Honoring the Indigenous Voices in the Psychedelic Movement
As an advocate for psychedelic medicine and the founder of Legalize Psychedelic Medicine, it is my intention to work for legal access to these sacred plant medicines so that we may end the suicide epidemic and transform mental healthcare in the United States and across the world.
As a student of plant medicines and a shaman-in-training - if you will allow me that - I hold deep reverence in my being for the wisdom that the elders carry. The elders from the tribes, the indigenous tribes of the Americas, have served as stewards of these medicines for thousands of years. But they would teach you that these aren't just medicines, they are spirits, they are living beings. I find it funny that some of the world's top scientists are now postulating that the universe is conscious. I guess they are just catching up to what the elders already know :)
I believe that access to these medicines is a human rights issue so when I see the progress of the psychedelic movement - it moves me. I have much gratitude for everyone working to provide access to these medicines in their own way. Thank you for doing this work. However, the momentum of psychedelics and the nature of the western mind's approach to these plant medicines worry me. For example, when I read a headline like this: ‘Shark Tank’ host Kevin O’Leary: Psychedelic drugs ‘far exceed’ cannabis investment potential, It reinforces my intention to highlight the wisdom of the elders.
When I decided to start a podcast - not another one! - I knew I wanted my first guest to be my brother Salvadore Villa Lobos - the Co-Founder of Hayulima. Hayulima is a spiritual sanctuary in Mindo, Ecuador that offers retreats working with the ancient medicine plants Ayahuasca and San Pedro.
The podcast is called Immortal Spiritual Beings and you can find it on Spotify.
Namaste family
☮❤️