What is Social Alchemy?
Alchemy is an old word for an equally ancient practice. Of its many possible meanings, my favorite is transmutation to reunite with the original or divine form. It points to evolving without constantly striving to create something brand new.
So, Social Alchemy is about applying the idea of growing without violence against the current state of things to social dynamics—whether that’s in a corporate culture, an intentional community, or even within the self.
It’s a tiny nudge into a relational nuance from the starting point of a literally ancient concept, so to say Social Alchemy stands on the shoulders of giants is an understatement.
In fact, echoing Nathan Chukeke, a fellow social alchemist of their own definition (and steward of another site called social alchemy) I am neither the first nor will I be the last person to come up with this name to describe a practice I care about.
Still, this expression of Social Alchemy is a crystallization of many concepts I’ve felt curious and tender about, and I hope in sharing my thoughts & theories you may find some benefit.
Some core theories
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Not everything fits tidily or linearly into a simple framework. Trying to figure things out is often a distraction from what is already known.
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In between, we become experts at forgetting truths and believing illusions.
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As Pierre Teilhard de Chardin wrote, we are spiritual beings having a human experience. Following from that, it’s reasonable to think these spirits want the full experience—even some things ego or conscious mind doesn’t approve of.
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At any given time, parts of us are in touch with our wholeness and other parts want to become something different and new. Both are valid and reasonable, and also, this tension can feel like a huge struggle.
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It is possible to get closer the better we understand ourselves and one another! But, we’re all operating from our own “reality tunnels.” The 8-circuit model of consciousness is a great framework for this.
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We can meet and root into the realms of neutral observations and universal needs and feelings. Thank you, Marshall Rosenberg, for the practice of Non-Violent Communciation!
Why work with nik?
I am no expert, nor a creator of novel ideas. I have no answers—only theories. Even this notion is not mine—many thanks to both Clayton Christensen and Nadia Choi for forming the chain that brought it to me. So, truly, why work with me? A great question!
I am a facilitator, and I suppose I do have a bit more than theories—I also have some tools.
My efforts in community organizing have both shaped my personal healing and growth journey and offered a sandbox for practicing nurturing community cultural evolution. In this context, I learned how much I love sitting with folks and groups navigating big shifts.
I am also a graduate student working towards licensure as a Marriage and Family Therapist. Although not currently a therapist, this education grounds my peer support practices in empirical research and opened me to the world of Community Psychology.
Some Practices in the Toolkit
Non-Violent Communication
Developed by Marshall Rosenberg, this practice offers the gold standard in preventative and responsive conflict management by focusing on establishing and maintaining common ground.
Clinical Psychology
Drawing mostly from Community Psychology, Gestalt, Existential, and Psychodynamic ideologies, my ongoing work in my Masters program in Clinical Psychology grounds my practice.
Tarot
The Smith-Rider-Waite and its variations offer 78 archetypes of the human experience up for consideration one or a few at a time. It is one of my favorite pathways into reflection.
8-Circuit Model of Consciousness
Created by Timothy Leary and evolved by Robert Anton Wilson, Antero Alli, and myself, this model breaks consciousness into 8 distinct yet interconnected forms of intelligence.
Intuitive Practice
I am level 2 Reiki certified and have a personal spiritual practice that supports me in readings and energy work including cord cuttings and bespoke ceremonial activations and clearings.
Shadow Integration
A compassionate practice of self and collective discovery, this draws from Jungian psychology, parts work, Carolyn Elliot’s Existential Kink, and the teachings of Pema Chödrön.
How do these practices influence Social Alchemy?
Some offerings—like NVC conflict mediation or tarot readings for groups, individuals, or events—are anchored in one specific practice. Generally speaking, I bring the whole proverbial toolkit with me to everything under the Social Alchemy umbrella, including organizational consulting and Inner Social Alchemy sessions.
Ways to support me and this work
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Book a session or event
I’d love to work with you! Check out my offerings, then head over to my contact form or booking page to get things going.
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Subsidize free resources
Help me devote more time to writing and creating other free resources by donating monthly—or just once!
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Check out my art!
COMING SOON—I’m working on a series that’ll be available for sale! if you already know my work, I’m open to commissions.
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Peruse Amazon wishlist
Help me grow this business by directly supplying some materials I’d need for recording audio, further research, etc.