2. Champion Interview with Dr Ros Watts: Psychedelics Researcher and Founder of ACER Integration

Today we’re speaking with Dr. Ros Watts, a clinical psychologist and researcher, renowned for her groundbreaking work in psychedelic therapy, particularly with psilocybin-assisted treatments.Having led the pioneering psilocybin research program at Imperial College London, Ros has co-authored scientific papers exploring the therapeutic potential of psychedelics and featured in various podcasts and interviews discussing the transformative impact of psychedelic experiences. Ros is also the founder of ACER, an integration community designed for connecting to the self, others, and the natural world.Key themesInclusivity of Experience: Ros approaches various aspects of her experience with openness and inclusivity, including uncomfortable emotions like grief, rage, and betrayal.Love and Grief as Two Sides of a Coin: There is a poignant moment in the conversation where love and grief are portrayed as two sides of the same coin, emphasizing the interconnectedness of these emotions.Quality of Risk-Taking: We touch upon when and how to take risks, with an emphasis on recognizing the point where there seems to be no other choice but to take action.Sense of Dread in Career Decisions: Ros shares personal experiences related to career choices, highlighting the importance of recognizing the feeling of dread and making decisions before reaching a point of no return.Resilience and Dread: We differentiate between necessary discomfort in certain situations and the addictive quality of constant intensity, and discuss the importance of resilience and recognizing when to make a change.Humility: The theme of humility is explored, both in understanding one's position in the world and being gracious when others may not have all the answers.Equanimity: We discuss the concept of equanimity, especially in managing stress and regulating emotions, with an emphasis on slowing down and creating space.Sacrifice and Hard Choices: Ros talks about sacrifice in terms of making hard choices, especially in the face of limited time and resources, and the importance of saying "no."Cultural Shifts: We also touch on the need for cultural shifts, including creating spaces for deeper conversations, embracing the darker aspects of oneself, and fostering communities that embody supportive cultures.Costume of Highly Evolved Humans: The phrase "costume of highly evolved enlightened humans" is mentioned, emphasizing the performance and judgment individuals may experience in the context of social platforms and expectations.Websiteshttps://www.drrosalindwatts.com/ https://acerintegration.com/The Watts Connectedness Scale: https://www.drrosalindwatts.com/watts-connectedness-scaleBooksAltered Traits - Daniel Goleman & Richard J. Davidson - https://bit.ly/3vB001ZDeep Work  - Cal Newport  - https://bit.ly/48O6b0NUs: Reconnect with Your Partner and Build a Loving and Lasting Relationship  - Terrence Real https://amzn.eu/d/iTdt65HAn Abolitionists Handbook - Patrice Cullors -