ExploreSpirit recognizes the importance of spiritual development in today’s world. It is through our spirituality that we can heal ourselves, other people, and the planet. By exploring and refining our spiritual outlook, we can find a positive place for ourselves in the world, leading to inner peace and global harmony. We at ExploreSpirit notice that the ways in which we express our spirituality are often limited to the few choices people are introduced to in their youth. Our spiritual perspectives and consciousness often become stagnant due to these constraints. ExploreSpirit thinks it is essential to address this problem and increase the public’s access to a wide variety of spiritual practices. We strive to accomplish this by educating people about different tools used in the exploration of spiritual consciousness.

The means to this end are in no way simple. There are already many books, magazines, classes, retreats, and conferences on different tools to explore spiritual consciousness. But there is something missing from existing approaches. Written works are too impersonal, and the accessibility of the other mediums is often limited by financial and other social constraints. We often find ourselves sharing experiences with only our small social groups, aware that there are many others who explore spiritual consciousness but are unable to connect with them. ExploreSpirit believes that intergenerational dialogue will help create the bonds necessary to link our entire community, and ensure that the wisdom that elders possess is passed to their spiritual successors. Everyone in our community has something to give and receive: As elder generations hold wisdom and the teachings of the ages, younger ones bring the novel inspiration of youth. The exchange of these ideas will assist in the continuation of a legacy of exploring spiritual consciousness.

The variety of the tools that can be used in the exploration of spiritual consciousness is so vast that they cannot all be named here. Beyond the world’s major religions there are many roads less traveled that one can take in exploring spirituality. These paths often include altered states of consciousness (ASC). ASC describes states of consciousness in which our perception and cognition are transformed. These means of exploration include meditation, breathing techniques, psychedelic substances, and many other approaches. Since there are few established guidelines for these pursuits, ExploreSpirit believes it is of utmost importance to create a learning center where people can become educated on how to use these tools most effectively, and with the least potential for harm.

Along with the many doors that spiritual exploration opens, there are many risks that need to be taken into consideration. Some psychedelic substances, if taken in excess, can have immediate detrimental affects on one’s body and mind. In addition, habitual use or abuse of these tools can bring about harmful long-term effects in one’s spiritual life. We believe that it is important to educate the public on the most efficient ways to minimize risk when one chooses these pursuits. Being aware of the power of the tools available is part of healthy spiritual practice. In addition, the public needs to be aware that many of the substances people see as spiritual sacraments are regarded quite differently by American law. We believe that in one’s spiritual explorations, one should be well informed of the consequences of the personal choices that they are making. The risks of such explorations need to be taught in equal proportion to their potential benefits.

We believe that only with the correct instructions and teacher can a student use such tools wisely in the pursuit of spiritual development and global harmony. Strong community support and education from elder generations are especially important when the form of exploration is not part of the mainstream society. And this guidance is not only valuable to novice explorers: interaction with and support of a community are essential in helping seasoned users master the continuing development of spirituality. By sharing experiences with one another in the community, we constantly are re-educating ourselves about the variety, depth, power, and beauty of spiritual exploration.