Psychedelic Integration Tips

One difficult aspect of integration can be that the psychedelic experience is so intense, that finding a way to integrate that level of intensity into mundane reality can feel…well…mundane. Often, there’s a wish to figure out how to integrate immediately and when the answer doesn’t come right away, just kind of forgetting about it and moving on or seeking out another journey.  

When we really honor and take time with our experience it can feel like we’re “obsessing” or “not letting go”.  In my opinion, that’s a good thing. Obsess away. Think about it deeply. Go over it and over it and over it. Look at it from different angles. Feel it. Find people to share with. Let it lead you to books, music, podcasts and interactions.

Here are a few tips for Integration:

1.        Journal about the actual experience (through writing or audible journal) as soon as you can after the original experience. Describe the experience without trying to interpret.

2.        Talk to various people about the experience. I find that each person or group offers a different insight and, I notice that we usually focus on different parts of the experience depending on who we’re talking with.

3.        Be patient. Know that your process will unravel more and more day by day as long as you keep setting the intention to integrate the new information to improve your life. Remind yourself that this was an important experience and that it’s OK to spend time thinking about it, questioning, and not knowing. This journey matters, you matter, your intention matters.

4.        Allow yourself to be led to new things. Notice new interests. Go with it. Take the class, listen to the podcast, read the book, try out a new habit. They might not all speak to you and that is yours alone to decide. This is a time where you can practice exploration, listening to your Self, identifying, and expressing your Yesses and Nos.

5.        Of course, as always, working with a therapist, coach, integration support group can be helpful.

6.        Keep tracking your insights through writing or video/audio journaling for at least 3 months.

Happy Integrating!