3 Practical Ways to Integrate After Having a Psychedelic Experience
Integration is the act of bringing together smaller components into a single system that functions as one. In the case of using psychedelics integration can start in preparation for the psychedelic experience although it often refers to the period after a psychedelic experience or journey as well.
The integration process begins as an exploration of understanding, reflecting, and relating to the different dimensions of the psychedelic “trip”and what continues to follow thereafter. This can happen through exploring somatic, emotional, mental, visual and spiritual aspects of self.
Certain ways I like to integrate after a psychedelic experience include the following.
Journaling
The first thing you’ll want to do after your experience is to journal about it. Ideally within three days, at most within a week.Psychedelic journeys are intense. Our consciousness is altered. Repressed emotions may rise to the surface. We may relieve traumatic memories. We may experience ego dissolution or universal consciousness.It can feel impossible to find words to describe your experience but finding words will be exactly what will help you make sense of what happened.
I recommend starting with one or two of these questions:
What feelings are most alive in your body as you reflect on your journey?
What parts of you did you let go of? Any parts of you that died?
What felt most challenging, what felt most rewarding?
What are the key insights you’ve had? What are some questions or curiosities that have come up?
Choose 2-3 priorities or “set points” to focus your integration on for the first initial few weeks
If we try to do everything at once, we won’t be very effective. So I suggest you focus your energy on a few select themes that you deem most essential.Make sure you reference your journaling questions, then ask yourself what makes you feel most alive as you look through them? I suggest you pick three to five themes to prioritize in your integration and start with that.
Reflect on how you can integrate these ideas into your life spiritually, physically and emotionally
When it comes to spiritually integrating, ask yourself how you can connect to “source”, God” or “oneness” on a daily basis to help continue to nurture your core values. How can you take more time to quiet the mind and get back to yourself? I suggest trying something like meditation, breathework or reiki to slow things down and connect to a higher power. Remember, that higher power is YOU.
Emotionally integrating can start by writing, journaling on a more consistent basis and asking yourself reflective questions like:
What kind of emotions came up during your journey? Were they familiar or not? How do you feel about these emotions?
To what extent do you feel like you processed these emotions fully during your journey? Which emotions will need further processing?
What are some ways you typically process emotions? How may those show up in the coming weeks? Which of your emotion-driven behaviors are avoidant or harmful, and why?
How can you adopt more adaptive emotional responses? How can you best support yourself in processing these emotions?
Are there any conversations you need to have coming out of your experience? How do you feel about those conversations?
What support can you ask for from family, friends, or professionals? Is there anyone who might be able to help you process your emotions?
Physically integrating can be taking action in a more physical way- maybe trying out some yoga, going on more nature walks, connecting with animals and plants, doing things in your community to give back. I also love the idea of intuitive dance, integration coaching and somatic experiences/therapy. Think about what you can do to incorporate new rituals into your life weekly that will continue to bring you back to yourself and nurture your core beliefs and values as a human.
You may also consider writing yourself a letter to future you and take note of anything you want to remember. You’re likely in a very open space right now, mentally, spiritually, and emotionally. It won’t last forever. So it can be helpful to remind yourself of your inner healer for when you may need it.
If you need help integrating the nuggets of wisdom that come up in your life from your macro trips or even your microdosing,, feel free to reach out! I’m currently accepting new clients into my one-on-one Integration program.