From Shock to Awe

AWAKE & AWARE is a conscious cinema program that presents opportunities to see and understand the relations between things, people, and processes, things that we usually cannot see completely because our perception of or circumstance.

THE SCHEDULE:

• 6:00pm – Doors Open• 6:30pm – Dinner by Simply Baked• 7:00pm – Film Starts• 8:30pm – Post-Film Discussion

THE MENU:

Fall Harvest Menu - Get Grounded With Some RootsRoasted RootsSweet Potato, Celery Root, Golden Beets with Turmeric, Himalayan Salt, Black Pepper, and Coconut OilSmashed Squash and GreensDelicata, Butternut, Acorn Squash, and Rainbow Chard mashed with Fresh Dill and Almond ButterSautéd Sprouted Organic Tofu Cubes with Coconut Aminos, Thyme and Oregano served with Cilantro and Pumpkin Seed SauceCinnamon Spiced Nut Balls with Coconut

THE FILM:

FROM SHOCK TO AWE asks, ‘how do we heal our deepest wounds?’ An intimate and raw look at the transformational journey of two combat veterans suffering from severe trauma as they abandon pharmaceuticals to seek relief through the mind-expanding world of psychedelics. Recent scientific research coupled with a psychedelic renaissance reveals that these substances can be used to heal PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) for individuals and their families. Beyond the personal stories, From Shock to Awe also raises fundamental questions about war, the pharmaceutical industry, and the US legal system.The documentary centers on veterans, Matt Kahl and Mike Cooley, and their challenging post-war lives, lives shattered by the trauma of war. The vets personally struggle with anxiety, fear, depression, anger, and an overall inability to find an equilibrium in society and with their families. In order to deal with their erratic emotions and haunted state-of-mind, doctors prescribe intense pharmaceuticals with various side effects that bring them face-to-face with death. In response to the negative impact of traditional Western medicine, both vets begin to use cannabis as an alternative. Although beneficial on many levels, our heroes yearn for deeper healing.Mike and Matt decide to take ayahuasca, an Amazonian brew traditionally used for healing and spiritual insights. These warriors attend a weekend ceremony filled with hope…and fear of the unknown. Rattles shake, bells ring, flutes play, and a campfire crackles…a ceremony is underway. As images of battle consume their minds, the vets reverently drink the bitter brew several times over a weekend, bringing about profound revelations for our weary soldiers.Upon returning to home, they quickly learn that their families are not prepared for the rapid change. Aimee, Matt’s wife, is overwhelmed by his exuberance and feels threatened that he might leave her. Brooke, Mike’s wife, sees the healing but finds her own demons rising to the surface. Mike feels the ‘reset’, and describes the experience like a roller coaster and the challenges associated with integrating the life-changing ceremonies. Unexpected twists and turns, and a desire to understand their husbands’ journeys, Aimee and Brooke embark on their own psychedelic healing journey with ayahuasca and MDMA respectively.

THE PANELISTS

Carolina Pataky – Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Certified Sex Therapist, BeLove Breathwork Facilitator and currently pursuing her Doctorate in Sexology.

Max Riv – Certified NLP Coach, BeLove Breathwork Facilitator and currently pursuing his Doctorate in Clinical Psychology.

Tapping into the abundance of life starts with the relationship you have to yourself. For years, Carolina and Max have transversed the spectrum of human consciousness to understand the richness of our innate wholeness. As researchers, educators and learners of life, they’ve explored the depths of non-ordinary states of consciousness in effort to help others find healing and purpose. As a licensed psychotherapist, Carolina has focused her work on a systemic approach to healing. Through her vast experience with psychedelics, she’s affiliated herself with MAPS (Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies) to assist clients prepare and integrate their non-ordinary experiences. Max, a veteran and clinical doctoral student in psychology will join her onstage to discuss some of their work regarding the safe and responsible use of plant-based medicines. Together, they’ll describe some of the clinical applications currently underway, what certain healing practices are leaving out, and what newcomers need to know about the psychedelic experience. Additionally, they will also provide information regarding breathwork, a non-substance related experience using the power of our breath. With great excitement and deep gratitude, they share what they’ve come to learn and live for the purpose of helping others heal wounds, find purpose, and grow.Katherine Coder, Ph.D

Katherine Coder offers guidance for those preparing for visionary plant medicine ceremony as well as integration support for those returning from such experiences. Katherine's healing practice is a combination of talk-based and somatic support that is informed by elemental medicine, consciousness, and psychological processing. Pikcup a copy of Katherine's book After the Ceremony Ends: A Companion Guide to Help You Integrate Visionary Plant Medicine Experiences by clicking on the link. Autographed copies will be available at the event.