The Power of Community: Building Connections Along the Psychedelic Journey
Community is medicine. It is a truth that has resonated deeply with me since my early days studying Buddhism in Japan and traveling through the spiritual landscapes of India. The Buddha himself famously said that the next Buddha would be the Sangha—the community of practice. This notion of a collective spiritual awakening has stayed with me, helping to shape my approach to guiding others on their journeys.
Growing up, I found comfort in the spiritual community of my hometown church. Even as a child, I understood the importance of having a network of like-minded individuals who supported one another on their spiritual paths. The church wasn’t just a place of worship; it was a source of inspiration. As I’ve grown older I’ve continued to see the importance of having a haven where people gathered to lift each other up, to share in the struggles and triumphs of staying awake in a world often driven by business and consumerism. This sense of belonging is something I’ve carried with me throughout my life, and it’s something I strive to cultivate in the community I’m building today.
In my work as a counselor, coach and guide, I’ve come to realize that the relationships formed during psychedelic journeys don’t end when the journey does. The bonds created in those spaces are sacred; maintaining those connections is vital for both the guide and the participant. I’ve found that even coming together over Zoom in one of our Community Integration Circles provides a sense of real conneciton. Those moments—when we come together to share, reflect, and support one another—are beneficial for my clients and me. They certainly help me feel connected, grounded, and supported in my ongoing journey.
Our society, despite the increasing media attention on psychedelics as tools for healing trauma and promoting personal growth, often still views these experiences through a narrow lens. Mainstream culture can sometimes reduce these profound experiences to simply “getting high.” But in a community of like-minded individuals, we can speak openly about the non-ordinary states of consciousness we’ve experienced. We can share the natural truths that arise in these expanded states without fear of judgment, knowing that those around us understand the depth and significance of these experiences.
This is why I am excited to announce that I am putting together special in-person (OFF Zoom) gatherings where my clients can come together in a beautiful, natural setting. These gatherings will be opportunities to make new connections, share stories, and build the kind of community that the Buddha envisioned—a Sangha of loving connection. These will be free of charge and often a potluck.
The first gathering is a Garden Party with lunch provided at my house. I invite you to join us, to meet others who understand this path's unique challenges and joys, and to be part of a community that supports, inspires, and uplifts each other. Also feel free to bring your partner/spouse or significant other to meet us. I’m excited to plant the seeds of community and watch them grow into a beautiful, supportive network of kindred spirits.
