When working with psychedelics, it is crucial to approach the experience mindfully, not only during the peak encounter but also in the periods leading up to and following it.
Psychedelics often pose profound questions, and our responses can hold the key to potentially life changing revelations.
Our current society is saturated with a relentless stream of media information, often instilling into people feelings of fear, shame, and inadequacy. This inundation contradicts how we are naturally inclined to live and the essence of our humanity.
Looking back from an evolutionary lens, our ancestors thrived in simpler times, where communal interactions and close-knit communities formed the fabric of daily life. The pace of life was gentler, with minimal information and sensory overload. The weight of global issues did not burden our consciousness because we were blissfully unaware.
However, the landscape has shifted drastically; our world is evolving at an unprecedented speed, outrunning the capacity of our genetic ability to adapt. The rapid societal changes have outpaced our biological evolution, leading to a surge in mental health problems. Many people who are suffering often find themselves labelled with mental health conditions, yet the root of their issues may lie more likely in a sick societal structure.
Psychedelics often facilitate a connection to our inner selves and the natural world. In the midst of modern, fast-paced lifestyles, the potential risks of taking psychedelics are significant, impacting both individuals and the broader psychedelic healing community. Society often attributes adverse events solely to psychedelics, overlooking the crucial influence of a person’s pre-journey circumstances.
Preparation plays a pivotal role in shaping the psychedelic experience. External factors, such as watching a horror film or dealing with high stress in the days prior, can heavily influence the journey’s outcome. Proper preparation and integration can create profound healing potential, while casual or careless use may lead to devastating detrimental effects on the person and the society at large.
Responsible use of psychedelics is associated with minimal risks, with irresponsible use being the primary cause of adverse reactions.
Taking time off before embarking on a psychedelic journey, disconnecting from modern distractions, and immersing yourself in nature can help you to prepare for the experience. Prioritising self-expression, creativity, and introspection while limiting external influences can pave the way for a meaningful and safe psychedelic experience.
The journey begins with thorough preparation, delving deep into yourself, establishing a connection with the medicine, and setting clear intentions. By approaching psychedelics mindfully, focusing on quality over quantity, you can potentially achieve transformational results with just a single well-planned experience. This conscientious approach fosters safety.
There may come a time when you feel the urge to seek new experiences. However, I would encourage you to break away from the constant pursuit of “more, more, more, bigger, better, faster” ingrained in Western society. Instead, wait for the right moment, ensuring you have fully integrated your past experiences before embarking on new ones.
Maintain this mindful and nomadic approach for as long as possible post-experience. The period after the psychedelic experience offers a unique opportunity for neuroplasticity in the brain, making it primed for positive changes and the establishment of healthy routines.
Consider limiting social media usage during this time. Avoid the trap of comparing your life to the seemingly perfect yet artificial facade presented by others online. Surround yourself with individuals who uplift and support you, steering clear of those who deplete your energy.
Take control of your world, environment, and people.
Try incorporating daily practices like meditation, breathwork, or prayer. Connect with individuals open to discussing the psychedelic experience and consider therapy for a supported integration process with a therapist well-versed in psychedelics and spiritual emergence.
The integration process is a continuous journey of self-discovery and growth, where the new version of yourself evolves in harmony with your surroundings. While it can bring moments of disorientation and challenge as you adapt to your changing self and mourn what is left behind, this is a natural part of the process. Staying rooted in the ordinary aspects of life and balancing the mystical with the practical is key.
Sometimes, simplifying your life and disconnecting from the fast-paced world can lead to a focus on nurturing your mental and physical well-being instead. Perhaps treating yourself with the care and tenderness of a compassionate parent towards a distressed infant.
Embracing self-care, personal development, and the journey of evolution, or even devolution, is often the key to achieving peace and harmony in this modern world.
Remember, in this voyage called life, you are the medicine and you alone hold the power to create the journey that your soul craves.
PLEASE NOTE: This blog is intended for information only and does not substitute medical advice. I do not advocate the illegal use of substances.