Creating
Communities of
Compassionate Care

Mission

The Zendo Project provides professional comprehensive harm reduction education and support for communities to help inform and transform difficult psychedelic experiences into opportunities for learning and growth.

Vision

We envision a world where communities are educated, resourced, and engaged in applying harm reduction principles to support individuals exploring psychedelic states; recognizing that challenging experiences can be opportunities for self-exploration and healing.

Training & Educational Opportunities

Our organization recognizes the need to expand psychedelic harm reduction far beyond festivals and events so that we can bring education to all communities. We are excited to continue offering trainings in the late spring of 2021. Please sign up for our email newsletter get updates about our upcoming trainings as dates become available.

Consulting

Professional consultation services are available for multi-responder personnel, event production, safety teams and mental health professionals.

Education

Learn the principles of psychedelic support, the ethics of being a sitter and determine when to seek support from medical or mental health professionals.

Resources

A collection of hotlines, manuals, organizations and websites for psychedelic support, education and harm reduction.

4 Zendo Project Principles
of Psychedelic Peer Support

Safe Space

If someone is having a challenging experience try to move them into a comfortable, warm, and calm environment. If possible try to avoid noisy or crowded spaces. Ask what would make them most comfortable. Offer blankets and water.

Talk through, not down

Without distracting from the experience, help the person connect with what they are feeling. Invite person to take the opportunity to explore what’s happening and encourage them to try not to resist it.

Sitting, not guiding

Be a calm meditative presence of acceptance, compassion, and caring. Promote feelings of trust and security. Let the person’s unfolding experience be the guide. Don’t try to get ahead of the process. Explore distressing issues as they emerge, but simply being with the person can provide support.

Difficult is not bad

Challenging experiences can wind up being our most valuable, and may lead to learning and growth. Consider that it may be happening for an important reason. Suggest that they approach the fear and difficult aspects of their experience with curiosity and openness.

Zendo Project in the Media

How Zendo Project Got its Name

How Zendo Project Got its Name

Cardboard Yurt Origins: The Zendo In 2006, Austrian Zen teacher Vanja Palmers began bringing a large group of European Buddhists to Burning Man. After experiencing the event, Palmers saw the need for a refuge/quiet space for people to retreat to in the bustling Black...

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