#45 - The Plant Medicine Explorer's Guide - with James Jesso

This episode covers what you need to know about psychedelics and their therapeutic benefit. I sat down with James Jesso - a man who is well-equipped to discuss psychedelics and their benefits. He shares advice about how to approach psychedelic experiences, for new and experienced practitioners.

James has been investigating, researching, and exploring the realm of psychedelics professionally for the past 7 years. He is the author of three books, “Decomposing the Shadow,” “Soundscapes and Psychedelics,” and “The True Light of Darkness,” which cover topics about working with Psilocybin mushrooms for personal development, healing, and spirituality. He is also the host of the podcast, “Adventures Through The Mind.”

What do you need to know about psychedelics?

In this episode, we delve into discussing psychedelic basics and the details surrounding the psychedelic revolution happening around the world. Plant medicine is becoming increasingly popular and people are awakening to their benefits, but psychedelic experiences still require a measured approach.

In this episode we cover: 

• “The Psychedelic Renaissance” - how psychedelics-as-medicine are entering the mainstream consciousness.
• The criminalization of cannabis - the United States’ role in this movement’s relation to racism and oppression.
• The shift in consciousness regarding cannabis and how that conversation relates to psychedelics.
• The various ways people are trying to intentionally engage in psychedelic experiences as a way to seek healing and personal growth - and the prevalence of underground healing circles.
• How prohibitionist rhetoric causes more harm than good.
• Where do beginners start? Questions to ask when invited to an ayahuasca ceremony. 
• The challenge confronting our deepest wounds - it’s normal to be scared. 
• Why it can be beneficial, especially as beginners, to experience psychedelics with people you trust.
• Every person has a different reason for wanting to do psychedelics - the way in which we go about the experience depends on who you are as a person.
• Intentions and expectations - their role in psychedelic experiences. 
• Tips for preparation and how to show up in a psychedelic experience. 
• The immense value and importance of integration and how to debrief what occurred after a psychedelic experience.
• The difference between telling a story vs. actively utilizing the opportunity a psychedelic experience gives you.
• Party atmospheres and shifting how to approach psychedelics.
• Fear based “bad trips” - how they hold people back from exploring, how and why they may happen, and their unfair representation in the media.
• Discomfort and pain during a psychedelic experience. Why you should go into it expecting it.
• Other resources James has created in regard to micro-dosing, psychedelics, and more.

You can find James at: 

Website: https://www.jameswjesso.com

Patreon Site: https://www.patreon.com/jameswjesso

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jameswjesso

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jameswjesso

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