By Gary Merel
For centuries, people have gazed at the night sky with a sense of wonder, attempting to comprehend the mysteries of the cosmos in relation to their own existence. Not that long ago, communities would gather around a communal fire, exchanging insights and challenges while seeking wisdom from their tribal elders.
Ironically, despite the advancements in science, technology, and the abundance of comforts available to us today, the value of community has diminished, and the significance of elder wisdom has faded away. This unfortunate shift has resulted in a pervasive sense of isolation, leading to a surge in depression and anxiety. Many individuals have lost their connection to community and now lead lives of isolation. It is in response to this profound need to rediscover our core identity and experience the mysteries of life firsthand that the interest in and accessibility of psychedelic medicine has grown. Terence McKenna, a renowned author on plant hallucinogens, refers to this movement as an “Archaic Revival.”
My Introduction to Plant Medicine
After a four-hour bus journey from Quito Ecuador, I finally arrived in Shell, a small town on the western edge of the rainforest with a population of approximately 10,000. Shell has a small military-civilian airfield from which one can charter a plane to travel into the rainforest. The flight to the Schuar village took around 30 minutes, and while waiting for a weather front to pass, I had ample time to engage in conversation. It was during this opportunity that I spoke with a woman who facilitated the flights. She was from the village I was traveling to and shared that whenever she felt anxious, depressed, or “out of sorts,” she would return to her village to consult the Shaman, who would administer Ayahuasca. Ayahuasca is the primary plant hallucinogen used by indigenous people residing in the South American rainforest. She explained how this ritual would restore her well-being and strengthen her connection to her village, emphasizing that it was an integral part of her life. Simply put, she said that’s what people do here when they feel lost.
The following evening, I participated in an Ayahuasca ceremony led by the village Shaman. Through a translator, he inquired about my desires and motivations for being there. I expressed my desire to possess the same healing abilities he possessed, which, in retrospect, was naive. I am not Schuar, nor do I live in the rainforest. The Shaman provided me with a yellowish liquid derived from wild tobacco, which I snorted, followed by ingesting a cup of Ayahuasca. Twenty minutes later, my stomach churned, and I found myself vomiting before descending into a profound state of being. I merged with the rainforest, experiencing its rhythmic essence. The separation between myself and the rainforest dissolved, and I entered into a state of pure existence. I experienced what I can only describe as the intelligence and wisdom of this plant medicine. Four hours later, I returned to what I would consider “normal” reality, abruptly thrust back into my own life. Nevertheless, an echo persisted—a visceral sense that something within my nervous system had shifted. It felt as if I had received a new, refined operating system. Integrating this experience into my life took several months.
My journey to the Ecuadorian rainforest occurred 50 years ago, yet its impact on my personal and spiritual development remains significant to this day. I have explored various forms of plant medicine throughout my life and have facilitated medicine circles for both groups and individuals. Most recently, I have integrated the use of Psilocybin mushrooms into my life coaching practice.
Psilocybin mushrooms have been utilized for centuries by various indigenous cultures for spiritual, medicinal, and recreational purposes. Recently, there has been renewed interest in exploring the potential therapeutic benefits of psilocybin. These mushrooms have been shown to facilitate personal growth and transformation, making them a unique and powerful approach to aiding clients in overcoming obstacles, gaining new insights, and achieving personal goals.
In my experience, integrating psilocybin mushrooms into a life coaching practice has enhanced its effectiveness. Research has shown that psilocybin mushrooms can induce profound and mystical experiences that significantly alter one’s worldview and perspective. Such experiences can help individuals break free from limiting beliefs and thought patterns, providing them with a fresh outlook on life and their position within it.
Integrating psilocybin mushrooms into life coaching enhances its effectiveness by inducing profound experiences that shift one’s perspective and worldview. These experiences help individuals overcome limiting beliefs and thought patterns, providing a fresh outlook on life. In a life coaching context, psilocybin mushrooms assist clients in identifying and overcoming subconscious blocks that hinder their progress toward their envisioned life. They promote creativity and open-mindedness, enabling clients to find innovative solutions to challenges. Additionally, psilocybin mushrooms foster increased empathy and connectedness, benefiting clients dealing with relationship issues or feelings of isolation.
Nevertheless, it is important to note that integrating psilocybin mushrooms into a life coaching practice necessitates careful consideration and planning. Working with a trained professional who can guide the client through the experience, ensure their safety and provide support, is essential.
Additionally, using psilocybin mushrooms in a therapeutic setting requires a comprehensive preparation process. This includes screening for contraindications, preparation and intention setting, and post-session integration support. It is equally important to ensure that the client has a supportive environment to return to after the session, as the experience can be intense and may necessitate time for integration and processing.
In our fast-paced world, it is easy to feel lost and overwhelmed by the constant changes happening around us. However, amidst the chaos, it is essential to remember that life is not merely happening to us. We possess the power to shape our lives and imbue them with meaning. Psychedelic medicine serves as a powerful and compelling tool that can help us reconnect with our authentic selves. By doing so, we can show up for others in our lives with integrity and foster meaningful connections.
Gary Merel is an accredited life coach and trained facilitator leading individual and small-group psychedelic experiences. You can contact him by emailing at leanfowardlife@gmail.com. Or visit his website leanintoyourlife.net.
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