“It was my destiny to join in a great experience” – Herman Hesse
Last month at the MAPS Psychedelic Science Conference in Denver I volunteered to meet and greet 12,000 attendees, 500 speakers, and more than 300 exhibitors – all convening to learn about the science and practice of using entheogenic medicines to help heal trauma, change minds, and awaken the consciousness of humanity.
It was a diverse, interesting crowd to say the least, ranging from research scientists at universities like Stanford and Johns Hopkins, politicians, CEOs, veterans, actors, and athletes, to therapists, nurses, physicians, musicians, artists, indigenous shamans, truth seekers, and individuals like me who want to be part of a new global movement to alleviate human suffering.
Yes, there were business suits and Birkenstocks all in the same room!
I loved hearing Dr. Andrew Huberman share his personal experiences using psychedelics (he’s my science hero), how ayahuasca helped MVP Aaron Rodgers unlock a big part of his heart and connect with his teammates, and how John Mackey is now finally able to “come out of the psychedelic closet” and credit these sacred medicines for giving him the vision to create Whole Foods many years ago.
The art, music, and exhibits were intentional and engaging, and this experience reminded me how incredible it feels to come together with your extended tribe and be a part of something redefining what healthy, self-aware individuals in connected communities can look like. People using psychedelics not to check out, but to check IN 🤩
I walked away inspired by the scientific viability of sacred medicines to help shift mental and physical health, yet also concerned with the new challenge of educating our medical community not just clinically- but with the integration of indigenous traditions that brought the spirit of these medicines alive for centuries. Decriminalizing these medicinal substances will be necessary on a political level, AND we also need to honor the sacred land, people, and cultures from where they came. This will require thoughtful legislation and practices, and more truly informed citizens who understand how drugs can be used safely and with reverence.
Also important is a discussion of the limitations and risks of these medicines. They are never a magic bullet and require active intention, integration, and behavioral changes to create real, lasting results. Simply taking a psychedelic medicine or participating in a ceremony and expecting big shifts is no different than the broken and ineffective pill-popping therapeutic model we have in place today. Integrating the lessons of psychedelic therapy is a path you walk for the rest of your life and requires guidance and commitment.
This psychedelic re-emergence is coming at a time we need it the most. So many people everywhere are ready to explore these new modalities for healing a troubled world. I’m so excited to be a part of this old, yet new frontier.
If you are interested in learning more about MAPS psychedelic research projects and policy reform, visit their website.
0 Comments