Kile M. Ortigo - Beyond the Narrow Life: A Guide for Psychedelic Integration and Existential Exploration

Cultivating a deeper relationship with ones own psyche and with the collective psyche of humanity is an unending journey that can be filled with adventure and fulfillment. Dr. Ortigo offers here a thoughtful and well-developed map and guide for the journeyfrom preparation through encounter through grounded integration into the activities of daily life. This is a marvelous book!

David E. Presti, Professor of Neurobiology, University of California, Berkeley Author, Mind Beyond Brain: Buddhism, Science and the Paranormal and Foundational Concepts in Neuroscience: A Brain-Mind Odyssey

The wisdom, warmth, and maturity of Dr. Ortigos understanding of the responsible use of psychedelics is reflected on each page of this provocative and insightful book. Dr. Ortigo offers a comprehensive map to ethical and personalized meaning-making while remaining deeply attuned to the myriad ways in which people are different. He succeeds in offering an authentic approach for navigating both the psychedelic experience and everyday life itself, using the timeless language of myth. One that is inclusive of people regardless of sexual orientation, gender, and cultural background. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone that aspires to work with psychedelics. Avid and aspiring psychonauts, professional facilitators, therapists, experts and first-timers: everyone will find plenty of valuable lessons in this compelling read!

Daan Keiman, MA; Psychedelic & Buddhist Chaplain Lead Facilitator & Director of Ethics & Advocacy, Synthesis Institute; Co-founder, Guild of Guides Netherlands

Few therapists in the field of psychedelic science can hold the complexity of both pragmatic concerns alongside the deep mystery of the psyche the way Dr. Ortigo does here, and with a humble grace that focuses more on generating questions than it does with answering them for you. What might be most impressive about Dr. Ortigos work is the accessibility, even to newcomers, of his enticing invitation into deeper reflection, self-awareness, and ultimate transformation. Dr. Ortigo offers a crucible for the expert and novice alike as they embark into the journey of self, bringing opposites together in an artful play that many will find illuminating.

Evan Sola, PsyD, MAPS Phase 3 Study Psychologist & Co-Therapist

Beyond the Narrow Life serves as an atlas for any explorer seeking a greater sense of connectedness to themselves, others, and the universe. Dr. Ortigo deftly synthesizes existentialism, religion and spirituality, technology, and various schools of thought in psychology in order to guide readers toward the big questions with clarity. Depending on the motivation and intention of each individual reader, this book supports a range of expeditions from a tour through more mindful awareness to a full-fledged heros journey. Bon voyage!

Chris Stauffer, MD, Oregon Health & Science University, Department of Psychiatry, MAPS Phase 3 Study Co-Investigator & Co-Therapist

Dr. Ortigo has creatively and effectively synthesized an abundance of essential clinical information and psychological perspectives to offer a unique contribution to the emerging field of psychedelic psychotherapy and human development. This book is well written, compelling, accessible, and user-friendly. It was written to be a friend on the path or way companion for self-inquiry, psychedelic integration, psychological healing, spiritual liberation, and the cultivation and maturation of ones humanity. Like entering a labyrinth of possibilities with the best of supports and anchors, this innovative resource will likely become a classic in the emerging psychedelic renaissance. Readers can expect to be challenged, uplifted, surprised, and inspired.

Harvey L. Schwartz, PhD, Clinical Psychologist & Co-founder, Polaris Insight Center; Dialogues with Forgotten Voices and The Alchemy of Wolves and Sheep

Finallya book that is equally useful for the lay public and licensed health professionals! This book should be required reading for anyone interested in psychedelics, psychedelic research, training or being a guide/therapist, or when working with anyone interested in using psychedelics in any setting. Dr. Ortigo presents a beautiful synthesis of material through stories, observations, objective data, models and graphs, insights, quotes, humor, and activities that allow the reader to participate, and encourages a deep dive into both pragmatic and philosophical questions.

Karen Cooper, RN, BSN, MA, Instructional Supervisor, Center for Psychedelic Therapies and Research, California Institute for Integral Studies; Clinical Sub-Investigator, MAPS research studies; Former Lead Guide & Trainer, Usona Institute

If you are looking for an original perspective on psychedelic integration through the lens of Jungian and existential themes, this book supersedes all expectations. Psychedelics are emerging as modalities for healing and self-exploration, with public interest growing by the day. Dr. Ortigos approach to helping people find their own answers and ways of exploring profound questions evoked through psychedelic journeys comes through in all chapters. Its one of those books youll keep coming back to as you go deeper into the mysteries of consciousness and transformation. Highly recommended for clinicians and self-seekers alike.

Allison Feduccia, PhD, Founder & CEO, Psychedelic.Support; Co-founder, Project New Day

Whether you are a psychonaut, an underground psychedelic therapist, or just curious about the emerging revolution in mental health care, youll benefit from this practical, thoughtful guide to laying the groundwork and integration, the bookends of the psychedelic journey.

Julie Holland, MD
Author, Good Chemistry: The Science of Connection from Soul to Psychedelics; Editor, Ecstasy: The Complete Guide

BEYOND
THE NARROW LIFE

A Guide for Psychedelic Integration and Existential Exploration

Kile M. Ortigo, PhD

Foreword by William A. Richards, PhD

SYNERGETIC PRESS

Copyright 2021 by Kile M. Ortigo

All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise without the prior permission of the publisher, except for the quotation of brief passages in reviews.

Published by Synergetic Press, 1 Bluebird Court, Santa Fe, NM 87508 & 24 Old Gloucester St., London, WC1N 3AL England

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is available

Cover illustration by Gustavo Attab

Cover design by Lysander Alston-Kramer and Amanda Mller

Interior illustrations by Lysander Alston-Kramer

Managing Editor: Amanda Mller

Book design by Brad Greene

Printed by Marquis

TABLE OF CONTENTS

by William A. Richards PhD

DEDICATION

To my teachers, formal and informal,

No matter how much Ive learned, I keep realizing how much more there is to explore. Thank you for sparking my interest at every step.

To my clients,