Integrating the Psychedelic Science Conference
Thoughts as I land from my trip to the MAPS Conference in Colorado
Integrating the Psychedelic Science Conference
I thoroughly enjoyed the Psychedelic Science conference in Denver last week. And as someone who spends most of their time in a tiny little town, I'm grateful to all of you who took the time to say hello in person and give me feedback on this newsletter. Here are just a few reflections on the conference. I could probably go on, but this is good for now...
The Body
As I write this, I'm still sore, and my all-too-often sedentary legs continue to scream at me. Seems that my occasional yoga, weights, and casual woodland strolls did not prepare me for the many laps I did around the convention center each day. My buddy's smart watch reports that he did about nine miles a day, and I was probably on par with that. The lack of sleep didn't help much either, although dancing as hard as I could with a thousand of my closest friends was pretty amazing for my mental health. It left my body a little depleted the next day, but that's ok. Live music is church, might as well soak it up.
The Vibe - A Market Correction?
The conference enjoyed a much smaller attendance this year. The vendor/exhibitor hall was about 1/4 the size. Notably missing were the guys in shiny track suits selling fake mushroom chocolates. There was much less flash in general, and most of the booths seemed to be training programs, professional organizations, and scientific projects. There was a smattering of functional and psychedelic mushroom companies, too, but not nearly as many free psychedelics were being given out as last year. Nobody invited me to Mexico to squeeze my own toad venom this time around.
One of my favorite things to see is the rise of testing and certification companies. More on that below.
It took me a minute to find my people, but I did. There were fewer of them than last year, which was beneficial in some ways; it gave me more opportunity to engage with them on a deeper level.
A Peaceful Space
Several of the people I spoke to beforehand expressed concern about the possibility of violence and conflict. People were worried that there might be protests or demonstrations that turn bad. But there weren't. One time, I thought I was walking up to a protest, and it just turned out to be some freestyle rapping.
While the news and the internet seem committed to spreading fear and division, everyone I spoke to about the issues of our day seemed very committed to peace work. Some expressed that while they might not have the power or the answers to create wide-scale political change, they had the ability to embody peace. We can live the idea that "peace is every step." I'm inspired, and am trying to remind myself to hold this vibration in every moment as well.
A Space for Communication and Collaboration.
Even though there were fewer people in attendance, it seemed as if there was more programming. There definitely seemed to be more diverse voices platformed, including many elders and wisdom keepers from the global south. I was heartened to see so many indigenous led discussions. Throughout the conference, we were called to remember the sacredness of this work and the importance of right relationship and reciprocity with the earth and its medicine. It was at the forefront in the conversations. Even in the opening keynote, we were reminded, "The spirits are watching."
The Science of Testing and the Need for More Research
A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away, many of us didn't test or even measure our substances. We didn't have scales, unless someone had stolen a triple-beam from a chemistry lab or had a lot of money for a Tanita Digi. We basically divided whatever we had among the number of people present. It wasn't the best system, but at least these were in the days before fentanyl. We didn't die, unless there was alcohol and vehicles involved.
We've come a long way. Scales are $20 and can be delivered overnight. Test kits are widely available, and there are plenty of free videos about how to use them.
But up until recently, some sacraments, like psilocybes, remained mysterious. The exact same weighed amount of mushrooms could have vastly different effects and strengths. We knew how much we were taking, but we didn't know how much we were taking.
Today, there are labs that can tell you exactly how many mg/g of psilocybin are in the mushrooms you have. They can tell you how much psilocin and baocystin is in them as well. These tests can get very granular. I had the opportunity to see varieties that were 8mg/g (which is what most are, I'm told) 16mg/g, 22mg/g and 30mg/g. People are working on these things like they are going to save the world or something!
This sort of curiosity and attention to detail makes me quite happy. I got to speak to a few scientists, and every time I asked them a question, they would say, "I don't know. It needs more research."
It's important that we have such curious people who are dedicated to further exploration, in this and all other areas of psychedelic research.
We need more content for people in the trenches.
Most of the conference was science and politics. There were a few workshops on Monday and Tuesday for practitioners, but for the most part, the conference was academic. In my mind, this conference would have been enriched by a lot more practical applications. There could have been an entire coaching track that would have kept many of us so engaged. A room dedicated to IFS, or Jungian Depth Psychology. Panels on embodiment would have been welcome. p. Lots of demonstrations, maybe some breakouts. Maybe it's because some of my first conferences were Yoga Journal conferences. We just bounced from workshop to workshop. We got sweaty, we did the work together, and we discussed it at lunch. If I could pick one thing to improve this conference, this would be it.
Once again, thank yout
All in all, the vibes were high, and if you were there, you contributed to it. I really appreciate it. These conferences are a great time to connect with the larger community and share wisdom and love. If you haven't been to one before, I highly recommend. If not this conference, one of the many that are being held all the time. Get into the mix, and see how it shakes out.
And, if you're looking for a smaller gathering, come and train with me in September in the Berkshires.
All the best!
Daniel
Music from the conference
Coaching Training Info Session
Thursday June 26th, 8:00pm Eastern Time Join Here!
We would like to invite you to attend a friendly and casual conversation to share about the world of psychedelic integration coaching. This event is designed for individuals who are passionate about supporting others in their healing and growth and are interested in becoming highly skilled and competent coaches.
As you may know, the use of psychedelics has increased in recent years and many people are seeking support in their integration process. As a result, there is a growing demand for trained professionals who can provide guidance and support. This event will provide you with the opportunity to learn about the latest developments in the field and to gain the knowledge and skills needed to become a successful coach.
During the event, you will have the opportunity to hear from the director of the program, Daniel Shankin, who will share their knowledge and experience in the field. You will also have the chance to learn about the latest techniques and approaches used in psychedelic integration coaching.
We hope that you will take advantage of this unique opportunity to learn about psychedelic integration coaching and to connect with others who are passionate about supporting others in their healing and growth.
We look forward to seeing you there! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mt-tam-psychedelic-integration-coaching-training-info-call-tickets-1407857813619?aff=oddtdtcreator
Psychedelics and Ayurveda with Dr. Nibodhi - June 25th
Wednesday, June 25th at 8pm Eastern Time - $30 or free with Golden Road Register Here
Dr. Nibodhi is a practitioner and educator in Ayurveda, Yoga, Tantra, Jyotish and Naturopathy. He is certified in Vedic psychology/counseling and a practitioner of Compassionate Inquiry and Mindfulness. He is the author of six books on health and consciousness. Since 2004, he has run a 100% charitable, non-profit clinic in India Nibodhi’s practice is deeply rooted in compassion and a commitment to service. Whether you seek to address acute or chronic issues, enhance your vitality, or embark on a spiritual healing journey, Nibodhi provides a path to wellness rooted in ancient wisdom and modern insight.
Ayurveda & Psychedelic Healing: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Transformation In this talk I will explore how Ayurveda can be a powerful ally on the path of psychedelic healing and consciousness expansion. We will explore how aligning with our unique constitution (dosha), optimizing digestion (agni), and working with the subtle energies (prana, tejas, ojas) can create a resilient inner ecosystem for deep transformation. I can talk about how Vedic psychology, soma/somatic experiencing, breathwork and plant wisdom can help to integrate, stabilize the nervous system, and support sustainable health and consciousness.
Tripsitting Training for Friends and Family - Live in the Berkshires
June 28th at Sweetgrass - 635 Laurel Street, Lee, MA Join here
Are you interested In supporting your loved ones through a psychedelic experience in a conscious, compassionate, and safe manner?
Join us for this practical, beginner-friendly workshop that covers the core skills needed to support someone through a psychedelic experience. This 3-hour session is ideal for those just getting started, as well as anyone wanting to build confidence and deepen their understanding.
What you’ll learn:
An overview of common molecules
Supporting conscious preparation for the journey, helping them get ready.
Varieties of psychedelic experience: what to expect – the good, the bad, the transcendent.
Best practices for attending to your loved one.
How to maintain a supportive presence.
Methods of aftercare and integration.
Meditation for the Journey: Autumn Retreat in the Berkshires
September 26-27-28, Plainfield, MA Link to Register
Join a group of like minded explorers
for a weekend of transcendent practice and ceremony
~ Explore the guided somatic practices and visualizations that you can share with your clients.
~ Experience how mantra and sacred sound can deepen somatic awareness and release.
~ Enjoy ceremony in the gorgousness of New England Autumn
~ 15 people max.
What’s included:
Lodging
Delicious organic and locally-sourced meals
Meditation, yoga, dharma talks
Introduction to guiding Yoga Nidra to support come up anxiety
Chanting the chakras for somatic awareness and release
Cannabis ceremony with guided Yoga Nidra
Drum Journey Ceremony
Playing in nature/ nature walk
Hot Tub
Art making
Autumn Leaves!
This intensive is designed to create a powerful container for people with emerging spiritual visions. The sessions will offer group members an opportunity to deepen their practice and care for themselves, knowing that they will take what they learn and experience back to their clients and communities.
You will be offered a weekend designed to explore the depths of your body, mind, and consciousness with simple clarity. The curriculum is designed to make you a more centered being as well as a better guide.
We’ll open Friday with some sound healing, exploring how our voice can be used to express and release in ways that support catharsis while maintaining a regulated nervous system. This will lead into our drum led ceremony.
On Saturday, we’ll explore the intersection of visualization and somatics as a wonderful adjunct to a journey. Continuing the theme from Friday, we’ll look at how we support a calm inner environment in through our presence and guidance. This will culminate in our Saturday evening ceremony.
Sunday, as we integrate our experience, we’ll explore how our stories can convey deep universal truths, and how taking our seat as a teacher can provide deep value to our students.
Group Coaching and Mentorship- The Golden Road Collective
I have 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