Adventures Through The Mind

Jordan Gruber is one of the authors of "Your Symphony Of Selves" and joins us to discuss how we all have multiple selves, not a single self. Some of the topics we explore in this episode include an in-depth look at The Health Selves Model in comparison and contrast to The Single Self Assumption; why we mistakenly assume multiple selves to be pathological; how mental health is being in the right mind (self/selves) as the right time; and how we can start applying the healthy selves model into our lives today. We also talk about Monotheism’s influence on the single self assumption—“the single god assumption”; how Buddishm’s noself and interdependence relates to multiple selves; the difference between multiple selves and Jungian archetypes/autonomous complexes; how Sigmund Freud helped The Single Self Assumption dominate the western mind; and how the very origins of Freud’s model of the mind might be in the gaslighting of sexual abuse. Furthermore, we also explore psychedelic journeying and healing from a healthy selves model; how we might understand the effects of psychedelics on the ego, if there is no such thing as an ego; as well as all of reality being fractal iterations of various wholistic expressions of cosmic multiplicity while debating the validity of The Essential Self, Self Energy, and our ability to live in relationship to “Ultimate Reality”. And, of course, more. Enjoy. ... For links to Jordan's work, full show notes, and a link to watch this episode in video, head to bit.ly/ATTMind168 *** FULL TOPICS BREAKDOWN BELOW**   SUPPORT THE PODCAST Patreon: https://patreon.com/jameswjesso Paypal Donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=383635S3BKJVS Merchandise:  https://www.jameswjesso.com/shop/ More Options: https://www.jameswjesso.com/support Newsletter:  https://www.jameswjesso.com/newsletter Telgram Channel:  https://t.me/jameswjesso *** Extra BIG thanks to my patrons on Patreon for helping keep this podcast alive! Especially my $23+ patrons, Andreas D, Clea S, Ian C, Yvette FC, Alex F, Eliz C, Nick M, Michelle M, Chloe C, & Heartwood Mushrooms ——  ***** Episode Breakdown (0:00) Opening (1:53) Overture (6:42) Patron Thanks | support the show! (8:03) Interview begins | James’ thoughts on Your Symphony Of Selves book (10:09) Why multiple selves can be very confronting (12:07) How we came to see multiple selves as being pathological | and why multiplicity is normal (17:40) Switching into younger/healthier selves in our aging, dying time, or Alzheimer's disease (23:43) How Sigmund Freud helped The Single Self Assumption dominate the western mind (26:31) The origins of Freud’s model of the mind might have be in the gaslighting of sexual abuse (32:37) Jung: the difference between multiple selves and archetypes/autonomous complexes (37:15) Monotheism’s influence on the single self assumption; “the single god assumption”? (43:23) How Buddishm’s noself and interdependence relates to multiple selves (49:51) Can a noself identity be a defensive compensation? (58:07) Centering our selves, without a central self (1:04:12) What about “I”? (1:09:49) Debating the validity of The Essential Self, Self Energy, and our ability to live in relationship to “Ultimate Reality” (1:19:06) Spiritual bypassing by evading the realities of relational life (1:27:02) All of reality is fractal iterations of various wholistic expressions of cosmic multiplicity (1:30:26) Psychedelic journeying and healing from a healthy selves model (1:39:31) Developing your “psychedelic journey self” | Interviews with Christopher Bache (1:41:38) Never do a psychedelic journey unless all selves are on board (1:43:02) Considering the effects of psychedelics on the ego, if there is no such thing as an ego (1:50:33) Why we need to give up on having big definite theories (1:56:10) Don’t force selves into integration or try to get rid of selves (1:59:24) The Single Soul Assumption? (2:03:04) How to start applying healthy selves model into your life today (2:10:11) Follow-up links and contact info (2:12:51) Outro ***** SUPPORT THE PODCAST Patreon: https://patreon.com/jameswjesso Paypal Donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=383635S3BKJVS Merchandise:  https://www.jameswjesso.com/shop/ More Options: https://www.jameswjesso.com/support Newsletter:  https://www.jameswjesso.com/newsletter Telgram Channel:  https://t.me/jameswjesso OR you can buy a copy of one of my books! Decomposing The Shadow: Lessons From The Psilocybin Mushroom – https://www.jameswjesso.com/decomposing-the-shadow/ The True Light Of Darkness — https://www.jameswjesso.com/true-light-darkness/

Belinda Eriacho joins us today to explore the intersection of the psychedelic renaissance and ancestral wisdom; connecting with our own ancestry; and what indigenous people bring to the psychedelic renaissance and the problems created by their absence. We also talk about being in right relationship with sacred plants and where that does and doesn't not overlap with recreational use; how to cultivate reciprocity with indigenous peoples in psychedelic movements; the value and importance of supporting ethical psychedelic companies; and how legislating psychedelic medicine may help support the healing of intergenerational trauma held by indigenous people in North America. Enjoy ... For links to Belinda's work, full show notes, and a link to watch this episode in video, head to bit.ly/ATTMind167 *** FULL TOPICS BREAKDOWN BELOW** *Promo Art For This Episode Courtesy of Simon Haiduk (slightly modified by James)*   SUPPORT THE PODCAST Patreon: https://patreon.com/jameswjesso Paypal Donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=383635S3BKJVS Merchandise:  https://www.jameswjesso.com/shop/ More Options: https://www.jameswjesso.com/support Newsletter:  https://www.jameswjesso.com/newsletter *** Extra BIG thanks to my patrons on Patreon for helping keep this podcast alive! Especially my $23+ patrons, Andreas D, Clea S, Ian C, Yvette FC, Alex F, Eliz C, Nick M, Michelle M, & Chloe C ——    ****   Join Me For The Spirit Plant Medicine Conference! The episode is sponsored by The Spirit Plant Medicine Conference, happening online and in Vancouver BC Nov 4-6 This year's theme is "The Role of Psychedelics for a Planet in Transition" and they are featuring Dennis McKenna, Paul Stamets, Belinda Eriacho, Wade Davis, Chris Bache, Jeremy Narby, Laurel Anne Sugden, Jamie Wheal, and more. The conference organizers have been wonderfully generous in offering the Livestream of the conference at no charge, all you have to do is register to get access. Head to jameswjesso.com/spmc to learn more and register If you want to attend in person, or purchase the VIP digital access, follow that same link and use the promo code JWJ to get 11% off your ticket   ***** Episode Breakdown (0:00) Join me for The Spirit Plant Medicine Conference, Nov 4-6 2022, more details and no-charge access to livestream can be found here: https://www.jameswjesso.com/spmc (2:22) Introducing our guest and the topic of the episode (4:41) Thank you, Patrons! (6:49) Interview begins (7:46) Belinda’s offering of land acknowledgment (8:53) Belinda Eriacho’s cultural lineage (11:53) The meaningfulness of being able to openly speak indigenous languages (14:34) Our indigenous ancestry lives on in our blood | awakening to our ancestry (17:56) Connecting with our ancestry through the land, even if we no longer live on that ancestral land (21:47) The reawakening of ancestral wisdom is underway (25:39) The intersection of the Psychedelic Renaissance and Indigenous/Ancestral Wisdom (28:33) The cultural and relational context needed to awaken ancestral wisdom | the different possibilities of ceremonial vs recreational psychedelic use (33:38) What indigenous people bring to the psychedelic renaissance (36:27) Discussing the potential value and losses of the “middle ground” of psychedelic use, neither fully recreational nor fully ceremonial (44:46) Being in right relationship with sacred plants (and medicines) (48:21) Holding even psychedelic chemicals with reverence (49:56) Learning to deepen our relationship with all plants (52:33) The music of the plants | training our gut feeling (57:34) Connection, psychedelics, and the many levels of one’s being (1:01:20) Psilocybin mushrooms are not a tool | additional value (1:02:57) “Medicine” from a Native American perspective (is not the same as medication) (1:04:57) The meaning of “understand” vs “innerstand” (1:06:43) Two issues with indigenous people are not being included in the psychedelic renaissance (1:11:01) Belinda’s thoughts on how to cultivate reciprocity with indigenous peoples (1:16:35) The value of supporting ethical psychedelic companies (1:18:37) Legislating psychedelic medicine and healing the intergenerational trauma of indigenous people (1:27:27) We need to protect the spiritual element of psychedelic medicine (1:29:58) Crazy;Wise (a documentary suggestion from Belinda) (1:31:14) Why any of these actually matters (1:33:43) Closing comments and a final invitation to listeners (1:35:28) Follow-up links and contact information (1:36:55) Outro | Please support ethical psychedelic companies/organization ***** SUPPORT THE PODCAST Patreon: https://patreon.com/jameswjesso Paypal Donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=383635S3BKJVS Merchandise:  https://www.jameswjesso.com/shop/ More Options: https://www.jameswjesso.com/support Newsletter:  https://www.jameswjesso.com/newsletter OR you can buy a copy of one of my books! Decomposing The Shadow: Lessons From The Psilocybin Mushroom – https://www.jameswjesso.com/decomposing-the-shadow/ The True Light Of Darkness — https://www.jameswjesso.com/true-light-darkness/

Darcia Narvaez, PhD and Wahinkpe Topa (Four Arrows) join us to explore various precepts of the indigenous worldview—aka the kinship worldview—how we might restore that worldview in both our personal lives and the world at large. We also explore the basis of what a worldview is and why our guests propose there are only two, the indigenous/kinship worldview and the dominant/Western worldview. We go in-depth on the historical rise and impact of the dominant worldview and the intergenerational cycle of trauma it propagates; the left brain / right brain dynamic and how it aligns with worldview, perception, and behavior; how generations of anthropocentrism impact our capacity to perceive our interconnection with nature and each other; a substantial dive into death, dying, grief, and ceremony; and what it means to become fully human. ... For links to our guests' work, full show notes, and a link to watch this episode in video, head to bit.ly/ATTMind166 Their Book: Restoring the Kinship Worldview: Indigenous Voices Introduce 28 Precepts for Rebalancing Life on Planet Earth *** FULL TOPICS BREAKDOWN BELOW**   SUPPORT THE PODCAST Patreon: https://patreon.com/jameswjesso Paypal Donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=383635S3BKJVS Merchandise:  https://www.jameswjesso.com/shop/ More Options: https://www.jameswjesso.com/support Newsletter:  https://www.jameswjesso.com/newsletter *** Extra BIG thanks to my patrons on Patreon for helping keep this podcast alive! Especially my $23+ patrons, Andreas D, Clea S, Ian C, Yvette FC, Alex F, Eliz C, Nick M, Michelle M, & Chloe C Another special thanks to Lisa F for their generous one-time donation ***** Episode Breakdown (0:00) Opening (1:30) Guest bios (6:11) Patron thanks (8:10) Interview begins (10:35) How Four Arrows came into the indigenous worldview through a near-death experience (14:05) How Darcia Narvaez came into the indigenous worldview through science (16:39) An explanation of “shifting baselines” and why understanding it matters (20:04) The dominant worldview, religion, trauma, the Roman conquest, and colonialism (32:00) What is a worldview and why there are only two worldviews that exist: Western/Dominante and Kinship/indigenous (35:16) Exploring these two worldviews and the history of their dynamic (38:39) The intergeneration cycle of trauma embedded in us through the Dominant worldview (43:53) How generations of anthropocentrism impact our capacity to perceive our interconnection with nature and each other (51:02) Feeling interconnected with life decreases fear of death, and vice versa (54:43) The left brain / right brain dynamic and how it aligns with worldview, perception, and behavior (59:31) Exploring a visit from some giant birds (1:02:10) A meditation practice on death from Four Arrows | Having a death song (1:05:01) The difference between courage and fearlessness | trust the universe (1:10:48) Ceremony and the indigenous worldview’s impact on death and dying (1:14:23) Grief in the indigenous worldview vs the dominant worldview  (1:21:22) Some anecdotes of psychedelic ceremony from Four Arrows  (1:27:09) Being in relationship with the spirit of psychoative plants (1:31:07) “Last resortism” in the medical system and Four Arrows’ journey with cancer (1:33:44) James’ thoughts on the value of leaning on last resortism to Insitute psilocybin for dying people (1:35:46) Cultivated interconnectedness and relationship throughout life and death | grieving together and ceremony (1:43:14) Becoming fully human—neurobiologically and culturally (1:46:08) Does it make sense to have hope that we will change our ways before it's too late? (1:50:28) Further links and contact information for our guests (1:53:16) Some closing words in Lakota from Four Arrows (1:53:55) Outro ***** SUPPORT THE PODCAST Patreon: https://patreon.com/jameswjesso Paypal Donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=383635S3BKJVS Merchandise:  https://www.jameswjesso.com/shop/ More Options: https://www.jameswjesso.com/support Newsletter:  https://www.jameswjesso.com/newsletter OR you can buy a copy of one of my books! Decomposing The Shadow: Lessons From The Psilocybin Mushroom – https://www.jameswjesso.com/decomposing-the-shadow/ The True Light Of Darkness — https://www.jameswjesso.com/true-light-darkness/

A discussion with Jahan Khamsehzadeh, Ph.D., on the evolution of life and the role of psilocybin; exploring topics such as the influence of fungi on consciousness, the development of human consciousness with the help of psilocybin, the importance of a healthy ego, the limitations of reductionism, and the symbiotic relationship between fungi and plants in ecosystems.

Sara Ness joins us on Adventures Through The Mind to have a conversation about the art of conversation and its role in our relationships and vice versa. We also explore how play can help us develop and exercise our relational and conversational skills, specifically what are called Authentic Relating games. Furthermore, we also speak about how the possibilities of conversations can be both literally and phenomenologically psychedelic. ... For links to Sara's work, full show notes, and a link to watch this episode in video, head to bit.ly/ATTMind164 *** FULL TOPICS BREAKDOWN BELOW**   SUPPORT THE PODCAST Patreon: https://patreon.com/jameswjesso Paypal Donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=383635S3BKJVS Merchandise:  https://www.jameswjesso.com/shop/ More Options: https://www.jameswjesso.com/support Newsletter:  https://www.jameswjesso.com/newsletter *** Extra BIG thanks to my patrons on Patreon for helping keep this podcast alive! Especially my $23+ patrons, Andreas D, Clea S, Ian C, Yvette FC, Alex F, Eliz C, Nick M, Michelle M, & Chloe C  Another special thanks to Julie D for their generous one-time donation *****   Episode Breakdown (000) Opening (2:39) Thank you :) (4:02) Interview begins (4:08) What is a conversation? The levels of a conversation (8:40) Mindset context and its impact on meaning in conversation (11:52) Beyond the self; conversation and the boundaries of relationship (15:58) Conflict is not abuse (17:34) We are more than a single self; “No wonder conversations are so complicated” (19:02) The blurred line between what is conversation and what is relationship (20:11) Wounds from past relationships cloud our ability to see each other (23:15) Gaslighting and how do we determine if we are being gaslit? (27:00) Having conversations across polarization/ severe ideological differences; befriending the enemy (33:55) Meeting each other’s energy; navigating the levels of conversations (37:56) Conflict: what it is and how can we navigate it effectively (44:23) The value of conflict in relationship (46:25) The difference between conflict, fight, violence, power-over, and mutually empowered intense play (1:00:56) The value of listening (1:04:29) The 4 different relating languages (and how to determine them) (1:13:06) Games that teach us the skills we need to have healthy relationships; “authentic relating games” (1:24:52) What authentic relating games can offer us is similar to what psychedelic experiences can offer us (1:30:11) Accessing psychedelic experiences through authentic relating games; accessing shared flow state (1:39:49) Healing our nervous systems from the threat of slowing down (1:42:10) An authentic relating game for listeners to start with, “hot seat” (1:46:24) Not just about building skills, but building relationships too (1:47:47) Some follow-up links and content   ***** SUPPORT THE PODCAST Patreon: https://patreon.com/jameswjesso Paypal Donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=383635S3BKJVS Merchandise:  https://www.jameswjesso.com/shop/ More Options: https://www.jameswjesso.com/support Newsletter:  https://www.jameswjesso.com/newsletter OR you can buy a copy of one of my books! Decomposing The Shadow: Lessons From The Psilocybin Mushroom – https://www.jameswjesso.com/decomposing-the-shadow/ The True Light Of Darkness — https://www.jameswjesso.com/true-light-darkness/

Guest Robert Falconer, an expert in Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy and psychedelics, discusses the unique benefits of combining IFS with psychedelic therapy. Topics covered include generative change, the healing power of connection, working with spirit entities, and integrating IFS with psychedelics for trauma. The podcast also explores the importance of considering socioeconomic context in therapy, recognizing ecocide as a crime, different types of medicines used in psychedelic therapy, and ways to support the show.

WHY DOES OUR SENSE OF CONNECTION MATTER? This is the central question that guides the conversation you will hear today, another session in our Psychedelic Café series, where we featured a curated selection of guests to explore how "whether or not we feel connected affects everything". We also explore the neurobiological origins of our sense of connection/disconnection with each other and how that is wrapped up in personal and collective traumas; our sense of connection with nature and the consequences that our lack of it is having on our lives and all life on this planet; as well as strategies and pathways of increasing our sense of connection with ourselves, each other, and the natural world. We also talk about connecting with spiritual energies and our dead loved ones; ancestry in general; the importance of being able to grieve together; and the value of learning to turn towards pain. Our Guests for this Café are: Darcia Narvaez, Robert Gilman, Rita Bozi, Charley Wininger, Jean Robertson, Sky Otter, and Sam Gandy Enjoy. ... For links to our guest's work, full show notes, and a link to watch this episode in video, head to bit.ly/PsyCafe9 *** FULL TOPICS BREAKDOWN BELOW**   SUPPORT THE PODCAST Patreon: https://patreon.com/jameswjesso Paypal Donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=383635S3BKJVS Merchandise:  https://www.jameswjesso.com/shop/ More Options: https://www.jameswjesso.com/support Newsletter:  https://www.jameswjesso.com/newsletter *** Extra BIG thanks to my patrons on Patreon for helping keep this podcast alive! Especially my $23+ patrons, Andreas D, Clea S, Joe A, Ian C, Yvette FC, Alex F, Eliz C, Nathan B, Nick M, & Chloe C. — Another special thanks to Magnus D for their generous one-time donation ***** Episode Breakdown (5:37) Cafe begins; Introducing our guests (12:00) Introducing the question “Why does our sense of connection matter?” (26:58) Whether we feel connected or not affects everything (29:42) The neurobiological origins of our sense of connection/disconnection (31:36) The path out of early life trauma - our birthright is to live in a safe healthy state — learning to lift ourselves and each other out of trauma (35:22) A brighter future is available to us through our reconnection with our origins (38:24) Wondering about connection forged through war/displacement-based trauma (40:40) Various ways/techniques that we come back into connection (51:13) Increasing connection with nature, increases the sense of connection more broadly (54:57) Longing is the first step to coming back into connection (56:49) How to do a neurological reset (a technique for resetting the nervous system) (1:02:42) Building relationships of deep connection with each other (1:08:23) Connection with ancestry, dead loved ones, spiritual energies, and different generational perspectives (1:20:14) Our shared  ancestral trauma of war (1:24:23) Grief, grieving in community, and turning towards pain (1:30:59) How we respond to a stubbed toe as an example of moving through pain (1:35:00) Calling in “Reverence” (1:36:37 ) Closing thoughts on the conversation from each guest ***** SUPPORT THE PODCAST Patreon: https://patreon.com/jameswjesso Paypal Donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=383635S3BKJVS Merchandise:  https://www.jameswjesso.com/shop/ More Options: https://www.jameswjesso.com/support Newsletter:  https://www.jameswjesso.com/newsletter OR you can buy a copy of one of my books! Decomposing The Shadow: Lessons From The Psilocybin Mushroom – https://www.jameswjesso.com/decomposing-the-shadow/ The True Light Of Darkness — https://www.jameswjesso.com/true-light-darkness/

A.J. Bond—author of Discomfortable: What Is Shame and How Can We Break Its Hold—joins us on Adventures Through The Mind to talk about what shame is, what it feels like, and how it impacts our sense of self and perception of the world. We also talk about healthy vs unhealthy shame; internal vs. external shame; attachment styles and shame’s link to our developmental past and early relationship with our parents; intimacy and how shame hinders our ability to truly connect with others; unconditional love and ayahuasca’s impact on AJ’s healing through shame; and, of course, how to navigate shame in a way that supports healing the wounds around which our shame directs us. ... For links to A.J.'s work, full show notes, and a link to watch this episode in video, head to bit.ly/ATTMind162 *** FULL TOPICS BREAKDOWN BELOW *** ... This episode is sponsored by Maps of the Mind and their upcoming workshop Facilitating Psychedelic Experiences, happening on Saturday, July 2nd More details can be found here: mapsofthemind.com/facilitating-psychedelic-experiences-workshop/ Use discount code JESSO40 in the section that says 'have a coupon' to get a ticket for £40 ... SUPPORT THE PODCAST Patreon: https://patreon.com/jameswjesso Paypal Donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=383635S3BKJVS Merchandise:  https://www.jameswjesso.com/shop/ More Options: https://www.jameswjesso.com/support Newsletter:  https://www.jameswjesso.com/newsletter *** Extra BIG thanks to my patrons on Patreon for helping keep this podcast alive! Especially my $23+ patrons, Andreas D, Clea S, Joe A, Ian C, Yvette FC, Chuck W, Alex F, Eliz C, Nathan B, Nick M, & Chloe C ***** Episode Breakdown (0:00) Opening | Ad for upcoming workshop sponsoring this video (6:01) Interview Begins (6:31) Why shame is an important topic for psychedelic culture (8:31) Shame: what it is and what its made of (11:57) The affect of shame (13:34) Shame as an evolutionary survival adaptation  (21:07 ) Healthy vs. unhealthy shame (24:30) Internal vs. external Shame (27:58) Narcissism, canceling, and toxic shame (34:35) Shame’s link to our developmental past and early relationship with our parents (40:01) Healing the past to liberate ourselves from unhealthy shame | getting discomfortable with shame (46:18) Why how we do a thing matters as much as the thing we do (51:58) Bringing our shame healing/liberation to a systemic level (55:40) All the ways shame will weave itself into your healing (57:32) Intimacy and how shame hinders our ability to truly connect with others (58:18) Connection and relationship is essential components of our healing  (1:05:07 ) Unconditional love and ayahuasca’s impact on AJ’s healing through shame (1:11:59) Develop a meta-scaffolding that allows us to be with our reactivity in a healthy way (1:14:06) Some basic steps for navigating shame (1:18:26) Follow-up and social links (1:20:41) Outro | Info about workshop sponsoring this video ***** SUPPORT THE PODCAST Patreon: https://patreon.com/jameswjesso Paypal Donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=383635S3BKJVS Merchandise:  https://www.jameswjesso.com/shop/ More Options: https://www.jameswjesso.com/support Newsletter:  https://www.jameswjesso.com/newsletter OR you can buy a copy of one of my books! Decomposing The Shadow: Lessons From The Psilocybin Mushroom – https://www.jameswjesso.com/decomposing-the-shadow/ The True Light Of Darkness — https://www.jameswjesso.com/true-light-darkness/

Martijn Schirp of Synthesis Institute joins us on Adventures Through The Mind to wonder with us about the potential harms that will come from the profit-driven industrialization of psychedelics and psychedelic therapy; how we might safeguard the sacredness of psychedelics and people seeking psychedelic therapy against those harms; and where and how he sees Synthesis Institute as attempting to do so. We also talk about cultural maturity; the systemic issues that lead to broad-sweeping ill-health amongst modern people; why no, it’s not “just business”; psychedelics’ role in helping us to learn to be better people in uncertain times; indigenous issues, and our personal sense of where we land in the long history of colonial harms; and why choosing love ain’t easy, but well worth it.  ... For links to Martijn's work, full show notes, and a link to watch this episode in video, head to bit.ly/ATTMind161 *** FULL TOPICS BREAKDOWN BELOW**   SUPPORT THE PODCAST Patreon: https://patreon.com/jameswjesso Paypal Donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=383635S3BKJVS Merchandise:  https://www.jameswjesso.com/shop/ More Options: https://www.jameswjesso.com/support Newsletter:  https://www.jameswjesso.com/newsletter *** Extra BIG thanks to my patrons on Patreon for helping keep this podcast alive! Especially my $23+ patrons, Andreas D, Clea S, Joe A, Ian C, Yvette FC, Chuck W, Alex F, Eliz C, Nathan B, Nick M, & Chloe C ***** Episode Breakdown (0:00) Opening (1:59) Overture (4:28) Guest bio (640) Support the show (7:29) Interview begins (7:48) What is (and what inspired) the Synthesis psychedelic retreat centre? (12:39) The complex legality of psychedelics (psilocybin) in the Netherlands (18:53) The impact of capital on the psychedelic space/industry (26:42) How profit-driven management will impact people undergoing psychedelic therapy (36:08) What is the proper container for holding the full depth of learning present in learning to institutionalize psychedelic therapy? (38:08 ) Psychedelics’ role in being better people in uncertain times (43:14) Further possible issues of psychedelic underground therapy in the growing industrialization of psychedelics (46:01) Psychedelic therapy is expensive; who’s gonna pay for it? (53:44) Cultural maturation | It’s safer to critique than to do the work (58:28 ) Choose love. It ain’t easy, it’s but well worth it. (1:02:06) Safeguarding the sacred through Steward Ownership (1:10:53) How might Synthesis’ move to steward ownership positively impact the larger psychedelic space (1:14:51) Why work towards greater ethics as a company, even though it might not succeed financially (1:22:44) No, it’s not “just business”; how you use money is a reflection of who you are (1:26:21) What is making us sick? | Systemic institutional change is needed to optimize psychedelic healing (1:33:56) Addressing these questions in the context of indigenous issues (1:43:02) Wondering about our place in the long history of colonialism (1:48:20) Is the shadow of historical displacement and ancestral disconnection at the root of white nationalism? (1:52:52) Compassionately wondering about the psychological impact of widespread displacement from heritage amongst Western people (2:01:31) Information about Synthesis’ facilitator training course (2:06:18) Synthesis’ new psychedelic retreat centre in Oregon, USA (2:08:16) Follow up links (2:11:20) Outro ***** SUPPORT THE PODCAST Patreon: https://patreon.com/jameswjesso Paypal Donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=383635S3BKJVS Merchandise:  https://www.jameswjesso.com/shop/ More Options: https://www.jameswjesso.com/support Newsletter:  https://www.jameswjesso.com/newsletter OR you can buy a copy of one of my books! Decomposing The Shadow: Lessons From The Psilocybin Mushroom – https://www.jameswjesso.com/decomposing-the-shadow/ The True Light Of Darkness — https://www.jameswjesso.com/true-light-darkness/

Anna Lutkajtis is the author of The Dark Side of Dharma: Meditation, Madness and other Maladies on the Contemplative Path. Lutkajtis joins us on the Adventures Through The Mind podcast to discuss mediation; the adverse effects of meditation; where those adverse effects may arise from; the importance of meditation teachers having psychotherapeutic skills; the nerfing of spirituality; and why it is that Western meditation contexts not only generally lack an awareness and understanding of mediation adverse effects, but why those harms are seemingly actively and explicitly ignored. Furthermore, we touch on psychedelic experiences as well; the media landscape surrounding their industrialization; the influence psychedelics have had on meditation culture (and vice versa); and how Anna’s research into the adverse effects of meditation overlaps with the growing interest in psychedelics amongst clinical practice, investors, and the wellness industry at large. ... For links to Anna's work, full show notes, and a link to watch this episode in video, head to bit.ly/ATTMind160 *** FULL TOPICS BREAKDOWN BELOW**   SUPPORT THE PODCAST Patreon: https://patreon.com/jameswjesso Paypal Donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=383635S3BKJVS Merchandise:  https://www.jameswjesso.com/shop/ More Options: https://www.jameswjesso.com/support Newsletter:  https://www.jameswjesso.com/newsletter *** Extra BIG thanks to my patrons on Patreon for helping keep this podcast alive! Especially my $23+ patrons, Andreas D, Clea S, Joe A, Ian C, Yvette FC, Chuck W, Alex F, Eliz C, Nathan B, Nick M, & Chloe C ——  ***** Episode Breakdown (0:00) Opening (2:05) Overture (4:05) Guest Bio (6:56) Patreon Thanks (8:51) Presenting the thesis of The Dark Side Of Dharma (12:42) What is Mediation? | Transcendental Meditation, Vipassana, & Mindfulness (18:02) The adverse effects of meditation (including spiritual crisis) (21:33) Pathologizing the adverse effects of meditation might be a mistake (25:48) The harms of secularising/decontextualizing meditation from its historical traditions (32:53) Colonial extractivism and the distorted hubris of Western secularism (36:38) The central role of mediation is a response to colonial conquest (39:34) Repackaging Buddhism as a science to appeal to the Western Mainstream (41:19) What’s missing in Western meditation contexts vs traditional ones (a personal story) (44:38) Traditionally, “Having good health is a prerequisite for meditation” not the other way around (49:26) Some adverse effects can come from the misinterpretation of meditation (and psychedelic) insights (55:14) The trickster energy of high dose psilocybin (58:04) The importance of meditation teachers having psychotherapeutic skills (1:05:03) A concussion-symptom break (1:09:19) Presenting meditation as a cure-all is harmful | what drives this presentation? (1:19:09) Might the shifting media-tech landscape support psychedelics from falling into traps of corporate branding (1:24:42) Anna asks James about how he feels The Dark Side Of Dharma might apply to psychedelics (1:27:06) The influence psychedelics have had on meditation culture (and vice versa) (1:27:37) Once you open the door, it can never be closed again (1:29:56) Nerfing spirituality, spiritual bypassing, deception, and no, it’s not all good. (1:34:08) Places to reach out if you are experiencing adverse effects (1:36:11) Follow-up links (1:37:46) Outro ***** SUPPORT THE PODCAST Patreon: https://patreon.com/jameswjesso Paypal Donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=383635S3BKJVS Merchandise:  https://www.jameswjesso.com/shop/ More Options: https://www.jameswjesso.com/support Newsletter:  https://www.jameswjesso.com/newsletter OR you can buy a copy of one of my books! Decomposing The Shadow: Lessons From The Psilocybin Mushroom – https://www.jameswjesso.com/decomposing-the-shadow/ The True Light Of Darkness — https://www.jameswjesso.com/true-light-darkness/