BEYOND EXPERIENCE FAQ - MIND Foundation BEYOND EXPERIENCE FAQ - MIND Foundation
WHAT IS THE STATUS OF “BEYOND EXPERIENCE” GIVEN THE RESTRICTIONS DUE TO COVID-19?
We have resumed BEYOND EXPERIENCE in-person workshops in accordance to the loosening of anti-corona measurements in our locations. The number of participants is limited in order to reduce infection-risk. If your participation is prevented by travel restrictions that come in to effect on short notice, you can change to another workshop date without further charge.
HOW DO I LEARN ABOUT PSYCHEDELIC INTEGRATION IN BEYOND EXPERIENCE?
BEYOND EXPERIENCE is a 5-day-intensive workshop. It offers a safe and inclusive space for deep self-exploration in the form of an intense closed-group process. The focus is on the integration of experiences acquired in expanded states of consciousness, both substance and non-substance induced.
BEYOND EXPERIENCE is not intended to merely provide information: theoretical input on harm reduction and the like will be provided, but be ready to move, paint, and interact a lot too!
I’M INTERESTED IN EXPANDED STATES OF CONSCIOUSNESS, BUT HAVE LITTLE OR NO EXPERIENCE WITH PSYCHOACTIVE SUBSTANCES. DOES IT MAKE SENSE TO TAKE PART IN “BEYOND EXPERIENCE”?
Expanded states of consciousness can be achieved through very different means: Breathwork, yoga, trance dance, tantra, meditation or sensory deprivation – just to name a few.
While most participants in BEYOND EXPERIENCE will have some experience with psychoactive substances, our work does not stop at integrating experiences with psychedelics. On the contrary, our methodology is equally suitable for participants who have had intense experiences in other contexts.
WHAT IS THE THEORETICAL BACKGROUND OF “BEYOND EXPERIENCE”?
The BEYOND EXPERIENCE team consists of up to 15 people from different backgrounds and disciplines. Ranging from coaches, psychotherapists, medical doctors and body workers to prevention experts and psychedelic support providers, they have contributed to its design with many different methods and theoretical frameworks.
The two concepts that have proven most useful in the creation of BEYOND EXPERIENCE are Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Transpersonal Psychology.
Even though BEYOND EXPERIENCE is based on therapeutic principles, it is definitely not a surrogate for therapy; it is a self-experience format. We do not assume therapeutic responsibility, but will mirror the possible need for therapeutic aid to participants during the workshops.
The workshops consist of many different methods and tools that vary in distribution and intensity over the course of the Integration Process. Among other methods, we use creative expression through artwork and automated writing, dancing, bodywork, meditation and entrancing techniques like hypno dream quests and selected yoga asanas as options to go deeper into the exploration.
We will also provide short lectures on relevant topics such as drug related harm reduction and information on scientific integration concepts.
ARE PSYCHOACTIVE SUBSTANCES PART OF THE WORKSHOPS?
At BEYOND EXPERIENCE, we do not facilitate sessions with psychoactive substances. We help you to integrate the experiences you have gathered already – and support your preparation for further experiences yet to come.
WHAT ABOUT SENSITIVE CONTENT? WILL THE THINGS I DISCLOSE TURN UP IN PUBLICATIONS OR THE INTERNET?
All participants and facilitators must agree on confidentiality at the beginning of the workshop.
WHAT ABOUT PICTURES FROM THE WORKSHOP?
Even though we would surely like some pictures and testimonials for our website, we will always seek permission before publishing any written or photographic material.
WHY DO I HAVE TO FILL OUT THE MEDICAL FORM?
During the workshop, we are intending to go into a deep self-experience process that includes re-evoking content from experiences acquired during expanded states of consciousness. While this should be unproblematic for most participants, we strive to ensure that no one will be put in an overwhelmingly difficult situation as a result of the intense techniques we use. The medical form helps us screen for possible difficulties and exclusion criteria.
Because of the set-up of the workshops, we reserve the right to exclude or discourage people from participation that we consider physically or mentally unable to safely follow through with the BEYOND EXPERIENCE. This includes recent cardiac problems or bone fractures, as well as recent psychotic episodes or suicidality. If we are in doubt on a possible participation, we contact the person individually in order to establish a mutual agreement on their suitability.
HOW MUCH DOES THE WORKSHOP SERIES COST? ARE THERE REDUCED FEE OPTIONS?
The current cost for Beyond Experience is 850€ regular price for the 5-day-intensive format. Reductions are available for MIND members, Early Bird booking and low income participants. Combining MIND membership reduction and early bird fee, the price can drop to 590€ for the whole course.
For those who want to further contribute to the project, there is the option to pay more and sponsor a low-income participant this way.
HOW IS “LOW INCOME” DEFINED?
We have decided to define low income as less than 1000€ net income per month, in coherence with the German welfare budget assigned per person. Please include proof of eligibility when you opt for “low income”.
I DON’T HAVE MONEY. CAN I EXCHANGE PROJECT WORK FOR PARTICIPATION?
MIND is a members-based volunteer organization. We do assign free spots on our workshops for people who have intensely contributed to our volunteering projects, but we do not trade workshops for volunteering on a 1:1 basis.
You can pay via Paypal or opt to be billed.
Please pay your bill within 2 weeks after receiving it. Please note that your placement is not finally secured unless we have received the full payment and have had the chance to approve your medical form.
BEYOND EXPERIENCE is growing. Initially offered in the urban centers of Berlin (Friedrichshain) and Amsterdam, and retreats in Mallorca, we are now expanding into Romania and Portugal. We intend to continue adding locations across Europe. You will receive more detailed information upon confirmation of your placement.
Each BEYOND EXPERIENCE is facilitated by two facilitators with extended experience in conducting workshops. The teams are generally gender-mixed and consist of people with different training backgrounds in order to cover as many relevant facets as possible. Meet our full team of facilitators here.
HOW CAN I STAY IN CONTACT WITH THE OTHER PARTICIPANTS IN BETWEEN THE WORKSHOPS AND AFTER?
Participants may connect via social media groups with restricted access, that only participants can join. However, if you don’t feel like connecting further, that is totally alright. You can also connect with a network of BEYOND EXPERIENCE alumni via our MIND Community platform.
I’M INTERESTED IN FACILITATING BEYOND EXPERIENCE GROUPS MYSELF. IS THIS POSSIBLE?
You can only apply to become a BEYOND EXPERIENCE Facilitator if you have at least some previous experience as a facilitator. As a facilitator you guide groups in their process of integration of psychedelics and non-pharmacological induced altered states of mind. Other relevant criteria are previous training, expertise in leading workshops and personal factors.
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If there are any questions remaining unanswered, reach out to us at [email protected]
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