Alex Myrin: From Soldier to Shaman

Healing The Divide with Scott Feinberg

In this episode, Scott Feinberg interviews Alex Myrin, an Army veteran who found healing through ayahuasca and other practices. They discuss the limitations of traditional therapy and the importance of feeling and processing emotions. They also explore the need for individualized approaches to healing and the role of integration and embodiment practices. The conversation emphasizes the importance of discipline and gentleness in the healing journey and reframing self-identity and value. This part of the conversation explores the grandiose and catastrophic nature of life, the understanding of ayahuasca and its brewing process, the physiological processes and neural pathways impacted in ayahuasca, the nature of self, life, and reality, the revelation of fundamental unity, and the implications of ayahuasca for world leaders. In this conversation, Scott and Alex explore the themes of self-perception, surrender, acceptance, trust, love, compassion, the calling to ayahuasca, curiosity, and embracing the mystery of life. They discuss the dance of self-perception and possibilities for self-expression and growth. They also touch on the art of surrender and accepting things as they are, as well as the importance of humility and recognizing that even the struggles and mistakes have led to the present moment. Trusting the process and taking appropriate action while holding love and compassion for others is emphasized. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the calling to ayahuasca and the importance of curiosity and desire in exploring one's path. Ultimately, they highlight the beauty of embracing the mystery of life and finding joy in the journey itself. Takeaways

• Traditional therapy may provide a pressure release valve but often fails to address the root causes of trauma and emotional struggles.
• Ayahuasca and other plant medicines can offer a pattern disruption and provide a deeper understanding of one's issues.
• Integration is a personalized process that requires implementing new practices and reframing beliefs.
• Discipline and gentleness are key in the healing journey, allowing for self-nurturing and self-compassion.
• Shifting from a mindset of need to one of gratitude and opportunity can transform the healing process. Ayahuasca is a powerful psychedelic tea brewed from the ayahuasca vine and chakruna leaves.
• The brewing process of ayahuasca is a ceremony that requires care, attention, and intention.
• Ayahuasca can excavate trauma stored in the body and create new neural pathways in the brain.
• The experience of ayahuasca can lead to a deep understanding of fundamental unity and the interconnectedness of all things.
• Ayahuasca has the potential to open dialogue and create a more humbled and raw emotional state for world leaders. Recognizing and accepting the dance of self-perception allows for self-expression and growth.
• Surrendering and accepting things as they are leads to humility and a deeper understanding of oneself.
• Trusting the process and taking appropriate action while holding love and compassion for others is essential.
• The calling to ayahuasca can be recognized through curiosity and desire, and exploring one's path is a personal journey of self-discovery.