Wish I paid more attention in history classes

I am, like so many, very troubled by the current events.  And not just those in our country, but throughout the world.  There seems to be a major movement towards conservative nationalism everywhere.  I find this very frightening for all who don't fit the mold of those in power.  I fear for the next few decades.

I loved history class when in school and did retain quite a bit, but am feeling like not quite enough.  My sense is that the saying "history repeats itself" is based on centuries of facts.  My sense is the world has been here before with extreme and dire consequences and not so extreme and dire consequences. My sense is the world has moved from those deadly and destructive places to places of tolerance and acceptance.  My sense is that, despite the repetition of two steps back, three steps forward, history shows a slow and bumpy progression towards a more equitable, accepting, caring place.  

But, that is just my sense.  I wish I paid more attention to the cycles of history to know, is this just my persistent optimism or is there a basis in historical fact?

If I don't have this to hold onto, I have little basis for hope for the future, and that is just too despairing.  So, fact or hope, I am placing the current events into a continuum spanning many, many years and praying and believing that just as we have sunk so low, we will rise to a better place than where we started.

Found other things to stimulate my mind

With downsizing on the "way back" burner, I'm looking to get back to living my life in the present.  Our local Community College, Northern Essex, like so many institutions of higher learning, has a program for seniors. These are more forums than courses, facilitated by volunteer seniors and very affordable.  The program here is CoOL, College of Older Learners, 😄.  

I've enrolled in two of the offerings.  The second one, which I will be attending starts in a month or so and is for writing memoirs.  My first class has started.  I couldn't resist!  There was no description or course summary, simply the title, "Marijuana".  Who wouldn't sign up?!?!?

With the changing legal status and the availability of more information I have been seriously considering trying marijuana for both sleep and and arthritis inflammation and pain.  

I knew almost nothing at all, had some idea that there was TH...something which is the part that would get one high and some other letters for the medicine part that wouldn't get one high.  I'd had a lengthy conversation with the guy in a hardware store who had been using a topical rub for his arthritic knees and sang its' praises.  I knew of a friend of a friend of a friend who had gotten some oil to take subliminally, but heard nothing more.

So this course seemed like a convenient place to start. It is quite interesting; it feels like both a step back in time (a small group of aging hippies sharing pot stories) and a source of good information. We get homework.  Part of this week's assignment is to look into medical uses of marijuana.  So that's what I've been up to.

I've learned that the 2 parts are 1) THC (give you a buzz or more) and 2) CBD, provides pain relief and other medical uses.

At the class, I learned that brewing some "street" weed in a cup of tea or adding it to butter would provide some soothing effect.  Ingesting it takes longer to happen, but also lasts longer.

So, immediately upon leaving the class I contacted one of my girls and begged a bit of weed.  I added just a pinch to my evening decaffeinated Earl Grey tea two evenings in a row.  I wasn't aware of feeling anything but, once I went to bed, when I fell asleep I slept soundly and through the night.  I woke a few times as usual to relieve my bladder, but immediately went back into a deep, restful sleep.  

Instead of waking around 3:30 AM, I slept until 6:30.  When I did wake,it was not just that I was no longer asleep, I was rested and ready to get into the day.

This led me to seek out some CBD that I wouldn't have to smoke.  My daughters' found a store near me in Haverhill that had a selection of what I wanted.  They called to verify it and had a lengthy conversation with the proprietor about me, what I wanted and why.  When I showed up a few hours later, the proprietor was not just expecting me, but welcomed me, spent a long time explaining things and just unbelievably helpful.

After learning about options, I opted on two purchases.  One is a topical, roll-on for pain.  She had me try it in the store and not long after applying it the pain in my foot was gone.  And it stayed gone for many, many hours!

My other purchase was a small vial of CBD oil which I am taking subliminally.   It was recommended that I start with a small amount, taking it at two different times each day and gradually increase the amount until I am feeling generally well.  When that level is reached, decrease the dosage until I notice the difference.  That will give me the best and smallest dosage for me.

The CBD is in an olive oil base and I had a bit of reprehension about how it would go down, no problem.  It is administered with an eye-dropper, squirted under the tongue, held for a short time, then swallowed.  I don't taste anything nor do I have any oily, grease feeling in my mouth.

So, as I write this I have 2 doses, last night and this morning.  Again I had a great night's sleep and today just feels better.  My biggest source of pain has been my bruised, abused, injured, deformed, flat, arthritic feet. So far today they are not really bothering me at all and I have done some errands and still have shoes on!

So, I will continue experimenting with this and gain other information for my fellow CoOL learners.  And, as I get new insights and info I shall share it here.