There are no standards when it comes to integration, and interpretations vary depending on who you talk to. When it comes to integrating psychedelic experiences, it is essentially about integrating the psychedelic experiences, which often offer a radically different worldview, into everyday life. The process begins immediately after an experience and can take many years.
Psychedelics are used by millions of people, both "for fun", but also therapeutically and for personal development. Throughout life, we have acquired knowledge and experience through experiences that have made us who we think we are. We have ideas about what is important, what is right, how we are and how the world around us is. Psychedelics provide an experience that can turn these elements on their heads and also show you thoughts and memories that are usually buried in the subconscious. These can be intense experiences that affect our mental and physical health. You can be confused, feel awestruck and generally feel that the experience and insight you have gained is indescribable. That there are simply no words in our language yet. You can feel that you have learned an extremely large amount, but at the same time have understood how little you actually know. Such an experience can split our identity structure, our ego, our thoughts about who we are.
The work begins after the experience
The experience only provides insight, so the work must be done after the experience, in a sober state. This work is often called integration and is about putting our worldview, our identity structure back together after the split. There are many ways to start this, and it is important that you find the method that suits you. Psychedelics Today has created a workbook for integration that can be purchased here for a small fee that can help a little on the way.
Work on remembering the experience
It is not uncommon to gain some useful insight during an experience, but it tends to be a bit confusing and come in a format that is difficult to grasp. Experiences that are not replayed in the mind through mental images, words and feelings tend to be forgotten or distorted over time. I don’t know how many times I have thought “I will never forget this”, only to have forgotten it a week later. There are a number of exercises to promote the memory of such an experience that I recommend:
- Avoid distractions – I always recommend taking the day after an experience free from thinking, walking around a bit and taking it easy. Be present. Anything that takes you out of the moment makes you forget faster, whether it’s watching TV, playing video games, drinking alcohol, taking drugs, going to work, etc.
- Write it down – I encourage you to write about your experience, observations, and dreams in the first few weeks while it is still fresh in your memory.
- Talk about it – Talk to people you trust. Family/friends, a therapist, integration coach, etc. MAPS has a list of integration therapists here .
- Drawing and painting – Sometimes it’s easier to express yourself through drawing. It doesn’t have to be pretty, even simple drawings will promote memory.
- Listen to the music from the active session – If you listened to music during the experience, it can be very nice to listen to it again. If you write or draw at the same time, you can get an extra good effect.
Get to know your body and soul better
A psychedelic experience can provide a new perspective on your current life. This has benefits that you can cultivate, and it is an opportunity to get to know both your body and your mind better. Daily distractions and habits tend to disconnect us from our own body sensations and emotions, and this allows us to live unhealthy lives without noticing exactly what it is doing to us. By following some of these tips below, you may be able to feel more deeply how stress, unhealthy foods, alcohol/drugs, and lack of exercise are affecting your body, which in turn contributes to healthy changes. Here are some activities that can promote this reconnection.
- Exercise – The type of physical exercise you prefer, be it running, walking, swimming, lifting weights, cycling, etc.
- Healthy food – Try eating healthier foods for a period of time after your active session. You may feel the difference.
- Intimacy – Cuddling, sex, or massage can be a great way to pay attention to your body.
- Meditation – It is not uncommon to pick up a meditation routine after a psychedelic experience. This can help integrate the “psychedelic mindset” into your life and reduce stress and anxiety. Many people who have tried meditation in the past find it easier to meditate after a psychedelic experience.
- Music/Art/Writing – Expressing yourself in new ways and spending time on the arts may feel different now and bring you more value than before.
- Spend time in nature or with animals – This can provide a nice sense of calm and more enjoyment than you are used to.
Work on it, but don't rush it.
A powerful experience can make you want to make a lot of changes quickly. While this is a positive energy in itself, I recommend avoiding making any major life changes for four to six weeks after a psychedelic experience. Instead, start with smaller changes and see if you still want to make the bigger changes after some time has passed. This will allow the experience to integrate and adapt to your daily life and needs. Also, feel free to read books like Doors of Perception , A New Earth , or After the Ceremony Ends for more support around changes.
Hope this is enough to get you started in the right direction. If you need any help, just get in touch.