Good Medicine News: September ‘24
Monthly Newsletter featuring upcoming events at GMC, creative reflections and critical commentary from our Collective members on the front lines of healing and consciousness change work.
We are a Collective of health providers in Portland, Maine doing consciousness-change work, pushing the boundaries of what is possible for individual and social healing. Our mission as a cross-pollinating health space is to connect people and organizations doing transformative work, catalyzing opportunities to come together to amplify vitality, innovation and social impact. Stay tuned for our new website and events calendar coming out later this month.
Notes from the Field
Creative reflections or op-ed pieces from members of the Collective about what’s unfolding in the micro and macro landscapes of consciousness change, psychedelics and mental health. This month features a podcast by Zach Haigney interviewing East Forest and a curiosity about the role of music to help knit the divides between us by Liz Strawbridge.
Liz Strawbridge on the Transformative Power of Music
In a 2021 study, a scientist drew a striking parallel between the contagion effect of music and the dynamics of infectious diseases. Through his lens as an epidemiologist, he observed how musical patterns resonate globally much like a viral outbreak. A separate 2024 study delves into how music triggers emotions by playing with elements like timbre, consonance, loudness, and tempo, creating a shared biological response of tension and release that transcends boundaries of identity and experience.
While the contagion of diseases breeds fear and division, as seen during the COVID era, music's infectious nature fosters connections that bridge societal divides. In a world grappling with violence and despair, the prospect of transformative change can seem elusive. Tonight we brace ourselves for another potentially visious debate, that continues to deepen divides and polarizations between us. Amidst this uncertainty, there's a compelling notion that real Change may not emerge from our capacity for logical reasoning, but instead might unfold subtly, beneath our conscious minds, sparked by the unifying power of Sound. A thought provoking podcast from The Emerald’s Joshua Schrei speaks to this phenomenon in the episode titled, The Revolution Will Not be Psychologized.
Could music be the catalyst for a silent revolution that transcends cognitive barriers and fosters unity among seemingly disparate souls? At tomorrow’s Psychedelic Studio we’ll explore the profound impact of music on consciousness and emotional healing, hinting at a mysterious force that unites us on a deeper level. Join us on Wednesday 9/11/24 for a journey through music’s transformative potential at Good Medicine from 6-8pm.
Zach Haigny’s Trip Report interview with East Forest.
East Forest’s music is “known for its ability to guide listeners through their own inner journeys, creating a safe and inspiring space for exploration and healing.” East Forest discusses his personal journey offering valuable perspectives on the intersection of music, psychedelics, and inner work.
Psychedelic Studio
Upcoming Psychedelic Studio: Wednesday, September 11th 6-8pm.
Monthly gatherings for intellectual exchange, learning and discourse around consciousness change and culture. This month will feature Andrew Reece in an experiential and theoretical exploration of music and consciousness. Anyone is welcome to join.
Other Upcoming Events
Lila Yoga: Practice with Genell Huston Friday September 11th @ noon and join her for a Fall Equinox Evening, Monday, Sept 23rd @ 6pm
Good Stress Thermal Club with Zach Haigney on Tuesday, September 10th 6:30-8:30pm (email Zach@goodstressacupuncture.com).
Biodanza Maine: An Exploration of expression through movement, music and connection with facilitators Gabriel Baldwin and Hannah Morris on Friday, 9/13 @ 7pm (email biodanzamaine@gmail.com for more info).
Spiraldance Breathwork Circle with Tania Zuckerman Tuesday, Sept 24th 5:30-7:30pm.
Women’s New Moon Movement & Sauna Circle with Lara Turnure & Genell Huston, Wednesday Oct 2, 6-9pm.
GMC Core Providers
GMC Community Partners
Andrew Forsthoefel / Christina Silari / Cinnamon Brulée / Desi Lester / Genell Huston/ Ginny Gill / Jonah Fertig-Burd / Janice Irvine / Michael Leary / Samantha Hubbell/ Small’s Cafe / Sasha Lamour / Sarah Siegel / Tana Forsthoefel / Terry Ann Scriven/ Therese Jornlin
If you are interested in being a part of the Good Medicine Collective, please email admin@goodmedicinecollective.org for more information.
Thank you to all who support this project including Stewart Strawbridge, Cinnamon Brulée, CJ Dirago, Kristen Robichaud and Molly Upton.