Integrating Your Experience

How does this whole integration thing work?

Just like every journey is different, so is integration. Some people will come out of the journey space with a to-do list and tons of ideas for what they want to do next. Others will feel like making any decision is impossible. No matter what, though, there are ways to make sure you make the most out of your journey. The Center for Medicinal Mindfulness taught me about the Seven Stages of Psychedelic Integration:

1. Remembering – Recalling the details of your session using sensory memory, journaling, and body awareness. Sometimes you'll have excellent recall of the entire journey, and for others it may seem like a blur. Don't worry, the body remembers, and so does the subconscious. But it's important to take time to reflect back on the experience from time to time and give it space to unfold.

2. Processing – Exploring emotions, realizations, and what changed during the experience. This means being intentional when you think back on the journey, and paying attention to see if anything new comes up, it may be something small, but take note!

3. Undoing – Letting go of what no longer serves you, including relationships, jobs, and old belief systems. This can be a tough one, so don't rush it, but don't ignore it either. This step can often be the most powerful, as well as the most challenging.

4. Orienting to Health and Remembering How to Feel Good – Rebuilding your life around joy and wellness. Our society has really shaped us to focus on productivity and work. Sure, they can be good, but it can also mean we ignore ourselves and what we really need. Remember, it's ok to have fun and play, in fact, we need it, so let it in!

5. Reconsolidation of Memories – Safely “filing away” traumatic memories into the past. This can be both active and passive, just trust in the process and in yourself.

6. A New Beginning – Experiencing inspiration, creativity, and new possibilities emerging. It's all about awareness, and taking your surroundings into consideration. Jump into what excites you and see where it takes you.

7. Translation and Service – Applying insights into daily life and possibly helping others as a result of your transformation. This will be different for every person, but know that most people who feel content, feel that way because they are of service. This may be what's been missing for you.

How to support ongoing integration

Sure, integration is all up to you, but believe me, that's a good thing! While it can be challenging at times, it also means you're in the driver's seat. Here are some ways I suggest you keep the integration ship on course:

• Journaling: Ugh! I know for some of us (myself included) journaling consistently is HARD, but it's hard because it works. You've gotten this far, you can totally journal.

• Remember to turn to your community. Engage with therapists, friends, and family. Sharing your experience and giving it attention will only boost its power.

• Tap into your world, go out in nature, practice meditation, explore spiritual interests. Listen to your gut!

• Let yourself explore your creative side and try new things!

• Regularly check in with yourself, and make sure there isn't a part of you trying to communicate that you might not be listening to.