Episode 53: Beckley Retreats CEO Neil Markey on guided psychedelic retreats
Dec 22, 2023
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Neil Markey, CEO of Beckley Retreats, discusses his military background, meditation, and the future of psychedelics. Topics covered include preparing for guided retreats, integrating experiences, and enhancing quality of life. They also explore the significance of nature and music in psychedelic journeys, as well as the flaws of the Western medical system.
Beckley Retreats offers guided psychedelic retreats focused on holistic well-being and personal growth, instead of clinical treatment of disorders.
Beckley Retreats emphasizes the importance of nature, live music, and integration to enhance the psychedelic experience and support long-term positive changes.
Beckley Retreats aims to contribute to the field of non-clinical psychedelic research through data-driven outcomes and partnerships with research institutions.
Deep dives
Background and Journey: From Military Service to Holistic Well-being
Neil Markey, co-founder and CEO of Beckley Retreats, shares his personal journey from military service to holistic well-being. Through his experiences with depression and PTSD, he discovered the benefits of meditation and psychedelics for healing. After completing his master's degrees, Neil pursued his passion for teaching meditation and eventually became involved with the Beckley project. He considers it his life's work and focuses on sharing the benefits of psychedelics and contemplative practices with others.
Beckley Retreats: Holistic Well-being Programs
Beckley Retreats offers comprehensive well-being programs with a focus on professionalism and high standards. The 11-week program includes digital preparation, teaching foundational well-being practices such as meditation and breath work. The program also incorporates group work, emphasizing the importance of community during the journey. The immersive experience takes place in Jamaica or the Netherlands, offering an opportunity to connect deeply with nature and engage in mindfulness practices. Highlights of the program include two psilocybin sessions and Western psychotherapy-informed approaches for group work. After the retreat, participants receive six weeks of digital integration or follow-up to support long-term positive changes.
Benefits and Accessibility
Beckley Retreats serves individuals seeking personal, professional, and spiritual development rather than focusing on clinical treatment. The programs are open to those who desire positive shifts in their lives, whether they are looking to become more empathetic, creative, or connected. Participants may have experienced loss, be on a spiritual path, or simply be seeking personal growth. Although the programs are not for treating specific medical conditions, their holistic approach allows individuals to process emotions, form new patterns, and make positive changes. Beckley Retreats also offers scholarships and plans to increase accessibility to their programs.
The Role of Nature, Music, and Integration
Beckley Retreats emphasizes the importance of nature, live music, and integration throughout their programs. Being in nature allows participants to disconnect from devices and experience a deeper connection with themselves and the world. Live music, played by trained facilitators, enhances the psychedelic experience and directs the group's energy. Integration, offered through digital follow-up, provides support and tools to help individuals establish new patterns and make lasting shifts. Beckley Retreats aims to optimize the benefits of the experience by creating a conducive environment and providing resources for long-term well-being.
Outcomes, Research, and Future Goals
Beckley Retreats recognizes the need for data-driven outcomes and aims to contribute to the field of non-clinical psychedelic research. They collect pre and post-program surveys and are exploring partnerships with research institutions to improve data collection and analysis. Future goals include measuring biomarkers like heart rate variability and sleep quality to better understand the impact of their programs. Beckley Retreats is committed to becoming sustainable and increasing accessibility to this work. They also highlight the need for a shift towards preventative models of healthcare and positive change in the Western medical system.
Neil Markey, a veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan, used meditation for years to deal with depression and PTSD. He is currently CEO of Beckley Retreats, a group that runs retreats to Jamaica and the Netherlands for guided psychedelic experiences. He talks about his path from the military to consulting to his work with Beckley, how guided psychedelic retreats are run (including work to prepare in advance, as well as to integrate after), and how he envisions the future of psychedelics for both treatment of disorders and for enhancing quality of life for those without disorders.
Special Guest: Neil Markey.
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