What we’re about
For thousands of years, psychedelics have been used in the cultural, religious and spiritual contexts of indigenous societies. These frameworks prepared participants for the experience and also supported them in integrating the insights and perspectives afforded by the experience.
However, in our current western society, such supporting frameworks are largely absent. Psychedelics are often experienced in isolation and without the supporting cultural frameworks that once accompanied them. This lack of support raises questions about how individuals can meaningfully process and integrate potentially powerful and transformative experiences without the help of interpretive and integrative practices.
As more and more people are having, or are interested in having, conscious altering experiences with psychedelics, how might we create new spaces for collective sense and meaning-making?
Through open, respectful and playful conversation we aim to think how psychedelics might help us live better in and with the world as individuals, a community and as a species.
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How might we learn to be more creative and playful?
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What new perspectives are afforded by the experience, and might we integrate those perspectives in a meaningful way?
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How should we think of psychedelics; as tools, medicine or technologies?
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What is the veracity of the insights?
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How might they help us navigate and make sense of our increasingly fragmented and disorientating world?
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What insights from philosophical traditions can help us make sense?
This group is suitable and open to anyone who has had, is interested in having, or is simply curious about, the psychedelic experience. In a space free of judgement and stigma, participants can share their own thoughts and experiences, ask questions or just listen in.
If you have any questions about the group, feel free to get in touch!
Disclaimer:
It is important to note that this meet-up group is for educational purposes only and is not intended to encourage or condone the use of psychedelic substances. While we will be discussing the history, culture, and potential therapeutic uses of psychedelics, we do not promote the use of these substances. Additionally, this group does not intend to provide medical, legal or other advice.
About the group host:
Damien Rudd is a transdisciplinary researcher and holds a PhD from RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia. His research explores how humans can reimagine their existence on this planet, particularly in response to the current ecological and climatic crises. His interests include ecological philosophy, systems and cybernetics, social transformation, nonhuman agency, speculative fiction, psychedelics and transspecies collaboration. He is currently based in Brussels, Belgium.
