I had the great pleasure to speak with my friend, Tomás, and discuss some of the wide range of issues he’s been involved with. Tom is one of the most real people I know. He shares about his extraordinary life experiences, his stumbles and awakenings, with humility, candor and humor, and opens to a deep channel of wisdom for us all.
In our conversation, he shares what he has learned from his work with the dying, his journeys on deep vision quests in nature, and what carefully guided psychedelic experiences offer for transforming individuals and our culture. Having apprenticed for eleven years with Huichol shaman and studied with numerous indigenous elders, he shares his thoughts on the issue of cultural appropriation and the importance of reciprocity. Finally, I asked Tomás to offer his thoughts on dealing with the machinations of our current President and his minions.
Tom is a true pioneer: he builds bridges between cultures, integrates ancient wisdom traditions with modern psychology and science, and brings forward how shamanic and nature-based principles can help us address the challenges of our times and return to sacred living. He has served as a transpersonal psychologist, ceremonial elder, rite of passage and vision-fast leader, sacred storyteller, musician, and author. Tom completed an eleven-year apprenticeship with Huichol shamans in Mexico and has written extensively about Huichol shamanism, cosmology and the use of peyote as a sacrament in their religious practice.
It was my great pleasure to have a conversation with Dr. Jim Fadiman. Jim is a delightful gentleman, an elder wiseman with a great sense of humor. Here’s a very concise bit of information about his life:
Jim Fadiman has been at the forefront of the exploration of consciousness since he was introduced to psychedelics by his former Harvard undergraduate advisor, Richard Alpert (aka, Ram Dass) in 1961. He went on to introduce a good number of folks to LSD and psilocybin, some who became counter-culture heroes in the Sixties, such as Stewart Brand who later developed the iconic Whole Earth Catalog.
While he grew up in a Jewish-atheist family, his psychedelic experiences turned him towards a spiritual path. Along the way he studied with Idris Shah, a Sufi mystic, and co-authored the book Essential Sufism with Robert Frager. Jim was an early pioneer in establishing transpersonal psychology, considered the fourth branch of psychology, directly integrating psychology with spirituality. He was the president of the Association for Transpersonal Psychology and along with Frager, founded the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology in Menlo Park (now known as Sofia University).
In the pre-prohibition days, Jim was one of the researchers working with psychedelics to enhance creativity, solve problems, and develop higher awareness of self and the world. Those programs were halted by the war on drugs in 1966. During that time, he bridged the more academic and research study of psychedelics while maintaining relationships with the counter-culture. He was a friend of Ken Kesey and wrote about the hippie scene in The Other Side of Haight- a Novel.
In our conversation, Jim shares about his early family life as well as his trajectory through many projects and activities until the present. Of his present focus, he might say that the universe has a sense of humor. After all his involvement with deep spiritual, transformative work with moderate to high dose psychedelics, he is now the most well known spokesperson for microdosing, the use of tiny, sub-perceptible doses of psychedelics to enhance people’s functioning in profoundly varied ways.
When I asked him if he was comfortable with being called “the father of microdosing,” he said he preferred the term “modern microdosing.” That’s because his research has led him to recognize that indigenous people have used micro-levels of various plant medicines for thousands of years. This surprised me as these are the substances which many of us know to be used only in larger doses and exclusively in sacred ceremonies.
It would be an understatement to say he has become enthusiastic about the potentials of microdosing. Along with colleagues, he has set up a citizen science reporting network from which he receives thousands of accounts from people who are microdosing. He speaks of athletes improving their performance, students doing better on tests, people being lifted from chronic intractable depression, sleeping better, dropping additive patterns, even very unexplainable resolving of long-term medical conditions.
Now in his 86th year, he remains active and has been instrumental in the establishment of the “microdosing institute” which educates and offers counseling or coaching for people seeking the benefits of microdosing. A wealth of information, including several videos of Jim speaking are featured on the website.
I hope you take some time to watch or listen to my conversation with this remarkable man.
“Grace happens when we act with others on behalf of our world.” ― Joanna Macy
As the personal growth industry continues to grow beyond 44 billion dollars annually, it’s worth asking whether the millions of people taking self-help programs, meditating, doing yoga, breath-work seminars, psychedelic retreats, etc. are then working to make the world a more peaceful and just place. While I used to believe the answer was a resounding “yes,” I now think a bit differently.
It seems clear that people can participate and benefit personally from such practices, and yet not necessarily gain awareness of their relatedness to other beings, or find empathy and behave ethically towards them. It’s quite possible to use personal growth and even spiritual practices to become better and more efficient at behaviors that exploit and manipulate others.
I know that for some people that’s a very radical thing to hear. We’re often told that if someone becomes less rigid, less burdened by guilt or shame, more confident, they will become kinder, more generous and act in ways that make for a better world. This is often the case. But it’s often not. This is why ancient wisdom and spiritual traditions emphasize behavior, speech, action and work as equally important as inner development. And they also emphasize the development of consciousness that does not place the personal self, a segment of humanity, or humans at the center of the universe.
Intention is the key. If one enters “personal growth” with an intention to profit for themselves, it is likely that will be the result. If the intention includes cultivating awareness and compassion towards others, (humans, animals, plants, non-organic “things,” Mother Earth), that will bring about a different result. One can focus the intention of their inner work, prayerfully, to be the embodiment of the love, goodwill and compassion that is the true nature of their Soul, or essential nature.
So here’s another pitch for my upcoming course:
The Tree of Life, drawn from Jewish mystical teachings and embraced by mystics from many lineages, offers a path towards integrating inner and outer work. Teachings and practices from the Tree of Life provide the opportunity for personal and planetary healing and gaining guidance for committing to the work in the world that brings the light of peace and harmony to all beings. Information and registration links are here.
“All theory, dear friend, is gray, but the golden tree of life springs ever green.” –Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
We are all facing the same predicament: Our attention is being called and pulled in a myriad of directions while feelings of helplessness, anger, fear and grief are rising up and swirling throughout. How do we stay centered and relate to each other and the world with courage, kindness and love? Where do we find guidance and direction?
In my over fifty years of spiritual practice, I’ve explored a range of pathways. Each has helped me to center, develop greater awareness of my essential nature and grow as a mature human being. Each has helped me to serve more effectively in whatever role I can play in the great work of making the world a more just and compassionate realm.
Several decades ago I began to explore the teachings of the Kabbalistic Tree of Life. I found here more than a symbol for the human mind/body and the nature of Reality. The Tree of Life is a tool and method for experiencing and integrating directly the essential qualities that we seek in psychological and spiritual growth. I’ve been working for several years with individuals and small groups bringing these teachings forward and have found they provide answers to the questions we face in these times. I am now launching this online course that brings it all together.
Skills you will get from this course
Deepen meditation skills whether you are a beginner or seasoned meditator.
Enhance kinesthetic experience of your body and the healing energies that resolve pain and increase vitality.
Access sources within the Tree of Life for creativity, compassion, wisdom, strength and love – the divine attributes of your true nature.
Heal the conflict between the inner man and woman.
Learn to take responsibility for your state of mind – transform “negative” emotions.
Invoke your ancestors and spirit allies to assist in your life journey.
Basically, my hope and intention is that this course will deepen your multi-faceted, spiritual awareness and help you develop a disciplined daily practice that is of benefit to you and all life on Mother Earth.
We will explore and experience together
Mindfulness practices for clearing the mind chatter and moving beyond the thinking mind.
The tree as both a cross-cultural symbol for human development, and the Tree of Life as a map of divine and human powers and attributes.
Practices for navigating in consciousness. Journeying deeply into the nature of the Sephiroth and the Tree. Discerning real or imaginary creations of the mind?
Understanding experiences of unity and duality – balancing the poles of yin and yang, male and female, giving and receiving.
Processes for healing the wounds of the heart.
Walking your visions with strength and opening to the sustaining support of Mother Earth.
Why the Tree of Life
The form and meaning of the Tree of Life were originally developed by Jewish mystics and further adapted by Christian, Sufi and Western esoteric spiritual teachers. Yet, many of the studies involving the Tree remain largely abstract and intellectual. This course will focus on experiential practices using meditations, divinations and invocations that explore the Tree in a way that opens you to the deep healing energies and spiritual guidance within. My approach draws from a range of spiritual lineages that include mindfulness meditation, the light-fire teachings of Agni Yoga, shamanism, alchemy and depth psychology.
The structure of the Tree of Life is similar to the chakra system of the East. There are centers (Sephiroth) that are sources of energy and places in consciousness that serve as emanations of attributes of your Soul and the Divine Source of all-that-is. Different than most depictions of the chakras, the Tree of Life has, in addition to the central column, axes that have centers to the right and left of the human body helping to balance the feminine and masculine, (yin and yang) aspects of your nature. The Tree also brings a focus down lower in the body to the feet with the aim of balancing transcendence with embodiment, coming to and serving the Earth.
The relationships of the different Sephiroth to each other form triangles and other patterns that express a range of states of consciousness. Each Sephira is related to elements of nature and mythological beings as well as psychological and spiritual qualities. Learning to navigate the Sephiroth and their relationships is a mind expanding and transformational process quite different from simply studying them theoretically or cognitively.
Course structure
The course will consist of twelve 90-minute, online sessions. All sessions will include experiential meditations, lecture and question and answer periods. All of the sessions will be recorded so participants will have access to them during and after the completion of the course. In addition, all participants will have access to over 10 recorded meditations that can be used for your own ongoing practice. The content and sequence of materials in the course will be flexible and proceed according to the needs of those attending.
Sessions will be online meeting every other week (except where holidays are involved).
All sessions will be recorded in case you miss a class.
Supplemental recorded meditations will be available for practice in between classes.
Sessions will be Sunday at 7 PM Eastern Time/4 PM PT and will be 90-minutes.
Fee for course including all materials is $500. Scroll down to register.
Cathy’s very multi-faceted career and continuing activities include earning a doctorate in East-West Psychology from the California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS). At CIIS, she worked in a variety of administrative, leadership roles for 20 years and for the past six years she has worked with the CIIS Center for Psychedelic-Assisted Therapies and Research. She has served as president of Kepler College, (a state-approved college of astrological studies in Washington state) and as Director of IONS’ (Institute of Noetic Sciences) EarthRise Retreat Center. As a very respected astrologer, she works in private practice, as a coach, and lectures nationally and internationally on Western and Eastern (Jyotish) astrology.
She is a devoted mother, grandmother and author of the just released book, Ralph Metzner, Explorer of Consciousness – The Life and Legacy of a Psychedelic Pioneer published by Inner Traditions. We talk about the book, which contains dozens of tributes and illuminating stories from people whose lives were touched and deeply influenced by Ralph as friends, colleagues, students and family. It reveals a good deal about his life, his wide ranging interests and contributions to the fields of psychology, shamanism, eco-psychology, mythology, Western and Eastern mysticism, and of course, psychedelics, a field in which he was a pioneer and innovator starting with his association with Timothy Leary and Richard Alpert (Ram Dass) at Harvard.
In our conversation, we talk about Cathy’s early years growing up in a conservative, small town in Missouri, her opening to astrology, her move to California and the California Institute of Integral Studies, and her in thirty year marriage with Ralph Metzner. Cathy talks with openness about what it was like living with him, working alongside him, being with him through his dying, and now communing with him in the after-life.
Cathy co-founded the Green Earth Foundation with Ralph that was a vehicle for Ralph’s teachings and books and through which Cathy continues to pass on his rich legacy (www.greenearthfound.org).
I’m sure you’re aware of the explosion of interest in what’s being called “the psychedelic renaissance.” Articles in all of the forms of media are calling attention to the many research programs for treating addictions, depression, anxiety, end-of-life issues, eating disorders, etc., Ketamine clinics are proliferating all over the country, and big-money corporations are seeking to gain control of the substances themselves. With all this, it’s easy to lose sight of the fact that psychedelic substances or medicines are ancient tools for spiritual awakening, for opening perception and awareness to the true nature of Reality, aligning with one’s Soul or Spiritual essence, and for finding one’s place in serving the community of life of which we are part.
With that in mind, I’m excited to share the news that I’ve revised and republished my book, Preparation for a Sacred Psychedelic Journey. In it I’ve distilled some of the essential elements necessary to engage with plant or synthetic substances for sacred experiences. Based on my own experiences witnessing and participating with elder guides, it’s my hope it will be helpful to both experienced guides and those they work with.
It’s available on Amazon as a paperback or e-book for a low price making it easily available for teachers and students, guides and journeyers, beginners or the already very experienced. I’ve talked to many people who have used it prior to their experiential journeys and all have found it extremely helpful.
If you appreciate the book, I’d love it if you’d write a review on Amazon. That seems to be the way books get more visibility.
May those seeking a deeper connection with Spirit within themselves and in all the many dimensions of Reality find the careful and wise guidance they need on their journeys.
P.S. In the near future, I’ll be interviewing for my Crossing the Boundary YouTube/podcast series two folks who’ve been very involved in this field: Cathy Coleman, who was married for 30 years with the visionary, psychedelic pioneer, Ralph Metzner, and Jim Fadiman, founder of the Institute for Transpersonal Psychology and eminent researcher of micro-dosing psychedelics. Watch for them over the next couple of months.
Here are some of the endorsements I’ve received so far from people in the field:
“Impressive that here is exactly what you need to know if you are going to take a serious journey, and nothing else. It is clear, supportive, sensible, practical and sufficient.” –Jim Fadiman, author, The Psychedelic Explorer’s Guide founder Institute for Transpersonal Psychology
“Preparation for a Sacred Psychedelic Journey condenses a rich body of knowledge into clear and simple instruction for any potential explorer of consciousness. Alan Levin’s years of practice as a psychotherapist and healer are made available in an offering that grounds psychedelic experience into a practical yet profound framework for personal transformation.” –Valeria McCarroll, PhD, LMFT Faculty, California Institute of Integral Studies in the Integral and Transpersonal Department
“For those seeking a deeper engagement of their essential nature through the expanded awareness offered by psychedelic molecules, Alan Levin has captured in his small book, the essential elements to pay attention to.” –Michael Ziegler, Founder “Mastering The art of Psychedelic Care: The Guiding Presence”
“Alan has prepared a sacred text of simple and powerful practical guidance to prepare for and explore within expanded consciousness. Alan’s thoughtful, heartful voice comes through every page, especially in his reverence for his teacher Ralph Metzner. Walk with him, into the journey.” –Rabbi Zac Kamenetz, Founder, Shefa, Jewish Psychedelic Support
“Alan’s book covers all the bases that need to be addressed and honored to create responsible, respectful right-relationship with the spirits of sacred psychedelic plants. Following the steps presented in this book helps open the doorway to receiving meaningful wisdom guidance and transformational healing for one’s life. It is about taking a sacred substance into a sacred container (you) to engage in a sacred dialogue cultivating the universe and letting the universe cultivate you.” –Dr. Tom Pinkson, author The Psychedelic Shaman: The Wisdom Warrior’s Path to Transformation Shamanic Mentor, Ceremonial Leader, Spiritual Medicine Teacher
“Alan Levin’s concise guidelines for a sacred psychedelic journey give great aid for the rapidly increasing number of therapists training as psychedelic guides. Alan’s half-century association with my late husband Ralph Metzner as his teacher, mentor, friend, and colleague, coupled with Alan’s own training, experience, and knowledge enabled this offering of guidelines for preparation, practice, and integration of deep intentional transformative growth work. This small volume incorporates the poetic wisdom of numerous teachers along with practical suggestions for how to do the work and navigate your evolving consciousness.” —Dr. Cathy Coleman, author, Ralph Metzner, Explorer of Consciousness: the Life and Legacy of a Psychedelic Pioneer
“Preparation for a Sacred Psychedelic Journey is an essential guide for anyone embarking on a journey of psychological and spiritual transformation through the use of entheogenic and empathogenic medicines. Levin’s extensive experience as a psychotherapist and spiritual practitioner shines through in his comprehensive approach to preparation, set and setting, intention-setting, and integration. This book is a practical resource for both novices and experienced voyagers, offering clear advice, actionable insights, and a compassionate understanding of the transformative potential of these sacred substances.
Levin delves deeply into the spiritual dimensions of psychedelic journeys, providing guidance on connecting with the divine, exploring one’s higher self, and communing with spiritual teachers and ancestors. Through detailed guidance on meditation, nature immersion, and creative expression, he skillfully equips readers to navigate their inner landscapes with wisdom and grace, facilitating spiritual awakening and growth. He also helps readers identify their connection to the natural world by enhancing the journeyer’s sense of belonging and inter-connectedness, grounding their experiences in the larger web of life.
Preparation for a Sacred Psychedelic Journey is a must-read for those seeking to deepen their journey, expand their consciousness, and cultivate a lasting change in their mind, heart, and way of living.” –Tina Trujillo, Ph.D. Faculty Director, Berkeley Psychedelic Facilitation Program University of California, Berkeley
“Alan Levin’s knowledge of the psychedelic realms is both deep and wide. The depth comes from decades of time on the mat, doing his own inner work. The breadth comes from 40+ years of studying and teaching spiritual practices. This book is a trusted guide for those entering into their own psychedelic explorations. It is both a practical and spiritual guidebook providing deep insights and prompts to help expand your psychedelic experience. Alan is a trusted resource in the psychedelic field. I highly recommend this book as a place to start your inner journey.” –Carla Detchon, Integration Coach Host of “Psychedelic Divas Podcast“
My recent conversation with John Malkin opened my eyes to a genre of music which I’d previously kept at a great distance – Punk Rock music. John, a very accomplished and recognized pianist himself, has a wide range of interests: writing, photography, non-violent communication, activism, music of several genres, and interviewing and writing about people involved with music, social justice and spirituality. Regarding music, he’s given a good deal of focus to punk rock, especially the punk music that has radical and revolutionary social and political content.
John’s most recent book, Punk Revolution! – An Oral History of Punk Rock, Politics and Activism, came out of over 250 interviews with punk musicians. In it, he explores in-depth, the very powerful and provocative messages and influence of the punk music scene. Coming from an older, hippie, rock and roll generation, I had pretty much bought into the disparaging view of punk as simply violent ranting (John acknowledges it has that element). But I now see it in a different light, that it took on the early anti-authoritarian role of rock-and-roll which had become pretty commercial as punk came on the scene. And embedded in the intense beat and thrashing guitars are messages related to political and social issues. I learned just how much punk is international in scope and includes Buddhist, indigenous, Hindu, vegan, even Orthodox Jewish versions. In John’s forthcoming book, Punk Spirit, he plans to focus on the spiritual aspects of punk.
Malkin has been working through radio for over 25 years. Starting with a tiny “pirate radio” station in Santa Cruz, he now has a regular program, “Transformation Highway,” on KZSC 88.1 radio through UC Santa Cruz. John’s interviewed musicians of all genres, political activists, spiritual teachers as well as community and labor organizers. The list includes, Thich Nhat Hanh, spiritual guru Amma, Noam Chomsky, John Trudell, Amy Goodman, Yolanda King (MLK’s daughter).
Malkin considers himself a student of Thich Nhat Hanh and Gandhi, and is committed to non-violence with an anarchist bent towards authoritarian powers. Our conversation includes a good look into the political questions of our time, the upcoming election, and Israel’s war on Gaza as it relates to Jewish identity.
Malkin’s interviews and writings have been published internationally in Adbusters, Punk Planet, Razorcake, Spirituality & Health, Z Magazine, Ode, In These Times, Sojourners, The Sun, Film International, Shambhala Sun, Tricycle, Friends Journal, The Santa Cruz Sentinel, The Monterey Herald and other publications. As a pianist / percussionist he has collaborated with a variety of ensembles, dancers and choreographers for 30 years including Tandy Beal, Mel Wong, Connie Kreemer, Frey Faust, Nita Little, Joe Goode, Miranda Janeschild and Rita Rivera. He’s played solo piano concerts internationally and has performed with West African Kora master Foday Musa Suso, German vocalist Christian Kesten, cellist Elaine Kreston and blues guitarist Paul Sprawl. Malkin has traveled internationally and has lived in West Berlin and Australia. He is now writing his first novel about hitchhiking across the Sahara Desert.
A very interesting man! Please watch or listen to my conversation with him and check out the information at the links below for more about John and for some his recommendations of punk music.
Please feel free to share this and other blog posts from me and subscribe to my podcast and or YouTube series, Crossing the Boundary.
May we all be the peace that brings justice to the world,
Eva was born in Israel in a Muslim family and as a child, learned to think of herself as an Arab-Israeli. She moved to France to study and received a double Masters degree in International Relations and International Administration from the Sorbonne. Her skills, and the fact that she speaks five languages fluently, led her to Brussels to work with an NGO and also as a consultant to the European Union. Living there for 10 years, she took on Belgian nationality. Her work included extensive conflict resolution projects in Africa and later New York.
Eventually, she came to the U.S. and began looking more deeply into the psychological and spiritual roots of conflict and realized she needed to do the work within herself before she could help others. She now likes to use the term “peace activator” to describe what she does, rather than peace activist, noting that it is the peace within that needs to be activated and brought out into the world.
Her self exploration and truth seeking led her to embrace her identity as a Palestinian. Especially now, she devotes herself to working with both Jewish Israelis and Palestinians. In her work with them as individuals and in groups, people find the common humanity they share with the people they had come to see as “others.” She sees this as getting to the roots of the conflict and a necessary part of finding solutions that will bring about justice and peace.
I found the work she does through PeaceActivation of great interest. As well, her life journey, crossing boundaries of different national or ethnic identities, seems to give her a clear vision of the role identity plays in all of us. I have found that when we recognize and accept our personal and collective identifications, we can more genuinely transcend the separative aspects of those identities and experience ourselves as fundamentally spiritual beings living in a human family. Eva Dalak seems to me to be someone who has done the work and is helping others find the way.
Eva and her partner live in Costa Rica and have a healing retreat center where they have “PeaceActivation” workshops and trainings.
Please see the links below to find out more about her work and ways to take part:
When I am reminded of the bravery of those who put their lives in danger for the sake of justice, I am moved to find at least a bit more of that courage in myself and take whatever steps I can to continue that struggle for a more just and peaceful world. I recently had a conversation with my good friend, Joseph Tieger, who was among the early white participants in the civil rights struggle in the South. By activist, I don’t mean someone who attended a few civil rights marches or protests, but someone who devoted himself full-time to local and national efforts and was repeatedly threatened, beaten and imprisoned. I recorded our talk for both a podcast and YouTube and hope you can take the time to tune it in.
Joseph recently published a memoir of his activist time in the civil rights struggle from 1962 – 72, and his later attempts to find an even deeper path towards bringing about change. The book, Lately It Occurs To Me: A Memoir of the Civil Rights Movement & The Open Road (1963—1976) offers a deep and detailed look into the movement in North Carolina and beyond. It givers us a glimpse into the overt hatred and violence as well as the only somewhat more subtle actions of the political and legal establishment to stop the movement towards integration and voting rights. It’s an exciting and mind-opening read.
After his years as a civil rights activist and then attorney, Joseph watched as the movement splintered and broke apart. He went on a journey of self-discovery not unlike many of us in the 60’s ending up in California. (Full disclosure: In many respects Joseph’s journey is very parallel to my own, and when we met in the 1980’s we discovered that we were in each other’s FBI files).
It was in the Bay Area of California that I met Joseph. He was then traveling and presenting a video series with his wife Johanna called “How Then Shall We Live.” It featured Ram Dass and Stephen Levine and eventually became a PBS series offering “essential teachings for personal awakening on social action, impermanence and living life fully present.”
After that, Joseph and Johanna produced a magical ten-part series with Ram Dass and dozens of other visionary teachers and celebrities live in Oakland that involved thousands of participants in social justice and diversity training while cultivating self-awareness and an open heart. This series, “Reaching Out” also became a video series.
Interestingly, on the day I had my recorded zoom conversation with Joseph, I received an article from Tikkun Magazine that included the following passage:
“However, in a sense, the saturating effects of the sixties movements were radically incomplete. They have not reached many people, particularly many White people, in our bones. Although the movements have created, and continue to create, institutional and legal and systemic shifts, the system is quite stubborn because most people’s hearts and minds have not been deeply affected. That’s why what’s needed in the United States, and the world over, is a moral, even a spiritual, change, to rise to the level of the demands for political change. ….. It’s actually quite empowering to know that we’re responsible for what we see on the news. Instead of wringing our hands, we can rewrite the script.” –from “My American Violence” by Robert Birdwell in Tikkun Magazine
It’s well worth asking, ‘Where did all that passionate courage of the movement in the 60’s go?’ As well as, ’Where did all that hateful resistance go?’ Obviously, there are aspects of it in the current scene all around the world. But, perhaps part of the answer is they are both within us, you and me. It’s just a matter of which part we feed.
“Who am I?” “What am I doing here?” These are the core questions that focus attention on the spiritual path. I would add that the following questions are also worth asking, even though one could say they are essentially included in the above: “What is all this that appears outside of me?” and “What is my relationship with all that?” The latter questions bring the focus to our relatedness and responsibility to the world in which we live.
I think that if anyone sincerely asks and meditates with these questions, they will find themselves moved to take part in shifting the direction of humanity towards creating a more just and peaceful world, one in which we live in harmony with all life on Earth. In other words, there will be a shift in consciousness such that their thoughts, feelings and motivations to act will involve a wider and more loving embrace of themselves and everyone and everything. They will care more about creating a loving, global community.
The above thoughts come from the fact that every time I experience (or even get close to) the reality of my own true nature, and tune to the essence of all that is around me, I experience compassion and goodwill. I am moved to help bring about a better world. I don’t, and can’t, arrive at that through just thinking about these questions. It is an experience that comes through spiritual practices that take me beyond my thinking mind and that I feel in my heart and body.
For many years I have believed that it is only through the wider dissemination of experientially based spiritual teachings that we will avert human caused catastrophe and create a better world. As the Dalai Lama and others have proposed, we need a spiritual or consciousness revolution. I still believe that, and it seems to me more urgent than ever.
In this light I am heartened to see that one long suppressed, even demonized, approach to spiritual awakening is surfacing in a positive way in mainstream discourse: psychedelics. This is coming about partly through carefully-worded statements from scientific researchers at university hospitals proving the effectiveness of psychedelic therapies for people with treatment resistant depression, addictions, PTSD, and other clinical problems/disorders. But contained in these reports, somewhat hidden in plain sight, is that the most successful outcomes of these treatments come primarily when the participant has what they deem to be a “spiritual or mystical experience.”
While these relatively recent government approved research findings are being reported in mainstream media, the “underground” network of guides, who have been performing psychedelic ceremonies and rituals for groups and individuals for decades, has grown to where they can no longer be ignored. Knowledge of – and participation in – these ceremonies is bursting into the mainstream and some forms of legalization are imminent. An aspect of this is the willingness of many participants, including very well respected thought leaders, to share their experiences past and present.
Among people I know, including numerous clients I see as a psychotherapist, many are exploring psychedelics with experienced guides with intentions for psychological healing and spiritual growth. I have witnessed very positive results, often breakthroughs that would involve years of therapy or meditation practice. Because of my own fairly extensive participation in similar ceremonial circles over the past 40-plus years, I am able to support their preparation for these experiences and their integration afterwards.
As the lid is lifted off of prohibition, it will be messy. There will likely be a great deal of misuse and abuse of these very powerful substances. People with very limited experience will set themselves up as guides for others. People will take what are potentially life-transforming sacred medicines and use them in recreational settings, and while some will have fun, others will have problems as a result. And there may be damaging consequences for some people for whom psychedelics are not appropriate. Corporations, especially the pharmaceutical industry, are already seeking to capitalize and control the “psychedelic renaissance.” The dominant culture will tend to desacralize, co-opt and make into a fad what could otherwise be a catalyst for a global shift towards a loving community seeking to protect and sustain all life.
Psychedelics have great promise and yet are not a panacea. They can help bring about experiences that speak deeply to the questions posed at the beginning of this writing. Yet, those benefits come only when the internal intentionality and the surrounding environment (the set and setting) are supportive of psychological and spiritual growth. Lasting change tends to come when the altered-state journey is seen as one part of a lifelong path of inner work, not a single event expected to solve one’s problems.
In light of all of the above, I’ve written and self-published a short book, Preparation for a Sacred Psychedelic Journey. In it I offer a series of suggestions for steps and practices that help one to prepare for a safe and fruitful experience. I draw from what I’ve learned over the last 40-plus years of my own explorations. If you or anyone you know is interested in embarking on such a journey, or is already actively working with these substances, I hope this book will be of value. I’ve kept the price as low as possible.
You may also be interested in the podcast recording of a talk I recently gave at the Gay Buddhist Fellowship on this theme: https://gaybuddhist.org/podcast/
Please feel free to pass this invitation on and write a review on Amazon if you like the book.
I offer my blessings for a world that honors the spiritual journey and moves towards harmony amongst humans and all life,
Here’s comments from several folks who’ve read the book:
“In the tradition and lineage of James Fadiman and Ralph Metzner, transpersonal psychotherapist Alan Levin has brought forth an indispensable guidebook for using psychotropic medicines as a vehicle for awakening.” –Joseph Tieger – author of Lately It Occurs To Me: A Memoir of The Civil Rights Movement & The Open Road
“The entheogenic journey can help us access elemental aspects of our being and can assist us in growth. It is with proper preparation and guidance that these profound (aspects) are examined. In this book, Alan Levin shares key concepts that are necessary to get ready for the journey. A must read for those who are seeking these essential truths and deep healing.” –JH
“I highly recommend Alan Levin’s Preparation for a Sacred Psychedelic Journey book to anyone who is planning on embarking on an altered state journey. Alan’s guidance is invaluable in helping to prepare for a safe and sacred experience. The book is well-organized and covers everything from setting intentions to creating a safe and supportive environment for your journey.
“Alan’s expertise and compassionate approach make this book an essential resource for anyone seeking to explore the potential benefits of psychedelics in a responsible and mindful way. His teachings are rooted in decades of personal experience and research, and he provides practical tools and techniques to help you navigate the journey with confidence and ease.….” –roseheart
“Alan Levin provides a thorough, thoughtful, and clear guide for preparing oneself for embarking on an altered state journey. Levin’s guidance for intention setting, preparatory activities, and practices for navigating consciousness were very helpful and well-articulated.” –Julia Hume
“This is a small but powerful book? My personal work with Alan Levin has changed my life in a safe and most profound way. I highly recommend it to anyone yearning for deeper love and peace.” –Celeste Simone, Voice Teacher/Performance Coach/Director
