Discover the profound connection between lucid dreaming and plant medicine journeys. Through a vivid personal story, Mark shares how both practices allow access to the subconscious mind, unlocking insights and healing potential. Learn how facing shadow conflicts in dreams mirrors the transformational power of plant medicine retreats, helping participants release emotional burdens and reclaim their sense of strength and clarity.

Last week, I guided five courageous participants through "Trauma School," the second retreat in the transformative year-long series, Change Your Story, Change Your Life. This retreat focused on resolving trauma in the present moment, a cornerstone of lasting emotional healing. Modeled after my PBS documentary, Is Your Story Making You Sick?, the series continues with "Our Shadow Selves" in November and concludes with "Our Many Perspectives" in March 2025. Applications for the 2025 series are now open—reach out to learn more about this life-changing journey!

This newsletter explores three common defense mechanisms—denial, rationalization, and projection—and how they manifest in everyday life. It explains how these mechanisms can hinder personal growth if overused and provides red flags that indicate overreliance. The newsletter also highlights the importance of shadow work in recognizing and transforming these unconscious behaviors. Readers are encouraged to reflect on their use of defense mechanisms and are invited to join an upcoming plant medicine retreat for deeper introspection and healing.

Discover how shadow work and parental guidance can help your child navigate challenges, cultivate independence, and build resilience.

Engaging in shadow work is crucial for business leaders. It helps them understand and manage their unconscious motivations, directly impacting their decision-making, relationships, and leadership style.

Dive into Dr. Keith Witt's drama triangle and learn how understanding these dynamics can shed light on personality disorders, distinguishing between everyday neuroses and more severe, destructive behaviors.

Explore how cultivating a growth mindset in children not only enhances resilience but also prepares them for life's challenges through a focus on effort over results.

This post explores the journey of a client who battled addiction, found success in investigative journalism, and eventually faced the challenges of shame and isolation. Through a retreat focused on shadow work, the client began to confront and integrate the hidden aspects of himself, leading to deeper healing and personal growth. The post highlights shadow work's transformative power in addiction recovery and leadership development, inviting readers to explore these practices through retreats and coaching.

Explore how integrating shadow work with setting intentions can dramatically enhance personal growth and help overcome entrenched behaviors.

Explore how bibliotherapy can enhance shadow work by providing deep insights into personal challenges and facilitating emotional healing through the power of reading.

Discover how shadow work can help us navigate the political divides in America by addressing the assumptions and biases that fuel conflict, promoting a healthier dialogue for democracy.

Explore how shadow work can deepen emotional healing by allowing us to face and integrate suppressed emotions, leading to a more fulfilling and emotionally aware life.

Discover how shadow work can illuminate our political beliefs and behaviors, revealing the psychological dynamics that fuel political division and allegiance, particularly in the wake of former President Trump's conviction.

Learn how Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy incorporates shadow work to promote inner harmony and holistic healing.

Discover how confronting your shadow self can lead to a life of joy, authenticity, and ethical integrity.

Explore the profound impact of shadow work on identifying and transforming underlying impulses for a more connected and ethical life.

Embrace wholeness by acknowledging all parts of yourself, including the shadow. Use shadow work to discover, heal, and transform towards a more authentic life.

Learn how shadow work can reveal subconscious patterns and lead to profound personal transformation.

Experience the liberating effects of shadow work and personal growth through the use of psychedelic plant medicines.

Discover strategies for emotional mastery through shadow work, turning challenges into opportunities for growth.