Best Things to Do on LSD
As just one of many substances that have been called entheogens (that is, “creating God or the divine within”), LSD has its own unique flavor that goes best with certain activities and experiences—like all the fun things to do on acid listed below. A word of wisdom: don’t try any of them that are outside your normal range of possibility or access; you should not drive anywhere while tripping! Remember, most psychonauts follow the adage: “start low, go slow,” and only trip in a comfortable environment.
Look at Patterns
Seeing patterns is one thing you’re likely to do on acid whether you plan to or not, but perhaps try playing with that intentionally: What figures might you find dancing in your boring bathroom wallpaper? When everyday sights come to life, it reminds us of how much intricate beauty we walk past on the daily, rarely stopping to notice. But with acid, remember: the most interesting sights may be behind your eyelids.
Laugh With Your Friends
When tripping with good friends, you may find yourself trying on accents, playing recurring characters, or inventing uproariously funny puns. Even if words are failing you, any number of absurd visuals can send you and your trip-mates into fits of laughter. Just try not to laugh at each other!
Hike
As with tripping on mushrooms, being outside on LSD is generally a delight. Countless trippers have crossed deserts and tromped through forests, looked down from mountains, and swam at the beach—all enhanced by the crisp, “high definition” quality acid can lend to the senses. Of course, where you do decide to hike is important; it’s best to walk on an easy trail with good signage and access to water (while tripping, dehydration can feel like your world is ending). You’ll want to choose a place and time that is relatively quiet and low-trafficked, as crowds can be a major stressor and you never know when you’ll want to take a break. However, with the right planning and preparation (bring a map!), tripping on lsd in a beautiful place can be one of life’s most sublime pleasures.
Watch a Movie
Of course, not everyone has access to the outdoors at all times—and since an “acid trip” is fundamentally a journey of mind, body, and soul, you can really do it anywhere. Watching a movie is one way to let artists guide your experience, as your eyes and ears pour across the story and drink in its meaning—or perhaps miss the story entirely and feast on visual delights.
Doodle or Write
Acid’s power to spur creativity and inspire art-making is well-documented. No matter which other activities you are trying, you may want to have paper, pens, and markers handy so you can take a stab at expressing yourself or documenting your trip. Let your hand doodle and discover forms you never dreamt of before; new characters, colors, and complexities emerge from the depths of your own mind. Write down the interesting thoughts you’re having, so you can later sort them into “genius,” “funny,” and “not that interesting.” For 6-12 hours, LSD will have you feeling like you’re on a trip: Why not send a postcard?
Lay in the Sun
You may not be able to go on a hike, but if you take acid on a nice day (which this writer certainly recommends), at least go outside and feel the sun on your skin—your heightened senses will thank you. It’s almost like you are a plant and can feel yourself photosynthesizing, turning sunlight into energy. Laying down on acid is also a great way to let go and allow your internal process to unfold. Wrapped in the warm blanket of comforting sunshine, you can allow your gaze and thoughts to wander and discover what comes up. Don’t forget the sunscreen!
Eat Fruit
It’s usually good to eat a hearty meal a few hours before, but if the urge to snack (or up your blood sugar) strikes you while on acid, natural foods like raw fruit are a great place to turn. The skin of a peach will tickle your lips; the acidity of citrus will strike you right in the face. Since preparing the fruit may be hard while tripping, consider cutting it in advance and leaving a tray in the fridge—a gift from past you to present you.
Stargaze
If you find yourself tripping after dark (which is likely, since the effects of LSD tend to linger for hours after they peak), try to safely get somewhere with a clear view of the night sky.
Sit by a Fire
In terms of surprise and sheer magic, there’s nothing like sitting by a fire. Whether you’re camping or in a backyard, you may have access to a pit where you can safely make a fire and watch it climb, lick, and devour whatever you feed it. Shapes and swirls appear in the flames, while the warmth recreates the sunshine you may have soaked in or missed in the daytime. This is also a great way to bring friends close for further bonding, conversation, and laughter. As psychedelics strip away our assumptions and norms, we find comfort in returning to the primal.
