Starts as a Gen Z field report on moving Integral from theory into lived culture, then shifts...
Apprentice at Planetary Dharma, Metashaman-in-Training
Ari Nazem
I traveled to 100+ countries by age 15, started 4 companies, studied philosophy and religion at Stanford, then dropped out seeking answers beyond (post)modern culture at 22. Interweaving shamanic practice and Integral Theory, I created the Ancestor System (including a novel model of Types), and spent years using it to guide a men's group and myself through initiatory work. Now I apprentice with my elders the Churchills at Planetary / Medicine Dharma and with Layman Pascal on Metashamanics.
Website
https://linktr.ee/arinazemAbout
Since I can remember, I’ve carried this question: How do we live well—with ourselves, together & on this planet? Growing up in Silicon Valley but traveling to 100+ countries by fifteen, I saw humanity’s brilliance and deep misalignment. I felt the ache.
I thought technology was the answer. I started companies and studied philosophy, Design Thinking, and Tantric Buddhism at Stanford before dropping out—but the answers weren’t in dominant culture.
I set out on a shamanic journey, weaving Integral Theory with practice to create the Ancestor System—a meta-map I used guiding a men’s group through initiatory work.
Moving to LA to spread Metamodern culture through art, I realized: build the center, not the edges. Support elders rather than recruit to what doesn’t yet exist.
Now I apprentice with the Churchills at Planetary/Medicine Dharma and Layman Pascal in metashamanic practice. I live in Boulder, devoted to midwifing the wisdom civilization I hope my children inherit.