Linda Coussement has been exploring meaning and purpose for many years by intertwining an 18+ year-long career in corporate business consulting with travel, teaching yoga, cofounding a sustainability start-up, photography, and studying the metaphysical concept of meaningful relations. The latter included a yearlong journey across Europe to ask over a hundred people “How is it to be you?” She has recently published her debut magical realism novel ‘CONTRAST’.

In this conversation, Linda shares her journey of owning and speaking her truth, starting with a breakthrough moment in her late twenties. She discusses how her corporate career triggered a transformation and led her to freelance work, which provided her with more freedom and the opportunity to explore her own path. Linda also talks about her year-long journey across Europe, where she asked people the question, 'How is it to be you?' and gained insights into meaningful relationships and the human experience. She shares her interpretation of the Dark Night of the Soul and how she navigated challenging times to emerge stronger and more aligned with her true self. Finally, Linda discusses her debut novel, 'Contrast,' and the themes and messages she explores in the book. In this conversation, Linda discusses her journey of writing fiction and the themes explored in her book. She delves into the depth of the human experience, including love, loss, personal growth, and the quest for meaning. The story revolves around a 68-year-old man who realizes he is dead but still in his own garden, prompting him to search for his true destination. Linda emphasizes the importance of healing and processing trauma, as well as the question of whether life is meaningful. She also explores the contrasts in life, such as beauty and pain, and the need for balance between the masculine and feminine energies. Linda encourages listeners to carve out their own unique paths and overcome the fear of judgment from others. She advises taking baby steps and listening to one's intuition when pursuing what feels true and authentic.

Takeaways

• Owning and speaking your truth is a transformative journey that requires self-reflection and the willingness to explore and express your authentic self.
• Corporate triggers can lead to a deeper exploration of self and a shift towards more meaningful and fulfilling work.
• Taking time for personal exploration and meaningful connections can lead to profound insights and personal growth.
• The Dark Night of the Soul is a period of intense transformation and self-discovery that can be challenging but ultimately leads to greater alignment with one's true self.
• Choosing meaningful relationships over surface-level interactions can lead to deeper connections and personal fulfillment.
• Navigating challenging times requires self-compassion, acceptance, and the willingness to embrace the unknown.
• The concept of time is a societal construct that can limit our ability to fully experience and embrace the present moment.
• The novel 'Contrast' explores themes of self-discovery, spirituality, and the complexities of human relationships. The human experience encompasses love, loss, personal growth, and the search for meaning.
• Healing and processing trauma are essential for personal growth and finding meaning in life.
• Life is a balance of contrasts, such as beauty and pain, and the masculine and feminine energies.
• It is important to carve out your own unique path and overcome the fear of judgment from others.
• Taking baby steps and listening to your intuition can lead to a transformative journey.

Jill Sitnick is the founder of The Journey Sage, an educational platform that demystifies MDMA for PTSD therapy to help dispel the stigma of psychedelics for mental health.

This episode deeply explores whether the societal view on psychedelics is a war on drugs or a war on the mind, setting the tone for paradigm deconstruction.

Jill's Background and Resistance Faced: A Personal Journey

• Jill, a child of the 80s, shares her journey from being a corporate professional to exploring MDMA therapy for PTSD.

• Faces resistance due to societal stigmas and misconceptions around psychedelics, fueled by historical narratives and propaganda.

Psychedelics: Tools for Healing, Not Party Substances

• Discussion on the misconception that psychedelics are for recreational use and the importance of discernment in their consumption.

• Emphasis on responsible usage, proper dosing, and the medical supervision integral to therapeutic journeys.

Breaking Down the Stigma: Destigmatizing Psychedelic Conversations

• Jill shares her experiences in destigmatizing psychedelic discussions, highlighting the need for open conversations and dispelling myths.

• Advocates for asking critical questions, akin to those asked about conventional medications, to understand context and ensure responsible use.

Psychedelics vs. Harmful Drugs: Understanding the Difference

• Distinguishing between psychedelics and harmful drugs, emphasizing the importance of context, set, setting, and individual responsibility.

• Challenges the societal lumping together of diverse substances under the blanket term "drugs."

Resistance Against Psychedelics: Unveiling Hidden Agendas

• Ponders why society is vehemently against psychedelics and questions if there's an agenda at play.

• Acknowledges the immense research and potential of psychedelics in unraveling consciousness.

Jill's Trajectory into MDMA Therapy: Unforeseen Healing

• Jill's journey into MDMA therapy triggered by a panic attack, grief, and subsequent PTSD diagnosis.

• Narrates the unexpected shift in her consciousness through three therapeutic journeys, leading to significant improvement in her mental health.

The Healing Process: Beyond a One-Stop Solution

• Emphasizes that psychedelic therapy isn't a quick fix but a faster path, especially for trauma patients.

• Compares the integration process post-therapy to physical therapy, illustrating the ongoing nature of the healing journey.

Understanding Psychedelic Experiences: Jill's Revelations

• Describes Jill's personal psychedelic experiences, highlighting the empathetic nature of MDMA and its role in unveiling repressed memories.

• The revelation of an inner voice and the ability to confront and process traumatic memories with the support of therapeutic guidance.

Conclusion: Shifting Consciousness and Unveiling Truths

• The profound shifts in consciousness possible through psychedelic therapy were revealed.

• Encourages open-minded exploration, responsible use, and a shift in societal perspectives on psychedelics for mental health.