@April, I was raised in a highly restrictive not-quite-a-cult church, so I have big feelings about religions. My experience of Desmond, as one of his co-creators and beneficiaries is that he is pretty sincere, not a parody or joke exactly.

People in situations like Kiwiburn, i.e. situations designed for you to break through old norms, experiment with altered states of consciousness etc., are often highly susceptible to and attracted to 'higher power' / 'bigger purpose' / 'join my cult' narratives.

For me, the space we created under the Desmond story took that "higher power" magnetism and pointed it to practical psychological needs: you are already enough, we have enough, you are respected, your choices are celebrated, you are safe here, you will find more love when you name your needs, etc.

For what it's worth, I think a feeling of safety + some time gazing into people's eyes + hearing 'you are enough' + tripping on MDMA is much more effective therapy than any other psychotherapeutic or hallucinogenic experiences I've had.

And generally I am pretty on much of the burner thing, but I loved opening up our own little space for something that was profoundly meaningful for cynical me + a few friends + passers by.