Psychedelic Assisted Community
The Flying Sage Journal #19
Psychedelics have been used in so many different kinds of ways throughout history. Although there’s been some damage done from their reckless use, the majority of people who have used these medicines by themselves or with friends have been better off because of it.
Despite this, the psychedelic eco-system that is starting to emerge now here in the West is over-medicalized and over-therapized. It is largely being assembled using pieces of a 40 year long advocacy and clinical trial process spearheaded by MAPS.
Now before I go on, don’t get me wrong. This is not to undermine the work that MAPS has done… not at all. I worked for MAPS Canada for 3 years and I am a huge admirer of Rick’s mission and his persistence with it. It has laid some essential groundwork and is one of the most impressive demonstrations of crowdfunding I have ever come across.
What I am saying is that the resources and direction required to run a successful research program or clinical trial are not the same as those required to expand psychedelic healing to a lot of people.
It’s a big part of the puzzle for sure… but it is only a piece 🧩
And right now, I think there are lot’s of other pieces we need to be shifting our focus towards if we want to complete this puzzle.
Psychedelic Control
Let me articulate my point further with an analogy. It is definitely not as good as the driver’s licence analogy but I am curious to hear how it lands…
Despite going through strict approval processes, pesticides and stove cleaners are available for purchase at your local grocery store. Even though they can kill us when used improperly, we trust people to use them the way they are intended. We trust (and hope) that people will not drink them or rub them in their eyes.
If someone is to consume them, we have a nice clear process outlined for people to receive support. That process is called poison control. A simple 1-800 number written right on the outside label. Hopefully you are familiar with this concept (but not too familiar!).
Now, I want to invite you to imagine what a Psychedelic Control might look like?
Take a moment 💭
It might look a lot like the Fireside Project. This is the world’s first psychedelic support line which provides emotional support during and after psychedelic experiences.
This is just one example of a wonderful harm reduction initiative that puts community first and empowers people to use psychedelics themselves.
Community First
Imagine a world where this spirit of harm reduction was the primary foundation of the psychedelic eco-system we are creating.
Imagine a world where people are empowered to use psychedelics themselves to explore their own consciousness. This world exists already in pockets. You can get a free-run version of this at Burning Man or your local music festival.
But imagine a world where this free-form psychedelic use is integrated more into our every day lives. Where the wisdom gained from psychedelic experiences is woven into our social fabric to help us love more intentionally with ourselves and with one another.
That’s a world I want to help to build. I hope you will join me!
Update on Format 📝
I hope you have enjoyed this edition of The Flying Sage Journal. As always, I would love to hear any feedback you have. Feel free to leave a comment below or just reply to this email.
As an FYI, I have decided to update my format with this newsletter.
Moving forward there will be two types of editions from The Flying Sage Journal…
Articles: This will include editions similar to what you just read. Psychedelic culture explorations with a focus on accessibility and community. These will generally be free for anyone.
Journals: This is where you can read my personal entries that I copy from my journal as well as get a behind the scenes look at what is happening with The Flying Sage including operations, strategy, challenges and wins. These will be paid.
I will alternate between these two types of editions every week and I intend to deliver you something every Sunday morning from now on so that I hopefully catch you in a laid back, good vibe.
If you would like to learn more about me and my other offerings, you can check out my personal website which has information about business coaching and podcast automation.
As some of you might know, I am also a facilitator with Legacy Journeys and I am excited to share we are just about to announce our next retreat in May which you can learn all about here.
With psychedelic love and gratitude,
- Michael 🤍