In the face of a lack of existential meaning and coherence, Western civilization is currently struggling to stave off devouring itself through ever deepening fragmentation. Meanwhile, small pockets of Westerners can be found in remote locations around the world, immersed in experiences of existential depth and meaning. Spiritual refugees, they have long fled the existential desert of Western materialism and a culture lost in consumerism. Many pride themselves on a certain detachment from the world; and whilst their transcendental experiences may rival those of William James’ Varieties of Religious Experience, or any ayahuasca ceremony, some are questioning the commonly held