Does World Peace require greater or less complexity in human consciousness and systems? In this 90 min workshop we will engage in dialogue and reflective awareness activities around the theme of “what is complexity development good for?” What is the proper coordination of “waking up” vs “waking down” in activism? I will argue that much of our goal for greater complexity is not an end in itself, but rather only necessary to understand and untie the complex knots and shadows our civilizations and personal histories have created—so that we can then deconstruct and release that complexity. We will wonder together about the relationship between learning and unlearning in development, and the roles of ascending vs. descending modes of spiritual growth in a complex world. Through contemplative activities and small group discussions we will inquire into the importance of magical and mythical consciousness.