Ali has been a student and teacher of world mysticism traditions and indigenous shamanism for over 25 years. She integrates this background with her academic training, weaving together the wisdom of body, mind and spirit.

Her retreats, programs and music are guided by the prayer for the alleviation of human suffering and the opening of the human heart, in service to creating a healthier, happier world for all.

Learn more about Dr. Ali Maya: https://alimayaretreats.com/

00:00:22 – Sean opens the session
00:01:40 – Sean’s journey of opening up to plant medicine
00:07:10 – Sean introduces Dr. Ali Maya
00:10:30 – Opening words from Dr. Ali Maya
00:12:15 – Opening meditation
00:15:45 – Where are you in relation to this topic?
00:17:10 – Why is this topic important?
00:18:34 – Defining ‘psychedelic’ and ‘plant medicine’
00:21:25 – What brought Dr. Ali Maya to this path
00:29:11 – What plant medicine can offer to the path of mindfulness meditation
00:35:01 – What Buddhism and mindfulness bring to plant medicine
00:41:44 – How might these paths/practices conflict?
00:42:32 – The drug-medicine distinction
00:47:46 – Discernment
00:51:27 – Ceremony vs recreation
00:52:55 – What is integration and why is it so important?
00:56:51 – Question: How do you emotionally, spiritually, and mentally prepare for a plant medicine experience?
01:04:58 – The power of love, compassion, and forgiveness to free us
01:10:42 – One-on-one and community support (for preparation and integration)
01:14:06 – Is this a one-time experience for people or recurrent?
01:19:01 – Can you speak to plant medicine potentially triggering mental illnesses?
01:22:25 – Being with non-psychedelic plants
01:31:31 – Staying up-to-date with ‘The Microdose’ newsletter
01:34:50 – Are there different types of psilocybin used in microdosing?
01:37:21 – What is your opinion on mushroom cultivation kits?
01:41:39 – The interface between meditation and plant medicine
01:45:23 – The feminine quality of Ayahuasca