Creativity and Psychedelic Integration
Use your power for good
Welcome to this Week's Edition of Red Things on Tuesday.
Creativity and Psychedelic Integration
We know that we're creative beings. We know that we're always creating our lives in each moment and that we're creating them directly from our own imaginations. Of course, there are social forces and external constraints. We all have to deal with certain realities of physics, biology, and politics. But by and large, we've got a lot of creative control. Often more than we give ourselves credit for.
This seems to be one of the reasons that draw people to psychedelics in the first place. They are creatively blocked. They're weighed down by problems and can't see any solutions. Their creativity is exhausted. And even worse, their creativity is exhausted from working so hard on the wrong problems. All of it's bandwidth is getting used up on questions like:
"What if I try and fail?"
"What will people think of me?"
"What's wrong with me?"
"Why doesn't that person like me?"
"What will I do (in detail) if that one highly improbable situation occurs?"
Who among us is free from spinning our wheels on unsolvable problems like these? Not me!
We're literally using our creative potential to make ourselves miserable, and the habit is so deeply entrenched that we need powerful entheogenics to notice it at all, and to have any possibility of doing something different.
In this way, psychedelic integration is seen partially as a process of cessation. We commit to a certain amount of vigilance and discipline. We affirm that we'll stay on the lookout for these thought forms, and when they arise, we'll interrupt them. We won't invest any time or energy in those ruminations.
Integration is also a practice of empowerment. We stand in the belief that this (stopping our mental negativity) is possible. So often, we consider our mind as something outside of our control. Through our journeys, we realize this isn't true, especially if we're aware of the thoughts. Our conscious witnessing brings our power back to ourselves. And even if it takes constant practice, we're lessening our compulsivity, freeing our vitality so our creative energy can be used to solve arguably better problems:
"How do I live my values even when it's difficult?"
"How do I express my heart's truth in a world that doesn't always seem safe?"
"How do I care for my soul and steward it on its journey of unfolding?"
"How can I be of greater service to my community?"
These are problems worthy of our creativity. These are problems that allow us to be inspired towards courage, self-expression, and care. These are the types of questions that many of my clients contemplate as part of their integration process, and they're the types of questions that I certainly wrestle with on a regular basis.
Better questions produce better solutions. Sit with some of the questions above, pull out your journal. I can't recommend this enough.
If you really want to go into a deep dive creatively, you can join me for my 12 week Artist's Way program, Inspiration Alchemy, which starts on Febraury 20th.
The Artist's Way has been supporting people in using their creativity in the best way possible for over 30 years. I was introduced to in 2005, and it changed my life forever. It uncovered so many blocks that I had around what was actually possible for me. I realized that I was capable of so much more, and that it was safe for me to try new things. It even became exciting to do new things. It helped me put myself out into the world in entirely new ways. It was not long after completing the Artist's Way that I launched my first 200 hour yoga teacher training program. It was a big step for little old me.
The Artist's Way has tools for restoring a sense of flow and connection to something larger. The exercises it offers help remove the pressure of perfectionism; they encourage us to just create!
Our program has an amazing collection of guest artist speakers. These folks are celebrated the world over for their contributions. They include:
Chris Dyer
Alyssa Gursky
Nick Schendzielos
Kamau Abayomi
Martin Witfooth
Marya Stark
Mark Henson
Kris Davidson
Michael Garfield
Olivia Jane
Miles Toland
Stella Strzyzowska
Amanda Sage
And More!
We'll Meet Mondays at 5pm Pacific, 8pm Eastern for 12 weeks, starting on February 10th.
Each week, we'll check in, go over the material and exercises from the book, and enjoy a presentation from one of our guest artists.
Throughout the week, you'll be able to stay in touch with your classmates on your own private chat. You can share about your artist dates, your challenges, and your successes.
https://inspirationalchemy.com
Why Worry When You Can Pray
A wise use of creativity
Spanish Castles in Space
Here's an old classic that was recently released with a super weird ai video.
A Conversation about Death, Psychedelics, and Spirituality
I got to speak on this panel with some very impressive folks!
Small Group Work with Daniel - The Golden Road Collective
We've started a group offering called The Golden Road Collective.
The Golden Road is a collective of psychonauts, healers, guides, and transformational change agents. We work together to create and embody the visions that have been gifted us in our ceremonies. We’re stepping into a shared future that is mindful, resilient, and committed to the versions of ourselves that we know we can be.
It's a chance to receive teaching, mentoring on your personal or professional practice, and group coaching with Daniel. There are also group meditations and monthly special guests. You can join at any time. Learn More Here
This month's Master Class is an introduction to EMBARK Psychedelic Therapy with Dr Alex Belser - January 27th
Links to All Integration Circles
All Donation-based Circles
https://tamintegration.com/psychedelic-integration/
Sponsor this Email
If you have a product or service, you can sponsor this email and promote yourself to the 13k subscribers of this email.
Disclaimer
Nothing in this email should be considered medical or legal advice. We're not suggesting that you break any laws or do anything dangerous. This email is offered as education and entertainment in the spirit of harm reduction. Consult medical and legal professionals if you have questions.
Sometimes, there are affiliate links in this email. It helps support this project. Thank you!