What is Psychedelic Integration?
Integration refers to a multi-layered process of continuous learning and growth after your psychedelic journey.
Three primary layers of effort include:
Integrating the Experience-
This is the initial layer of integration – a process of making meaning of the experience and the symbolic information that arose for you. It can unfold for weeks, months, or even years, as the insights you received become clearer with time and attention. This work might unfold spontaneously through dreams and quiet times in nature. And it can be supported with methods to help review, distill, and interpret the symbolic information you gathered. This might include using:
- journaling
- conversation
- music
- art
And active imagination to reflect, complete, and evolve your insights.
Integrating Your Self-
This is a process of continuing to integrate your more “unknown” or unconscious self with your everyday “known” conscious mind…a process that you started by taking the journey and gathering new information from inside you. This process includes strengthening the relationship between your “higher Self” (whatever wise Inner Healing Intelligence emerged to guide the journey) and your conscious, everyday self. And it refers, more generally, to the life-long process of Individuation or doing the Great Work of becoming more “whole” by integrating all parts of ourselves:
Unconscious and conscious, head and heart, shadow and light, masculine and feminine energies, spirit and matter…
Integrating Insights from the Journey into your Life-
This is a process of Realization or making “real” the insights you had on the journey by integrating them into your life with intention and practice. In some ways we may be spontaneously transformed by the journey. We can also take advantage of the window of neuroplasticity following the journey to strengthen new habits. This might include experimenting with new behaviors , new ways of relating to others, and new ways of thinking about yourself. Through this work we are bringing intangible things (like new insights, beliefs, or feelings) to life through conscious awareness and practice.
*Please note that this kind of integration work is not therapy, and not enough support if you are experiencing ongoing challenging emotions and thoughts following your journey experience. If you need extra assistance, please contact your facilitator directly for ideas, as well as your own provider. In addition, the Psychedelic Support Line of the Fireside Project provides support during and after psychedelic experiences.
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