When using plant medicine or other psychedelics intentionally/therapeutically, it’s critically important that we do proper preparation if we wish to have the optimal experience that is meaningful. This is an essential element of that appropriate “set and setting” that is constantly emphasized. Perhaps you’ve heard about this, or read “How to Change Your Mind” by Michael Pollen? 

Here are some tips we offer those we work with as part of our protocol for “Preparation and Integration” for their psychedelic journey/ceremony.

Prepare: If possible, detox for three to five days before your journey by eliminating or cutting down on anything that stresses your nervous system (junk food, alcohol, coffee, negative people, places or things).

Meditate to ground your attention in your body. Seek calming, centering, breath and body-focused practices such as slow yoga, Yoga Nidra, deep sleep meditation, progressive relaxation, qi gong, etc.

Cultivate Curiosity by watching your thoughts and habit patterns without judging them.  Be curious about the feelings, experiences, emotions, and insights you may have suppressed.

Journal about what you hope to experience, and learn about yourself. Reflect on why you are choosing to engage with the medicine at this time. Be unhurried as you write. Allow deeper desires to emerge. Stay receptive to what wants to come out of your pen and onto your paper. Often, we don’t know how we feel about something until we read what we have written about it.

Set is short for mindset. Set your mind to support you with compassion, courage, and kindness. Your supportive mindset is probably responsible for about 98% of your satisfaction with whatever the experience brings. You are the medicine! Your mindset going into the ceremony will influence your experience. If you do not feel balanced as you approach the date of your journey, it is best to postpone until your mindset is more harmonious.

Optimize your setting. The ideal environment is one in which you feel safe, comfortable, and connected to the person or people who will be supporting you. You may also want to move your body, so wear comfortable clothes. Think about the music that best supports your intention. Your choice of music drives the experience. Gather personal objects (pictures, stones, crystals, sacred items) to display. This journey is all about self-discovery, expansion and spiritual evolution so your setting will support those desires.

Choose your intention. Keep it simple. Do not complicate it with too many words. It may be wise to begin with the phrase, “I am….” because it is in the present tense, with positive regard toward your highest possibilities. Some examples are: “I am kind to myself”; “I am listening and learning about myself”; “I am curious”. Your intention will anchor you before and during your journey.

Thank the medicine.  As you get ready to consume the medicine, create a sacred pause within yourself by holding it in your hand and thanking it for its guidance. State your intention, either out loud or silently in your mind. It is normal to have a mix of trepidation and excitement. The medicine is a  helper and psychic healer, and our task is to respect, thank and receive the help.