Psychedelic Preparation
The best integration practice is a great preparatory practice. Although, one can never know what to expect on a journey, there are important elements that are crucial for a safe and fruitful experience.
I assist as a consultant for preparatory and harm reduction practices, as one of the most crucial elements of integration is setting the stage beforehand. In an ideal scenario, integration isn’t just a box to tick after a challenging experience, but an expansive context that holds the whole psychedelic experience, before, during, and after.
Sessions
I advise 2-3 preparation sessions for a curious first-timer, and 1 session for those with experience and an established psychedelic practice.
Elements of psychedelic journey preparation we work to specifically address:
- Establishing safe practices
- Creating intention
- Expectations
- Set/setting
- Music
- Retreat/facilitator compatibility
- Managing overwhelm
- Staying with the experiences
- Approach/attitude
- Grounding
- What to anticipate in the experience
- Integrating spiritual practices
- Post-trip integration
Getting it Right (as you can)
Assembling a safe and calm environment, the right attitude, and having some simple strategies to navigate the psychedelic state of consciousness makes all the difference. The less you have to think about, the more space you have for yourself, and the easier it is to dive deep into whatever emerges in your inner experience.