that was my companion from ~2 yrs to ~10 yrs. I was told later of the time he grabbed me by my diapers and pulled me from hanging on the bumper of the 'ice cream truck' as it was pulling away. He taught me much about loyalty & fierce devotion.

Not insignificant for this youngster at the time.

More later.
Cheers,
Doug

Edited by Doug Wallack on Apr 19, 2008 at 8:50 AM

(Continued from Part 1, a little auto-biography exercise)

Doug's Episode #2

Hi Friends,

Fast forward another ~10 yrs...

I'm now 19 years old & incarcerated (~1 yr) in the California Youth 'Authority' (sic) for violating the conventional culture's taboo against altering consciousness in unapproved ways...the 'devil weed'. (BTW, this was preceded by previous short term incarcerations for overdoing the 'approved' drug...alcohol).

At this 'fulcrum' of development, I was fortunate to be exposed to the writings of Ayn Rand by my ever vigilant, agnostic mother (luv ya Mom!). Thus begins a total immersion in the 'Rational Stage of Faith'. I would definitely consider Ms. Rand my Spiritual Authority during this period of development (although certainly not 'seen' that way at the time)...unquestioningly loved her writings, ideas & persona. "Long Live John Galt!". But, as a result, I began to use discriminating intelligence to evalutate declarations of all so called 'authorities', including her eventually.

At the time, I considered myself an atheist; a proponant of rational self interest; an advocate of libertarian (moderist 'liberal') economic & political philosophy. I read Aristotle, Ludwig Von Mises, Nathanial Branden, and just about anyone that didn't demand faith without empirical evidence.

To this day, I'm am still extremely grateful & still using this valued perspective daily.

And to be fair, I need to give some credit for a little 'as if' pre-taste of rationality to my pre- and post-adolescent exposure to the Sci-Fi writings of Asimov, Simak & a few others.

But, this is not the end of the story...stay tuned.

Cheers,
Doug

Edited by Doug Wallack on Apr 21, 2008 at 3:05 PM

Aside from the daily practice of silent meditation, my experiences of Psychadelic/Entheogenic agents were probably the most transformative events in my life. (To be treated with profound respect & deep care) I actually feel that these two activities are very synergistic for growth...

Below is from todays page at Alex Grey's site: http://www.alexgrey.com/
A nice picture with this quote below.

========================================================================
Doctor Albert Hofmann
1905 - 2008
 
"Alienation from nature and the loss of the experience of being part of the living creation is the greatest tragedy of our materialistic era.  It is the causative reason for ecological devastation and climate change.

Therefore I attribute absolute highest importance to consciousness change. I regard psychedelics as catalyzers for this. They are tools which are guiding our perception toward other deeper areas of our human existence, so that we again become aware of our spiritual essence.  Psychedelic experiences in a safe setting can help our consciousness open up to this sensation of connection and of being one with nature.

LSD and related substances are not drugs in the usual sense, but are part of the sacred substances, which have been used for thousand of years in ritual settings.  The classic psychedelics like LSD, Psilocybin and Mescaline are characterized by the fact that they are neither toxic nor addictive.  It is my great concern to separate psychedelics from the ongoing debates about drugs, and to highlight the tremendous potential inherent to these substances for self-awareness, as an adjunct in therapy, and for fundamental research into the human mind.

It is my wish that a modern Eleusis will emerge, in which seeking humans can learn to have transcendent experiences with sacred substances in a safe setting.   I am convinced that these soul-opening, mind-revealing substances will find their appropriate place in our society and our culture."

Dr. Albert Hofmann
Thursday, 19th April 2007
========================================================================

A couple of articles:
http://reason.com/blog/show/126249.html

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/04/29/AR2008042902738.html?hpid=topnews?hpid=moreheadlines

Rest In Peace dear Friend!