The Way of Council: Building Authentic Communication Circles
At Psygaia, we recognize the profound potential of psychedelics for healing, spiritual discovery, and personal and collective transformation, especially through education, community and support. Rather than re-creating and perpetuating the broken contemporary approach to human mental health (which is innately connected to human physical, emotional and spiritual health, as well as the planet’s ecological health) we seek to provide a holistic and nature-based view of psychedelics as means to personal and collective wholeness.
One key practice that aligns with our approach is "The Way of Council." In this article, we will explore the principles of The Way of Council and how these simple and grounded principles can enhance psychedelic integration and support circles, and help build supportive psychedelic integration communities.
Understanding The Way of Council
The Way of Council is an ancient practice that has been utilized by various cultures throughout history. It involves sitting in a circle, sharing personal stories, and engaging in deep listening and compassionate dialogue. The roots of council practices can be traced back to indigenous cultures, where it served as a means of community decision-making, conflict resolution, and spiritual connection.
The core principles of The Way of Council include:
Listen from the heart - listen to listen, not to respond. Be open, receptive, and compassionate in listening.
Share from the heart - speak authentically, not to impress. Be open and compassionate in speaking.
Get to the heart of the matter - don’t be overly verbose. Make space for everyone in the circle.
Be in the heart - be spontaneous, be genuine. Allow yourself to be authentic.
The core principles of The Way of Council revolve around respectful communication, active listening, speaking from the heart, and honoring diverse perspectives through respect, compassion, openness and authenticity.
The Role of The Way of Council in Circles
Psychedelic integration and support circles provide a safe space for individuals to share about psychedelics and their personal relationship to the substances, allowing for a healthier relationship to psychedelics, integration, learning and understanding. The Way of Council can greatly facilitate this process.
By incorporating council practices into integration circles, we can create an environment of trust, openness, authenticity, compassion and non-judgment. Council practices encourage active listening, allowing each person to be fully heard and acknowledged. This fosters a sense of safety and deepens the supportive process by promoting self-reflection, understanding, and compassionate support from others in the circle.
Resources & Further Exploration
For those interested in incorporating The Way of Council into their lives and communities, various resources are available. Books like "The Way of Council" by Jack Zimmerman and Virginia Coyle provide a comprehensive guide to understanding and practicing council principles. Additionally, workshops and training programs are offered by experienced facilitators and organizations specializing in council practices. Seeking out local council circles or attending workshops can provide opportunities for learning, practice, and integration of council principles.
Conclusion
The Way of Council offers a valuable approach to enhancing psychedelic integration and support circles and building supportive communities. By embracing council practices, individuals deepen their understanding of themselves, foster empathic connections with others, and create spaces of safety, healing, and personal growth. By implementing the principles of The Way of Council, we can cultivate a culture of compassion, mutual respect, and collective wisdom. As we embark on our psychedelic journeys, let us remember the power of community, support, and holistic approaches to healing, spiritual discovery and transformation.
Acknowledgements
We wish to honour and acknowledge the people who created and maintained these approaches to council, people who had their traditions taken away from them, along with their land and their people. May we always offer these circles with this in heart and mind. We also wish to pay thanks to those who made these approaches to council more accessible to the West, such as Joan Halifax, Jack Zimmerman and Gigi Coyle.