EP 02: A Path To Deeper Consciousness With Rastafari Anthony Bailey

Weed. Marijuana. Ganja. Cannabis. This substance is the topic of the moment. Wrapped around this herb are issues of race, culture, politics, human rights, our relationship to the natural world and our well being. People use marijuana for a variety of reasons - to relax, to focus, to spark creativity, to relieve pain, to mellow out, to check out. But what if marijuana could be a vehicle for a deeper connection, meaningful conversation, even spirituality? In today’s episode, Rastafarian and former co-worker of mine, Anthony Bailey, explains how weed or “herb” is used in Rastafari. Anthony is an entrepreneur and a practicing Rastafarian. He smokes weed every day, but not for the reasons you may think. In this episode, he shares his extensive knowledge of the origins and practices of the Rastafari religion and movement. At its core, Rastafari emphasizes living naturally as a means to understand one’s self, and there is so much we can learn from this perspective. I hope you enjoy listening to this conversation as much as I did having it.

Resources:

About Rastafari
The world of Rastafari
Mansions of Rastafari

Connect with Anthony Bailey:

Anthony Bailey's Website - Defiant Media Group
Anthony Bailey’s Instagram

Connect with The Our Nature Podcast:

Follow Our Nature on Instagram

Gratitude List:

This podcast would not be possible without the group of talented individuals below. I offer them my sincerest thanks and love.

Produced by: Kevin Aguirre Buitrago and Will Wells
Graphics by: Tim LaSalle
Music by: Nick Ceglia

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COMPLETE SHOW NOTES

How traveling to Jamaica as a young child from Yonkers connected him to the natural world
On discovering Rastafari and afro-centricity at 15-years-old
The elements of Rastafari
How seeking knowledge of afro-centricity led to the creation of Rastafari
How anyone can be a Rastafari if they understand the essence of who they are
Haile Selassie, and how many consider him to be the king of kings in Rastafari
Why Orthodox Rastafaris don’t smoke marijuana
The purpose of marijuana in Rastafari and the ceremonial ways it is used
How marijuana helps Rastafaris have a “reasoning,” or in-depth conversation
Why intention is so important when smoking weed
The reason marijuana was criminalized above other narcotics
The state of weed culture in America and how capitalism has negatively impacted marginalized populations
Ways to connect back to nature every day
How Bob Marley has become a caricature in Rastafari
How understanding one’s self helps you navigate life’s challenges and overcome the fear of imperfection
The last five questions with Anthony Bailey

THE LAST 5 QUESTIONS:

What is your favorite place in nature?

Where the sand meets the waves at the beach.
What is the animal, mineral or plant that resonates with you the most?

Mint tea or herbs that I can make tea from.
What is one thing we can do right now to connect with the natural world and bring more harmony into our lives?

Be open about communication.
What’s the greatest lesson nature has taught you?

Patience. As much as we want something, it’s not going to come when we want it.
Nature brings me…

To one’s self.