Seeking Instant Gratification in the New Hippy Era

In today’s world, it feels like we’ve entered a new era of self-exploration, a revival of sorts of the counterculture movements of the 1960s and 70s. This new “hippy” era seems to be driven by a search for meaning, growth, and enlightenment. But something feels off. People are flocking to the latest trends—kink parties, plant medicine ceremonies, weekend retreats, and any number of experiences that promise transformation. These activities are marketed as shortcuts to personal evolution, offering a quick way to tap into heightened consciousness, emotional release, and even spiritual awakening.

But here’s the thing: While these experiences can be powerful, they often fail to provide lasting growth. In the rush for instant gratification, many are bypassing the hard work of mindfulness, self-discipline, and sustained practice that are necessary for true transformation. What seems to be happening is that people are chasing an illusion of growth, seeking out peak experiences that momentarily shake up their reality without realizing that the lasting benefits of change are found in the mundane and the slow, steady work that deepens over time.

It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of these events—the electrifying energy of a plant medicine ceremony, the heady freedom of a kink party, or the euphoria of a weekend retreat. These experiences can feel like the answer, a doorway to the higher state of being we all crave. They offer a temporary sense of relief from the weight of our everyday lives and the discomfort of facing our inner demons. But once the euphoria fades, something deeper remains: the recognition that the peace we felt was fleeting, and the problems we sought to escape from are still there.

This is where the danger lies. When we turn to these instant experiences for growth, we often fail to address the core of what truly needs healing or transforming. Rather than building a sustainable practice—like meditation, journaling, physical discipline, or emotional resilience—we rely on the next high, the next "quick fix." The truth is, no party or one-off event will ever replace the deep work that requires commitment and consistency. Lasting transformation comes not from fleeting moments of transcendence, but from developing the tools to work through discomfort, to sit with uncertainty, and to engage with life in a meaningful, intentional way.

Without integrating mindfulness, dedicated practice, and ongoing self-awareness into our daily lives, the rush of these peak experiences inevitably fades. And when it does, we’re left with a sense of emptiness, wondering why the profound shifts we experienced didn’t stick. The truth is, sustainable growth and change come from the daily commitment to doing the inner work—showing up, again and again, even when it’s hard or uncomfortable.

True transformation is not about chasing experiences, but about creating a foundation of consistency that can hold us when the highs and lows of life inevitably come. Instead of relying on the next big thing to give us the feeling of spiritual progress, we must learn how to find and nurture growth in the small moments, the quiet spaces, and the practices that ask us to show up and be present, even when it’s not glamorous.

The new hippy era may have brought a resurgence of alternative experiences, but real growth isn’t about finding the next shortcut or hoping for a miracle. It’s about making the conscious choice to cultivate sustainable practices that lead to lasting change, even when the world around us seems to be offering a quick fix. Only through mindfulness, dedication, and ongoing work can we begin to create the deep, lasting transformation we’re all searching for.

So, the question becomes: Are we truly seeking growth, or are we just chasing another high?