I love this Simon. And I think it really begs a thorough examination of how those of us in fields of healing and myth, psyche and psychedelic, can communicate and act in reliable ways, as more than even just a personal thing that some folks “do” I see charlatanism as a cultural phenomenon, largely bred due to the capitalist penetration of social media, and effecting most folks. For instance, it took me over 10 years of a journey to ever utter the word “initiation,” online, in a podcast or in something I was offering (I’ve run two year long initiation containers so far in my life where that was the direct language, and the deeply rooted cultural intention). And that was no light decision on my end, grounded from years with teachers, mentors and elders keeping me in check. And now, I see that word being thrown around all time, in weekend workshops, etc, which is sad as I can’t imagine a true initiation happening in a weekend. And yet, because of how culture is shaping that word, I feel hesitant to use it, and or recent have been wondering how to speak in the most plain language without dangerously underselling what something is (like not calling a guided psylocibin journey as having the potential for “underworld, shadow, and extreme emotional discomfort,” would be improper when it does hold all that potential). At some level, I think the deeper issue is our relationship as practitioners and explorers to power, power that often does necessitate naming it as such, and yet does hold the obvious danger of being used to manipulate people when under the auspices of capitalism. A lot to consider here.
Couldn’t agree more, John! It truly is a cultural problem that has been facilitated by the runaway train of capitalism and internet culture. I hear you on really taking the time to “earn” things… 10 years until you felt comfortable using the word “initiation” makes perfect sense to me. Its one of the many reasons why I trust you and value the work you do! Cheers to you, brother.
Great series, thank you for this easy-to-understand guide. I’ll be linking these articles when I get questions about whether a retreat or program is legit.
I was taken in by a coaching program several years back and it destroyed me financially. I wish I’d had a few more years of experience in the healing arts bc I would have immediately identified the warning signs. But I had just started practicing and thought it was “divine synchronicity.” Turns out it was just the algorithm. 🤦
Nothing is sacred especially when professed in full to the online universe. Any number of Social media Accounts can be collected, collated into any number of data set & processed through algorithms. Learning about someone is now at your fingertips. The Yellow pages of personality..
I think as time goes on, the less something is online, the less something is accessible to the data mines and tech companies, the more it will be revered.
Thank you for articulating this uncomfortable phenomenon so well. I’ve been in these circles and also saw how easy it can be to delude yourself into thinking you’re further along than you are especially when there’s an audience clapping along for you. I found that real initiations are far too humbling, ego-dissolving, and precious that sharing them for clout would feel like betraying oneself.
I love this Simon. And I think it really begs a thorough examination of how those of us in fields of healing and myth, psyche and psychedelic, can communicate and act in reliable ways, as more than even just a personal thing that some folks “do” I see charlatanism as a cultural phenomenon, largely bred due to the capitalist penetration of social media, and effecting most folks. For instance, it took me over 10 years of a journey to ever utter the word “initiation,” online, in a podcast or in something I was offering (I’ve run two year long initiation containers so far in my life where that was the direct language, and the deeply rooted cultural intention). And that was no light decision on my end, grounded from years with teachers, mentors and elders keeping me in check. And now, I see that word being thrown around all time, in weekend workshops, etc, which is sad as I can’t imagine a true initiation happening in a weekend. And yet, because of how culture is shaping that word, I feel hesitant to use it, and or recent have been wondering how to speak in the most plain language without dangerously underselling what something is (like not calling a guided psylocibin journey as having the potential for “underworld, shadow, and extreme emotional discomfort,” would be improper when it does hold all that potential). At some level, I think the deeper issue is our relationship as practitioners and explorers to power, power that often does necessitate naming it as such, and yet does hold the obvious danger of being used to manipulate people when under the auspices of capitalism. A lot to consider here.
Couldn’t agree more, John! It truly is a cultural problem that has been facilitated by the runaway train of capitalism and internet culture. I hear you on really taking the time to “earn” things… 10 years until you felt comfortable using the word “initiation” makes perfect sense to me. Its one of the many reasons why I trust you and value the work you do! Cheers to you, brother.
Great series, thank you for this easy-to-understand guide. I’ll be linking these articles when I get questions about whether a retreat or program is legit.
I was taken in by a coaching program several years back and it destroyed me financially. I wish I’d had a few more years of experience in the healing arts bc I would have immediately identified the warning signs. But I had just started practicing and thought it was “divine synchronicity.” Turns out it was just the algorithm. 🤦
Dang, I’m sorry that happened. Thanks for being here. Thanks for reading 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Nothing is sacred especially when professed in full to the online universe. Any number of Social media Accounts can be collected, collated into any number of data set & processed through algorithms. Learning about someone is now at your fingertips. The Yellow pages of personality..
I think as time goes on, the less something is online, the less something is accessible to the data mines and tech companies, the more it will be revered.
Thank you for articulating this uncomfortable phenomenon so well. I’ve been in these circles and also saw how easy it can be to delude yourself into thinking you’re further along than you are especially when there’s an audience clapping along for you. I found that real initiations are far too humbling, ego-dissolving, and precious that sharing them for clout would feel like betraying oneself.
Absolutely. Thanks so much for the feedback. I’m glad you are finding resonance here 🙏🏻