so, what is integration?
We often hear “integration” being an integral part of psychedelic experiencing, but what is it? I get asked this question all the time and my hope here is to inform in palatable, simple terms.
Integration in the context of psychedelics refers to the process of assimilating and applying insights and experiences gained from a psychedelic journey into one's daily life and personal growth; weaving your expanded consciousness, into your consciousness.
So you had a big journey with plant medicine.
You likely saw colors, shapes, ancestors, messages, animal spirits. Or maybe you were nauseous the whole time, battling discomfort. Imagine that a psychedelic journey contains thousands of threads. Integration weaves these threads of insights into the tapestry of your everyday life.
Here’s a breakdown of what integration can involve and why it’s crucial:
Assimilating Insights Psychedelic experiences often involve profound insights, emotions, and perceptions that may not fit neatly into everyday understanding. Integration allows individuals to make sense of these experiences, extracting meaningful lessons that can enhance personal understanding and growth.
Weaving into Everyday Life Integration is about weaving these insights and expanded states of consciousness into the fabric of everyday existence. This involves translating psychedelic experiences into actionable changes in behavior, thought patterns, and relationships.
Various Approaches Integration can take different forms depending on individual preferences and experiences. It may involve talk therapy to process emotions and insights verbally, or somatic practices like yoga and dance to physically embody and metabolize the experience. Art, music, and nature can also serve as powerful tools for expressing and integrating non-ordinary states of consciousness.
Importance of Patience and Process Integration is not a quick fix or instant transformation. It requires patience and dedication to fully comprehend and integrate the lessons learned from psychedelic journeys. This process helps individuals navigate emotions such as joy, confusion, clarity or sadness (to name a few) that arise post-experience, and understand how these emotions relate to their broader life journey.
Integration Suggestions Practical integration strategies include starting with physical practices to ground oneself (e.g., sauna, yoga), expressing experiences through art or journaling, and seeking support from trusted individuals or integration coaches who can provide guidance and accountability.
Overall, integration is essential for making the most of psychedelic experiences, ensuring that insights gained are not just fleeting moments but catalysts for lasting personal growth and transformation.
I invite you to keep your process private. Journaling is a beautiful practice for letting your thoughts out and keeping them close before sharing them with others. Be mindful of who you share your experiences with and that they feel supportive and trustworthy.
Working with an integration coach for guided support and accountability can be a tremendous tool when doing this work.
*if you are seeking psychedelic integration support please visit the Psychedelic Mentorship page of my website
