On the psychedelic path, a meditation practice may be the greatest companion one can ask for. Mindfulness is an empowering practice that leads to a clearer mind, a wider and more accessible heart, as well as a more intimate relationship with our bodies. Preparation, navigation and integration of psychedelic experiences all benefit tremendously from the practice of mindfulness.
Psychedelics tend to sublime and amplify what is already there, the beautiful…and the ugly. Without preparation, one is vulnerable to abrasive mindstates, overwhelming emotions or bodily discomfort, potentially leading to a challenging experience, colloquially referred to as a ‘bad trip’.
Meditation practice helps develop stability and resilience in the face of these challenges. Causes and conditions become clearer, leading to more confidence, clarity and discernment. It also supports the development of a kind and accepting attitude in the face of what cannot be controlled. Relaxing and letting go are skills that need nourishment and practice. The reward is an increased ability to flow with experience, open up to the sacred, receive insights, wisdom and healing from these fascinating and mystical substances.
Mindfulness practice can serve as the bridge between the insights gleaned during journeys and their integration into day to day life. It serves as a catalyst to bring psychedelic insights into the full expression of how one lives their life. Without integration tools like meditation practice, realizations tend to fade away into distant memories and can sometimes lead to an overuse of psychedelics to keep remembering and re-experiencing the goodness that these beautiful substances open us to.
Please note that this is a substance-free container. We will not be using psychedelics during the classes. Instead, we will focus on developing practices that will support you during your next journey.
This six week in-person course is a great opportunity to develop your own meditation practice or to deepen it if you already have one. Committing to 6 weeks is a great way to develop new habits and gain momentum. Thoughtful and fun homework will help you take the practice into your life.
The curriculum of this course has been refined over the past ten years by renowned Buddhist teachers Martin Aylward and Mark Coleman. It is deep and yet accessible.
Practicing and learning as a group adds potency to the content of this course and forms a supportive atmosphere for you to grow and stay dedicated throughout. In addition, you will be able to ask questions about your own practice, life, and psychedelic experiences.
Join us for this 6-week in-person course, limited to 20 participants, as we explore together the transformative and yet largely uncharted territory of intentional, skillful and mindful usage of psychedelics.
____Feedback from those who already took this class
"Guillaume's class was just what I needed to invigorate and expand my meditation practice. His guided meditations allowed me to practice the teachings in real time and I loved the relational practices with other students. I would readily recommend this class to anyone interested in starting or deepening their meditation practice, as well as those seeking community with like-minded folks. "
"Guillaume is a kind, compassionate, and patient teacher. I would recommend this course for anyone seeking to get a foundation in mindfulness meditation."
"I was excited to learn about this course that integrates two ascentive practices that have made a big difference in my life but that are kept separate like oil and vinegar, psychedelics and meditation. I learned a number of new meditation techniques that were super helpful, and how to generally integrate a meditation practice with psychedelics and visa versa. The scientific data and references were also helpful, as was Guillaume's explanation of Buddhist concepts in down-to-earth ways I could relate to. Guillaume's expertise, chill vibe and comfortable pace while teaching this course was on point. His leading of student interactions and guided meditations was also on point. Integrating plant medicine with mindfulness is the next frontier, and this course is a great dive into this incredible future. "
____Who is this course for?
Anyone who has been interested in meditation and would like to give it a shot
Anyone who considers themselves a beginner with mindfulness
Anyone who has experience with other kinds of meditation practice and would like to enrich theirs (Transcendental Meditation, MBSR, mantra-based meditation, etc.)
Anyone who would like to give some oomph to their mindfulness practice, this is a deep and well rounded curriculum that will most likely expose you to new ways of practicing
Anyone who lacks consistency in their practice and could benefit from having a structure, cohort, homeworks, etc.
Anyone who needs tools for psychedelic integration
Anyone who wishes to use psychedelics in a more intentional and mindful way
Anyone who wishes to connect more deeply with plant medicine and other psychedelic spirits
Anyone who uses psychedelics to have fun. Yep, nothing wrong with that.
Anyone who uses psychedelics for healing and/or therapy
Anyone who plans on using psychedelics for the first time and wants to be prepared
Anyone who used psychedelics a long time ago and wants to engage with them differently
Anyone looking to connect with like-minded folks
Anyone who is interested in self-development, self-growth, self-exploration
Anyone who needs a break from psychedelics after a long streak of journeys that need integration
Anyone whom I could not think of but who thinks this course looks awesome and right for them
____What you will learn
What mindfulness is, context and history
Meditation posture
How to practice walking meditation
Mindfulness of breathing
Mindfulness of body
Dealing with pleasure/pain
Overcoming challenges in meditation
Mindfulness of thought
Dealing with the inner-critic
How to practice self-compassion and loving-kindness
How to practice non-dual awareness
How to take the practice home
____When?
Tuesdays - 7PM-9PM
09/12, 09/19, 09/26, 10/03, 10/10, 10/17
____ Where?
Matka Studios - 13 Grattan St., Brooklyn, NY, 11206
Right off the Morgan L stop
____ Sliding Scale & Scholarships
We want to make this event as financially accessible as possible. Please considering joining to the level that bests represents your financial situation.
There are two early bird tickets per tier, grab them while they're hot!
We are offering two scholarship spots on a "pay what you can afford" basis. Please email us to inquire about that.
____ Questions?
Feel free to email: guillaume@psychedelicsangha.org
If you would like to schedule a quick meet and greet call, that's a possibility.
____ Meet Guillaume:
Check out this intro video from earlier this year!
Guillaume Caron’s greatest teachers are the challenges and wonders of his own life: balancing artistic aspirations with the necessity to make a living, striving for a healthy lifestyle in a massive urban center, and adapting to a non-native culture and language while remaining authentic.
Guillaume started practicing meditation in 2014 at New York Insight where he was exposed to a vast array of teaching styles and ways of relating to the Dharma.
His main inspirations are Martin Aylward and Ajahn Sucitto, as well as Bart Van Melik who is his guiding teacher.
While rooted in Theravada Buddhism, the Thai Forest Tradition and Vipassana practice, Guillaume has been exploring other traditions of awakening and modalities of healing such as non-violent communication, inner child awareness and intentional usage of psychedelics.
His experiences on altered states form a synergetic relationship with his meditation practice and his ongoing study of the Buddhadharma.
Guillaume is a graduate of the Mindfulness Training Institute taught by Martin Aylward and Mark Coleman, serves as a Practice Leader in New York Insight and is a Psychedelic Sangha facilitator.