About Josh
I love people; I always have. The desire to be present with others through the craziness of life has been strong within me for a long time. My heart leaps when people feel free to be themselves. For the majority of my life I did not understand what it meant to live authentically. I sought to earn the approval of others, to fit into the systems, or structures, that were presented to me. I frequently struggled with anxiety, fear, insecurity, and often had a sense that I was “enough”.
After many positive experiences with psilocybin mushrooms I was introduced to 5-MeO-DMT, commonly referred to as the “God Molecule”. I experienced an ego death (or, dissolution) which led to a merging with God / Source consciousness. It is the most important moment of my life to date. I was able to see with immense clarity my attachment to this form (body, mind, emotions, possessions, people, etc.). I was ushered into a space that is beyond on logic and human comprehension. THERE WERE NO WORDS — it was EVERYTHING and NOTHING. The medicine communicated very clearly that I was here to spread this sacred molecule in service to others. I then founded Open Heart Sanctuary (2022) so that I could provide a safe space for people to receive within a ceremonial setting. The readiness and intentionality that people bring to this process is important. I serve Kambo (Amazonian Tree Frog) and Bufo (Sonoran Desert Toad, 5-MeO-DMT) with reverence and humility to any who are ready to receive.
Huachuma – the sacred cactus – entered my world years later. The species that I work with is called San Pedro. Huachuma is commonly referred to as the Grandfather, or, the “Heart” medicine. The Cactus brought me to my heart in ways that I have never experienced. I have never cried HAPPIER tears in all of my life. Frequently received as a communal medicine, most people (that I know) who have sat with the cactus have experienced a mild to moderate dose – leading to a pleasant, uplifting experience. However, at a high enough dose this medicine becomes extremely personal and intense as it communicates ancient wisdom with a strong, MASCULINE presence. IT IS GORGEOUS.
MY PATH
I studied for 3 years in Divinity School to be a pastor. After going through a gut-wrenching divorce, I started to question the beliefs with which I was raised (and that I preached!). Gradually, things shifted for me: my concept of God simplified into an energy characterized by love, kindness, compassion, service, and the like. It was here for me all along and accepted me just as I was – and it invited me to do the same. I stopped associating this presence with a building or a book.
I spent time as a Hospital Chaplain where I had the opportunity to be with people as they were sick and dying. My practice was to offer unconditional support while they were suffering. I was able to guide their families through the grieving process after they had passed, providing comfort and care.
I became a Life Coach in 2020 and have been practicing for 6 years. I wanted to go deeper with people into the their internal world, to see what made them tick and to help them to practice authenticity. The basis of my preparation guidance and integration support stems from my experience providing care as a Chaplain and Life Coach.
I entered the medicine space through mushrooms and then received 5-MeO-DMT roughly a year later. I received the call to serve on April 13, 2022 with potent clarity.
I left my job and my home and visited the Seri Tribe in the Sonoran Desert (where the toads reside) to observe and learn from them. I went through an intensive training process with a medicine man in Texas who has been serving for years. I have been guiding ceremonies for over 4 years.