"Psychedelics, when used ceremonially with intention and attention, can lead to transformative experiences."

Austin Mao, co-founder of Ceremonia, shares his journey into plant medicine and the transformative experiences he had with psychedelics. He emphasizes the importance of intention and attention in ceremonial use of psychedelics, as well as the power of presence in finding joy and fulfillment in life. Austin also discusses the integration of modern psychotherapy with ancient spiritual wisdom and the role of mindfulness in achieving persistent happiness. In this conversation, Austin Mao and Joel Evan discuss the importance of presence and self-mastery in psychedelic experiences. They explore the practice of holding multiple contexts simultaneously, such as focusing on the inner self, the outer environment, and the relational connection. Austin guides Joel through an exercise to cultivate presence and awareness. Joel reflects on the profound impact of slowing down and connecting with his body and surroundings. They also discuss the importance of building capacity to handle challenging experiences and the transformative potential of psychedelic retreats. Austin explains how Ceremonia, a legal and nonprofit psychedelic sanctuary in Denver, Colorado, offers a unique model that combines psychology, spirituality, and neuroscience to create a safe and transformative environment for participants.

Takeaways

✅ Psychedelics, when used ceremonially with intention and attention, can lead to transformative experiences.

✅ The gap between recreational psychedelic use and therapeutic or ceremonial use is significant, with the latter offering a deeper exploration of oneself.

✅ Presence and mindfulness are key to finding joy, fulfillment, and persistent happiness in life.

✅ Building capacity to handle challenging experiences is essential for personal growth.

✅ Ceremonia offers a unique model that combines psychology, spirituality, and neuroscience to create a safe and transformative environment for psychedelic retreats.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Austin Mao and Ceremonia

02:01 The Life-Changing Experience of Ayahuasca

04:21 The Healing and Transformation

07:07 The Synthesis of Experiences

10:17 The Difference in Ceremonial Use

13:43 The Power of Intention and Attention

16:04 Transforming Perspectives on Success

19:45 Embracing Death and Living with No Regrets

24:35 The Key to Persistent Happiness: Presence

26:45 The Power of Presence

33:15 Building Resilience through Cold Plunges

44:08 Ceremonia: A Unique Approach