So I nearly died today. I was safe, and am safe, but my attempt to donate blood was cut short because I almost fainted from blood loss. It was an incredible experience, which I unpack in this video. With that said, more than anything, this experience has opened my eyes to the absolute necessity of compassion. The fear I felt - and I am someone who has literally practiced "dying" through the use of psychedelics - was powerful. My heart goes out to everyone who may be suffering right now, especially those who are alone. Suffering alone is the worst feeling, and can make us do the worst things. We need to be more patient and gentle with each other, otherwise things won't change. I'm not moralizing you. Just think about this: If you haven't felt the fear of losing consciousness due to blood loss, you just don't understand the fear therein. It's as close as I have come to real death, and I deeply empathize with those who are afraid and dying. I'm not sure who said it, but we live two lives; the secret one starts when we realize we only have one. But as my hero, Frank Ostaseski, said: "Don't wait."

I love you, and always will. Please be there for each other. We're all afraid, and it's making us greedy, violent, hedonistic, and shortsighted. Our culture is a mirror. Whatever you see in it is in you. If we don't change, nothing will.

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