the guidebook
Deciding on doing a psychedelic journey is a big deal. It’s something that has massive potential but preparation is key to get the best results. It is also important to be in a solid enough place mentally and physically, so if you are currently taking antidepressant medication (SSRIs, Benzodiazepines or MAO inhibitors) or anti-hypertensives (high blood pressure medication) unfortunately I’d recommend getting to a place where those aren’t needed before getting into psychedelic journeys.
Here are 4 keys to a good psychedelic trip:
1- The product and the dosing matters
There is a wide variety out there and not all of it is good. Ideally, you have some trusted psilocybin mushrooms to journey with but if you don’t— there is a possibility we have partners who could provide some for you so please don’t be shy to reach out here and we can explore getting you some discreetly.
2- Treat it like a sound meditation
Using psychedelics as we’re interacting with people can be amazing but what we’ve found is that going inwards with the right soundscape and truly listening to the sound can facilitate an even more transformational result. It’s recommend to lay down in Shavasana (the yogic pose that opens the body to receive more) along with an eye mask on (which helps the auditory cortex take in even more of the sound) and good headphones or speakers if you have them. Make the space to be in your own experience, undistracted. At least 5 hours is recommended: phone off, in a private room with headphones and an eyemask on. Be committed to working with the music to move through whatever comes up. Go in knowing that you might experience some challenging feelings but keep in mind that there’s truth in the saying “we need to feel it to heal it” and coming back to being fully engaged with the music can be helpful in feeling it all.
3- Creating the right conditions matters
It is a potentially life changing experience but the key to getting that kind of result is treating it that way. How you prepare for it matters so avoiding other stimulants (like coffee, cigarettes, alcohol, sugar and cannabis) for the 48 hours leading into it is important. Go into it with an empty stomach. Fasting for a few hours before the experience is recommended to get the most from the mushrooms so we recommend only having a light meal about 3 hours before the journey. Before taking the psilocybin, give yourself a moment to settle your nervous system and clear any restless energy with breathwork, gentle yoga or tai chi. Then afterwards, I’d recommend not making any plans and ideally getting into nature with your journal to capture any insights you want to move forward with.
4- Having a guide is helpful: If you have a good friend who is game to be a “trip sitter” that could be a good idea as long as you’ll feel free to fully process any emotions that arise with them there. I’d highly recommend getting clear about your intention going in and using that as your guide throughout the experience as well. Then afterward, ideally you can also hire a psychedelic integration coach like me to help you “land the plane” in your life.
If you’re good with that, here are suggestions to prepare for your solo journey:
Go in knowing that you might experience some challenging feelings but keep in mind that there’s truth in the saying “we need to feel it to heal it”
Go into it with an empty stomach. Fasting for 2-5 hours before the experience is recommended to get the most from the mushrooms
Before taking the psilocybin, give yourself a moment to settle your nervous system and clear any restless energy with breathwork, gentle yoga or tai chi
Be committed to working with the music to move through whatever comes up. Treat it like a sound meditation and do your best to stay in the stillness of savasana
It's highly recommended to avoid cigarettes, alcohol, sugar, meat, coffee, and any other mind altering substances or medications for the 48 hours leading up to it
It’s also important to take some time to journal about what your intention for the experience is. What are you letting go of? What are you calling in?