Exploring Connection with Nature through Psychedelic Experiences: A Call to Action from Jon Burmeister
At the Launch of Psychedelic-Climate Week, Jon Burmeister introduced a pilot project in collaboration with PSYCA with a powerful purpose: to deepen our connection to nature and inspire climate action through psychedelic experiences guided by a pre-chosen protocol. In collaboration with a working group, this initiative, titled "Journey Protocols for Inhabiting Nature and Inspiring Action," seeks to develop prompts and exercises that can help participants harness the unique perspective that psychedelics can provide, encouraging a profound re-evaluation of our relationship with the natural world.
“The idea behind this is to get a bit more granular and specific about how one would use a psychedelic to think about our connection to nature,” said Jon. “Anybody that has done a healthy dose of psychedelics in nature has probably felt some deeper connection than nature, but then usually we kind of talk about that and talk about how cool it is. But I'm interested in getting a bit more specific.”
Key Takeaways:
1. Psychedelics as Tools for Deepened Awareness
Jon emphasized that psychedelics—whether psilocybin, THC, or even mindfulness practices—have the potential to reveal new layers of consciousness. Their capacity to be "mind-revealing" can reshape how we see ourselves in relation to the environment.
By defining psychedelics broadly, Jon encourages us to consider any experience that can reveal new perspectives as part of a broader psychedelic journey. The goal is to shift perception and bring clarity to our interconnectedness with nature.
2. Using Simple Tools to Enhance the Psychedelic Experience
Jon suggests introducing prompts before, during, and after a journey to enhance awareness. He gave the example of bringing a magnifying glass on a nature journey—an idea that may sound simple but can radically change how we engage with our surroundings. This approach enables participants to explore “the level below normal vision,” focusing on intricate details of plants, leaves, or even our own skin, recognizing that we are not separate from nature but an integral part of it.
Small exercises like this – and others that the working group develops – can reinforce a feeling of belonging and wonder, helping participants feel and understand their role in the natural ecosystem more deeply, encouraging them to be more inspired to take more action.
3. Inspiring Action through Connection
One of Jon’s key points was that connection alone isn’t enough; it must lead to action. His vision for this working group is to create experiences that don’t end with a temporary sense of awe but also inspire a lasting commitment to environmental stewardship.
He invites participants to share these experiences with others, suggesting that engaging friends and loved ones in these mindful practices could be a powerful way to inspire collective action.
4. Building a Community of Nature Advocates
The project is intended to evolve into a community-driven “guidebook” with flexible suggestions and practices anyone can try. By sharing experiences, techniques, and inspirations, the working group aims to create a resource for those looking to deepen their nature connection and move from mere awareness to meaningful climate action.
“I'm interested in meeting with other people and hearing your ideas, like, ‘What have you done in nature that was really cool, that taught you something about nature, that inspired you to action?’” asks John.
Jon’s working group aims to foster collaboration, inviting others to share insights and suggestions. This community spirit is essential for building a network of people who not only feel inspired but are motivated to act.
Jon closed his speech with an open invitation to discuss ideas and develop this guide together, underscoring the importance of community in fostering both connection and action. As he put it, this journey isn’t about creating rigid guidelines but providing gentle prompts that inspire deeper reflection and meaningful steps toward protecting our planet.
Whether you're a long-time environmentalist or new to the world of psychedelics, Jon’s message is a reminder: the most transformative journeys are often those we take together, with a shared purpose to heal and protect our world.