It was a sincere honor to supportThe Pearl Institutefor their sold out annual Benefit. Last year, with the decision by the FDA to decline MDMA followed by Hurricane Helene, this wonderful organization and epicenter of ethical & compassionate psychedelic culture in NC was almost no more. Yet through the impeccable leadership and resolve ofRaymond TurpinandKim Turpin, their amazing team and our incredibly dedicated board – the Pearl not only has survived, but is now thriving as a true Southwest beacon of the movement. I was deeply grateful to have an opportunity to offer a land acknowledgement, and an ode to the deep wisdom of the indigenous culture – who I hope may serve as mentors to us all in the Western adolescence of the Third Wave – continuing to braid the paths of science & spirit. It was also a true gift to speak along esteemed colleagues and powerhouses in the work includingRick Doblin,W. Bryan Hubbard,Chris Bache,Gina Giorgio,Michael Mithoefer,Anthony Rivera, the lovelyJacquelyn Dobrinskaamong others. Thank you Pearl for all you do for our Asheville psychedelic community – who continues to blossom in beautiful service and impact. Onward and upward!
The “Cultural Insights into Contemporary Psychedelics” report, launched by psychedelics advocate and author Dr Catriona Wallace, is based on a survey of 1,500 participants, half from Australia and half from the US. The report reveals that 52% of respondents noted long-term improvements in company leadership attributed to psychedelic use, and 76% observed increased creativity. In addition, the research records a 63% net positive change in empathy and a 51% net positive change in decision-making capabilities among users.
A new report by Sydney-based research company Fifth Quadrant examines the perceived benefits and usage of psychedelics in the workplace across Australia and the United States..
Clinical trials demonstrate psilocybin’s efficacy for treatment-resistant depression and PTSD, but real-world outcomes from legal services remained unknown until now. This study provides the first systematic evidence from Oregon’s supervised psilocybin program.We examined adults participating in psilocybin sessions at a licensed Oregon service center, measuring depression (PHQ-8), anxiety (GAD-7), and well-being (WHO-5) at baseline and 30 days post-session using validated assessments and linear mixed-effects modeling…
Never in my life have I ever been so touched by the presence of a teacher as I have by Acharya Shunya. Meeting her at a recent Love, Serve & Remember retreat – her wisdom, message and compassionate presence burned through to my core. She helped me to remember who I am and why I am here on this earth without even saying a word – like Ram Das meeting Maharaji. And since that experience, I have become devoted to her teachings and lineage, which are masterfully expressed in her book the Sovereign Self.
As the first female lineage holder in a 2,000-year-old line, Shunya provides a rare opportunity to receive these authentic teachings from a genuine Vedic master—one with a distinctly down-to-earth, feminine flavor who never lets us forget that our humanity is to be embodied and enjoyed. She is a treasure, and makes these teachings not only accessible but practical to every day in a beautiful & deeply meaningful way. I hope you enjoy!
Ehren Cruz is an Anthropologist, CTA & ICF Professional Certified Coach (PCC), Third Wave Psychedelic Certified Coach, Master Ceremonialist, certified Harm Reductionist, Loving Husband & Proud Father of 3 Little Ladies. He is devoted to the healing & actualization in all facets of his life.
