Good Pain vs. Bad Pain, and Knowing the Difference

I just completed a 111 hour fast. I was planning on doing 120, a full five days, but I ended it a little early. On day three and four I thought to myself, I could do this forever. But I woke up on the fifth...

And I just felt terrible.

Not like the little discomforts I felt over the weekend, a little wobbly, a little hungry or weak. I felt real bad.

So I ended the fast with grace. As someone who has a habit of fighting through difficulties even at his own detriment, I'm so glad I did.

One of the first things we learn in an asana practice, for example, is to pay attention to the difference between good pain and bad pain. We practice sitting with the aches and the stretches and the shakey legs. And we practice backing off if it feels like we might rip off our leg at the knee.

The same is true is so many of our practices. It's true in somatic practice, emotional release work, and plant medicine work.

We have to know when to push, and when to back off. We have to know when to hold em, and know when to fold em.

There is actually a classic article that discusses this by Joel Kramer called, "The Yoga of Self Transformation." It's one of many brilliant topics.

He suggests we learn what kind of person we are. Do we push too hard, or do we chill too hard. When in doubt, do the opposite!

It's about self knowledge, and finding balance.

Anyhow.

Fasting is a deeply spiritual practice, as well as having many powerful health benefits. All spiritual traditions include fasting of some kind, and I only wish our culture was more tuned into it. It’s a challenge, and a discipline. I learned things about myself. I see what I want to do differently next time. I’m better for it. I’m so grateful for a body that is healthy enough to explore this practice. I’m so grateful for food! And I’m grateful for a very supportive wife and inquisitive children.

Im learning to listen to my body. It’s the journey of a lifetime. I wish you good fortune on yours

Looking for a Change of Pace? Explore our Integration Coaching Training Program

Coaching Training starts February 3rd and runs through the end of June. You'll learn how to work with polarities, paradoxes, and mysteries. You'll sit in the silence and the weirdness until it feels like home. You'll delve into your mind, and the minds of your classmates, and come out kinder and wiser for it.

The program offers a wide range of tools & coaching models that give you the framework you need to make use of your gifts.

• Create a coaching practice that can be sustainable
• Gain powerful skills in mindfulness and somatics
• Work with material that arises in psychedelic space
• Create confidence through artful preparation

Training Modules include:

• Client Discovery, Intake, and Onboarding
• Coaching and Space Holding Methodology
• Mindful & Somatic Psychedelic Preparation
• Understanding and Overcoming Patterns
• Ceremony and Space Holding
• Integration and Lasting Transformation

Save if you register before Next Monday (some very short extentions might be available)

​https://tamintegration.com/psychedelic-coach-training/​

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Integration circle Tonight, Tomorrow, The Next Day!

Art Integration Circle, Tuesday at 4pm Pacific, 7pm Eastern (free, donations gratefully accepted) Link​
Open Integration Circle, Wednesday at 4pm Pacific, 7pm Eastern (free, donations gratefully accepted) Link​
Women's Integration Circle, Thursday at 6pm Pacific, 9pm Eastern (free, donations gratefully accepted) Link​

Know when to hold em, know when to fold em.

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Did you know Kenny Rogers was also responsible for this psychedelic classic?

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A New Release by Pourangi

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The Golden Road

The Golden Road has evolved into a wonderful group of practitioners. The wonderful people who show up share not only their journeys, but the journeys of those they steward. It's become a place of learning, support, accountability, and peer review. Folks are learning some things from me, but they are also learning from each other. We all face unique challenges as we work in this space, and it's great to have a place where we can bring them for non-judgmental feedback and reflection. You're invited. Click here to join!​

The sensitive stuff isn't recorded; that's just for those of us in the room, but there are many teachings that are. There is a growing collection of masterclasses designed for coaches, guides, and therapists. Here are some of the upcoming live masterclasses:

How to Build a Psychedelic Practice with Integrity: The 5-Step Aligned & Attracted Framework with Brit Chandler
​Tue, Dec 16 • 4:00pm - 5:30pm EST

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The 5-Step Aligned & Attracted Framework
How to Build a Psychedelic Practice with Integrity

A 90-minute masterclass for psychedelic coaches, therapists, and facilitators who are done guessing and ready to grow sustainably, ethically, and without selling their soul.

Inside, you’ll learn our updated 5-Step Framework:
1. Know Who You’re Talking To: finally get clear on your niche (without the existential crisis).
2. Build the Right Relationships: identify upstream + downstream partners so referrals flow naturally.
3. Make a Tangible Offer: write a clear, compelling offer that converts without feeling “salesy.”
4. Master Authentic Client Conversations: guide discovery calls that build trust, not pressure.
5. Build Trust Online (Without Burning Out): content and community strategies that feel human again.

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Disclaimer

Nothing in this email should be considered medical or legal advice. We're not suggesting that you break any laws or do anything dangerous. This email is offered as education and entertainment in the spirit of harm reduction. Consult medical and legal professionals if you have questions.

Sometimes, there are affiliate links in this email. It helps support this project. Thank you!

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