Psychedelics, Relationships, and the Shadow - A Conversation with James W. Jesso

Wild Entheology

In our first ever interview we talk with James W. Jesso. He is an author and public educator whose work focuses on the topic of psychedelics. He has published two books on the healing power of psilocybin mushrooms, Decomposing the Shadow and the True Light of Darkness. He is also the host of the popular podcast, Adventures Through The Mind.

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We discuss the power of psychedelics to heal the shadow, both in a personal context and in a relational context. We talk about how to create a space for healing that respects all parties, as well as how to bring our own lessons back into our lives and in our relationships.

You can find James at:

www.jameswjesso.com

He is also on twitter and instagram @jameswjesso

And on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/jameswjesso

As is always the case, psychedelics are not a toy. Please use them responsibly. We can only speak to our own psychological and spiritual evolution, we cannot speak to yours. If you have mental health issues please seek a professional. There is no shame in getting help and you will never be judged for your problems. We wish you the best in life and in mental health.

Show Notes

• 1:10 - 4:30 - Intro and definition of the shadow

• 5:45 - The difference and benefits one gets from tripping solo versus with others

• 22:10 - Recommendations to navigate the complex and potentially uncomfortable experience of sharing the vulnerable psychedelic space with other people when you are used to doing solo trips

• 38:10 - How can we deal with relational shadow elements if they come up within the psychedelic experience

• 57:45 - How to bridge the experiences you have in the psychedelic experience that have to do with a particular person to your relationship with them in your normal state
• 1:03:10 - What are some of the concrete ways we can work on integrating the lessons from our trips?

• 1:09:00 - Is it necessary to have a support system or another person to help when integrating a psychedelic insight?

• 1:13:19 - How can psychedelics aid in healing the collective shadow?

• 1:24:37 - What distinguishes between a challenging psychedelic experience as beneficial that should be pushed into and a challenging psychedelic experience that is potentially damaging and unnecessary?