Decomposing The Shadow (press release)

As psychedelics re-enter the collective consciousness of the academic world, we are seeing a parallel resurgence of interest from the general public.  The broken stereotype of “flower-power hippies” — left echoing from the late 60’s and early 70’s — is dissolving away as the current generation of psychedelic enthusiasts continue to embody an increasingly sophisticated perspective. As humanity’s understanding of the world evolves, so does today’s enthusiast’s understanding of the existential implications of the psychedelic experience. We have come to further develop perspectives that are rooted in the exploring psychology, neurology, sociology and even the nature of reality itself — perspectives that are inclusive and universal, yet also relevant to daily life. James W. Jesso, senior event coordinator for Evolver Calgary, presents this type of perspective in his new book, Decomposing The Shadow: Lessons from the Psilocybin Mushroom.

After 3 years of active investigation into the “magic” of the psilocybin mushroom, Jesso is ready to share his findings with the public. Decomposing the Shadow: Lessons from the Psilocybin Mushroom, has been drafted out of extensive study and hundreds of hours of direct personal experiences with the mushroom itself. His experiences have gone beyond just a scholarly vantage point, as Jesso says he has used psilocybin mushrooms to heal the emotional and psychological wounds he developed after a period of destructive substance use.

In discussing what lead him to write this book, Jesso says, “My personal experiences inspired me to do my best in turning the public perception of this medicine away from ‘party drug’ and into a tool for personal growth, self-awareness and psycho-spiritual healing.”

Jesso explains that a self-guided practice with the mushroom has enabled him move through his self-deprecation and attain a “state of being” founded on self-confidence, passion and a sense of purpose in this world. Jesso may have found his way to navigate the darkness of life, but what does this mean for us?

Decomposing The Shadow is Jesso’s effort to accurately communicate the broader implications of the psilocybin experience and how to apply them directly to our lives. This book intends to re-sanctify this virtually demonized medicine, and inspire readers to investigate the full potential that psilocybin mushrooms may hold for the human species. He discusses his personal story, the science and history of psilocybin, a conceptual framework for navigating the implications of the psilocybin experience, how to potentiate deeply personal and applicable experiences, and how these concepts overlap into our waking lives.

And although these are seemingly complex topics, Jesso makes them easily understandable to a broad spectrum of readers. “I wanted this book to be interesting and applicable to the deepest psychonaught, but also something you could give to your mom,” says Jesso.

At a time when our society is starting to recognize the deep wounds inflicted upon ourselves by a history of violence, could psychedelic mushrooms be the key to releasing those wounds and moving towards a more beautiful future?

“It certainly isn’t for everybody, and it’s by no means an easy process. When we choose to enter the depth of emotional potential that psilocybin mushrooms can unlock, we enable an exploration of all the things that hold us back. In that place, we can come face to face with our greatest darkness – all that we fear about ourselves. I believe it is only by facing this darkness that can we discover our true bravery, and in turn, our ability to create beauty in this world.”

Though the book is scheduled to launch in June of 2013, today, (Wednesday March 6^th) on his 27^th birthday, Jesso is launching a crowd-funding campaign to pre-sale his book and fund a grassroots book tour through the North American festival circuit as well as several major cities.

To support Jesso and for more information on his vision for the “magic” psilocybin mushroom, check out his Indiegogo Campaign here http://bit.ly/DTSmushroom

If you’d like more information about this campaign, or to schedule an interview with James W. Jesso, please e-mail him at james.w.j@live.ca