JRE #797 - Alex & Allyson Grey

5/10/2016

Joe Rogan Experience #797 – Alex & Allyson Grey

This podcast delves into the creative and spiritual journey of Alex and Allyson Grey, visionary artists and co-founders of CoSM, Chapel of Sacred Mirrors. The discussion explores their captivating art, the building of Entheon, a new temple of visionary art, and their unique approach to spirituality, creativity, and the transformative power of psychedelics. Provocative topics include the potential for psychedelic experiences to foster personal transformation, the limitations and pitfalls of organized religion, and the role of art in reimagining spiritual exploration. Underlying themes touch upon the interconnectedness of creativity and spirituality, the importance of community in spiritual growth, and the need for a renewed approach to religious and societal structures in our evolving world.

1. Entheon – A Temple of Visionary Art:

Alex and Allyson are building Entheon, a three-story, 12,000 square foot space dedicated to showcasing visionary art.
The building itself is designed to be a “Godhead” – a spiritual sanctuary incorporating sacred geometry, angels representing the cardinal directions, and a 4-faced steeple representing the unity of all directions.
The entrance features a set of doors sculpted in teak and cast in bronze, depicting Adam and Eve as a symbol of creation.
The exterior is planned to be a 20-foot-high 3D printed sculpture finished in glass-reinforced cast concrete, embodying a vision of evolution and transcendence.

2. CoSM – Chapel of Sacred Mirrors:

CoSM is a 40-acre compound in the Hudson Valley, hosting a variety of spiritual and artistic activities.
It serves as a community center, offering a space for people to explore spirituality, creativity, and personal growth through art, music, and shared experiences.
CoSM became a church in 2008, gaining tax-exempt status and offering ceremonies like weddings, baby blessings, and memorials.
The compound houses 6 buildings, including Entheon, a 10-bedroom Victorian guesthouse, an office, and a studio.

3. The Role of Art in Spirituality:

Alex and Allyson believe that creativity is the original religious impulse, offering a means of knowing oneself and experiencing the divine.
They see art as a unifying force across different spiritual traditions, bringing people together through shared experiences of beauty and meaning.
Art serves as a powerful tool for communicating spiritual experiences, translating intangible concepts into tangible forms.
Alex and Allyson argue that the core essence of any religion is expressed through its art, while the shortcomings of dogma and human behavior are separate from the true essence of the spiritual path.

4. Reimagining Religion and Spirituality:

Alex and Allyson advocate for a reevaluation of religion, suggesting that organized structures often stifle creativity, suppress individuality, and contribute to societal divisions.
They believe that true spirituality originates from a mystical experience of connecting with the divine, which can be fostered through art, nature, and altered states of consciousness.
They propose a reimagining of God as an ultimate mystery, a force that embodies creativity, interconnectedness, and the beauty of the universe.
They argue that a healthy relationship with spirituality involves embracing personal growth, accepting the unknown, and fostering a sense of interconnectedness with all beings.

5. Psychedelics and Altered States of Consciousness:

Alex and Allyson believe that psychedelic experiences can offer profound insights into the nature of reality, foster personal transformation, and connect individuals to a deeper sense of unity.
They emphasize the importance of responsible use and a safe setting for these experiences, acknowledging the potential risks for those with mental health challenges.
They see psychedelic substances as tools for exploring the vastness of consciousness, unraveling the mysteries of the universe, and fostering a greater appreciation for the interconnectedness of all things.
They advocate for a reevaluation of psychedelic drugs, arguing that their potential for healing, personal growth, and societal evolution has been unjustly suppressed.

6. The Power of Community:

Alex and Allyson stress the importance of community in facilitating spiritual growth and personal transformation.
They view CoSM as a space where people can gather, share their experiences, support each other, and collectively explore their connection to the divine.
They believe that creating a supportive and loving environment can help individuals overcome negative thought patterns, develop healthier ways of being, and spread a more positive and compassionate perspective.
They advocate for conscious community building as a potent tool for positive change, promoting a shift toward a more interconnected and compassionate society.

7. The Role of the Artist:

Alex and Allyson consider artists to be vital contributors to societal evolution, offering unique perspectives and challenging established norms.
They view artists as embodiments of creative energy, capable of translating complex spiritual and psychological concepts into tangible forms, making them accessible to a wider audience.
They believe that art has the power to inspire, heal, and elevate consciousness, offering a path toward a more beautiful and harmonious world.
They see their own art as a form of spiritual inquiry, inviting viewers to explore the depths of their own consciousness, connect with the divine, and embrace the beauty of the universe.

8. The Limitations of Organized Religion:

Alex and Allyson express concerns about the dangers of dogmatic religious structures, which often stifle personal growth, suppress individuality, and contribute to societal divisions.
They point to historical examples of religious institutions perpetrating harm, highlighting the potential for power abuse within organized systems.
They believe that the true essence of spirituality lies beyond dogma and ritual, emphasizing the importance of personal experience, introspective exploration, and a direct connection with the divine.
They advocate for a more inclusive and compassionate approach to spirituality, encouraging individuals to find their own path toward meaning and purpose.

9. Burning Man and Psychedelic Culture:

Alex and Allyson discuss Burning Man, an annual event in Nevada known for its countercultural expression, art installations, and experimental nature.
They see Burning Man as a manifestation of psychedelic culture, a space where individuals can explore their creativity, connect with a diverse community, and experience a sense of freedom.
They highlight the emphasis on community, art, self-expression, and the gift economy at Burning Man, showcasing a model for alternative societal structures.
They acknowledge the potential downsides of Burning Man, including its transient nature, the difficulty of finding meaning in a chaotic environment, and the potential for hedonism.

10. The Importance of Mindfulness:

Joe Rogan shares his personal experience of growing up in a chaotic household, developing an acute awareness of danger and a constant sense of mindfulness.
He emphasizes the importance of staying grounded amidst the barrage of negative information in our modern world, avoiding the pitfalls of paranoia and a distorted view of reality.
He believes that mindfulness is essential for navigating the complexities of social media and the constant stream of news, encouraging a balanced perspective and a focus on the positive aspects of life.
He encourages a conscious effort to cultivate a positive outlook and treat others with kindness, believing that these actions can create ripples of positivity that positively impact the world.

11. The Role of Social Media and Technology:

Joe Rogan discusses the complex and evolving nature of social media, acknowledging its potential for both positive and negative influences on society.
He believes that social media can be a tool for connection, communication, and fostering community, but also cautions against the dangers of echo chambers, misinformation, and a distorted view of reality.
He sees the emergence of artificial intelligence as a potentially transformative force, capable of reshaping human interaction and societal structures, but also warns of the need for ethical considerations and responsible development.
He emphasizes the importance of active participation in shaping the digital landscape, engaging in critical thinking, and fostering a sense of collective responsibility for the future.

12. The Emerging “Thinkosphere”:

Joe Rogan explores the concept of the “thinkosphere,” a global network of interconnected minds facilitated by technology and satellite communication.
He sees the “thinkosphere” as a new layer of consciousness enveloping the planet, offering unprecedented opportunities for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and collective growth.
He draws parallels between the “thinkosphere” and the mycelial network of fungi, highlighting the interconnectedness and intelligence that exists within these systems.
He encourages a deeper exploration of the “thinkosphere” and its potential to foster a more unified and interconnected world.

13. The Science of Psychedelics:

Alex and Allyson discuss the growing body of scientific research on psychedelic substances, highlighting their potential for healing and personal transformation.
They cite the work of Ron Griffiths and other researchers who have demonstrated the effectiveness of psilocybin in facilitating mystical experiences and addressing mental health challenges.
They express optimism about the potential for psychedelics to revolutionize medicine and address a wide range of psychological illnesses, including post-traumatic stress disorder, addiction, and depression.
They believe that ongoing research will continue to reveal the transformative potential of these substances and their role in shaping a healthier and more conscious future.

14. The Need for a New Paradigm:

Alex and Allyson argue for a paradigm shift in societal attitudes towards psychedelic substances, recognizing their potential for personal and societal growth.
They call for an end to the war on drugs, recognizing the harm and injustice it has inflicted on individuals and communities.
They believe that the prohibition on psychedelic drugs has stifled scientific research, hindered access to potential healing therapies, and created a culture of fear and stigma.
They advocate for a more open and compassionate approach to these substances, allowing for responsible use, open dialogue, and a deeper understanding of their potential benefits.

15. The Importance of Plant Intelligence:

Joe Rogan expresses his fascination with plant intelligence and the complex communication networks that exist within the plant kingdom.
He highlights the example of Acacia trees, which release chemical signals to warn other plants about impending predation, demonstrating a remarkable level of communication and interconnectedness.
He believes that plants possess a form of consciousness, capable of learning, adapting, and communicating with each other.
He encourages a deeper appreciation for the intelligence and interconnectedness of the natural world, recognizing the vital role plants play in maintaining the health of the planet and its inhabitants.

16. The Future of Spirituality and Consciousness:

Joe Rogan and Alex and Allyson discuss the profound changes shaping the future of spirituality, consciousness, and human interaction.
They believe that we are entering a new era of consciousness, marked by a growing awareness of interconnectedness, a reemergence of spirituality, and a greater understanding of the power of the mind.
They express hope that these changes will lead to a more compassionate, sustainable, and interconnected future, where humanity embraces its potential for positive transformation.
They emphasize the importance of art, creativity, and a renewed appreciation for the mysteries of the universe in navigating this evolving landscape.

Memorable Quotes:

“The mission is to build an enduring sanctuary of visionary art to uplift a global community.”
“Religion is too important a word. We need courageous experiments in religion that could help us to get to the other side of the bell curve, the evolutionary edge.”
“If the artist would move back into the world of religion, we might clean up the neighborhood a little, you know, and make it more habitable for people to want to look at their relationship with spirit through even the lens of religion.”
“I don’t think human beings are designed to take in the bad news of 7 billion people.”
“The world is fine. It just occasionally has violence and horror.”