The Power of Live Performance in Sacramental Spaces

Human brains have an unusually high number of a specific type of nerve cell we call “mirror neurons.” The special thing about mirror neurons is if I watch you do something, my mirror neurons will fire as if “I” am the one that is doing that thing. This is where the cliche phrase “monkey see, monkey do” comes from. One big thing that biologically sets primates apart from many other groups on the tree of life is the amount of mirror neurons in our brains. I believe this is the foundation of why we love to watch others perform incredibly challenging skills. We get a rush from it because a whole network of neurons in our brain gets to resonate and give us a taste of that experience, as if we are the one who is doing it. I think this is why we go to concerts and watch sports.

Now, when we are using psychedelic plant medicine one of the really powerful things that it does for us neurologically is increase what is called “neuroplasticity.” This is our brain's ability to shift and change its hard wired pathways. This is where the magic of mirror neurons really comes into play and is the basis for the methodology we have been developing here at Mind Medicine Ministry.

I am a deep believer in the school of thought created by performance artist Marina Abramović. Her work “The Artist is Present” was absolutely life changing for me when I learned of it. I highly suggest you watch the documentary on it if you get the chance. From her perspective, performance art is first and foremost about the state of mind of the artist. The artist puts themselves into a specific state, then by being present they allow the observer access to a taste of that state through this fundamental neurological resonance we have when we watch each other do things. This is the method we utilize when performing our musically guided Journey to the Core Ceremony. When I'm performing the music of Journey to the Core I am using my brain as a resonator of wholeness, to amplify and enhance my travelers ability to change the physical pathways in their brain.

Music itself is powerful in sacramental spaces, but music performed live in skillful harmony can take things to a whole other level. With your brain being more able to change due the medicine (neuroplasticity), having the physical resonator of another person (mirror neurons) there who is deeply connecting to the music significantly amplifies your ability to use that music to carve new grooves into your brain and wipe away old patterns.