Psychedelic substances, like magic mushrooms (psilocybin), have been used for centuries for their profound effects on consciousness and perception. Maximizing the benefits of a psychedelic experience requires careful planning and a mindful approach. Let’s explore some beneficial activities and wellness-promoting exercises to engage in while taking magic mushrooms, that can promote a harm reduction approach and provide insights into creating a safe and enriching experience.
Ready, Set and Setting…
You’ve heard it before and it’s crucial to emphasize the importance of “set and setting.” These concepts, first popularized by psychologist Timothy Leary, refer to the mental state (“set”) and the physical and social environment (“setting”) in which the psychedelic experience takes place.
- Mindset (Set): Ensure you are in a positive and open frame of mind. Get your mid right! Address any anxieties or unresolved issues that might surface during the experience.
- Environment (Setting): Choose a safe, comfortable, and familiar environment. Being in nature or a cozy indoor space with trusted friends can significantly enhance the experience, or potentially out of doors, away from distractions and physical terrain that could impose any kind of immediate bodily endangerment.
Beyond stupor, some beneficial Activities While on Magic Mushrooms
- Meditation and Mindfulness Practices
Engaging in meditation or mindfulness exercises can deepen the introspective nature of a psychedelic experience. Envision expanding your own latent superpowers! Psilocybin can enhance one’s ability to focus inward, making meditation particularly powerful.- Guided Meditation: There are lots of apps or pre-recorded sessions available to help guide your thoughts.
- Breathing Exercises: Simple practices like deep breathing can help anchor you if the experience becomes overwhelming.
- Your own private Picasso – Embracing Artistic Expression
Magic mushrooms often enhance creativity and sensory perception. Engaging in artistic activities can be a fulfilling way to explore these effects.- Drawing or Painting: Express your inner visions and feelings through art. The enhanced colors and patterns can be particularly inspiring.
- Music: Listening to or creating music can profoundly impact your journey. Consider a playlist of calming, instrumental, or nature sounds.
- Wild America – Nature Walks
Being in nature can be incredibly grounding and awe-inspiring during a psilocybin experience. The natural world often appears more vibrant and interconnected. Breathe with the plants and trees, notice the sun on your skin in profound new ways..- Forest Bathing: Also known as Shinrin-yoku, this Japanese practice involves immersing yourself in a forest environment, enhancing relaxation and reducing stress.
- Yoga and Physical Movement – Exploring the Body Temple
Gentle physical activities can help you stay grounded and focused.- Yoga: The combination of movement, breathwork, and mindfulness can help integrate the psychedelic experience.
- Tai Chi or Qigong: These slow, meditative movements can promote relaxation and mental clarity.
- Journaling, the Great American Diary Entry
Documenting your thoughts and feelings during a psychedelic journey can be a valuable tool for later reflection, and the practice of writing itself can be quite transformative.- Stream of Consciousness Writing: Allow your thoughts to flow freely onto the paper without worrying about grammar or structure.
- Gratitude Journal: Focusing on positive aspects of your life can enhance feelings of well-being.
- Therapeutic Activities – For the “Business Trip”
Psilocybin can open doors to deep emotional and psychological healing. Engaging in therapeutic practices can help navigate these profound experiences.- Talk Therapy: If possible, having a session with a therapist trained in psychedelic integration can provide valuable insights.
- Self-Reflection: Use prompts to explore personal issues, goals, and desires.
Activities to Avoid – Maybe Not Today
While it may seem obvious, it’s worth reminding that there are also certain actions and environments to avoid to ensure safety and a positive experience.
- Driving and Operating Heavy Machinery
It is crucial to avoid driving or operating any machinery while under the influence of magic mushrooms. Psilocybin can significantly impair motor skills, reaction time, and judgment, the road simply isn’t the place.- Legal Implications: Driving under the influence is illegal and dangerous.
- Safety Risks: Impaired judgment can lead to accidents and injuries.
- Engaging in High-Stress Situations
Avoid inducing unnecessary stress or anxiety.- Crowded Places: Large gatherings or unfamiliar settings can be overwhelming. This can include music festivals or other mass gatherings.
- High-Pressure Tasks: Avoid activities that require intense focus or responsibility, which may for some include “therapeutic” efforts such as counseling or speaking alone.
- Consuming Other Substances
Combining psilocybin with other substances can have unpredictable and potentially harmful effects.- Alcohol: Can dull the psychedelic experience and increase the risk of nausea.
- Stimulants or Depressants: Can interact negatively with psilocybin, leading to adverse physical or psychological effects.
Harm Reduction Tips – The 101 of Basic Equipment
- Start with a Low Dose
If you are new to psilocybin, start with a lower dose to gauge your sensitivity. This can help minimize the risk of an overwhelming experience. - Have a Trip Sitter
A sober, trusted friend who understands the effects of psychedelics can provide reassurance and support if needed. - Stay Hydrated and Nourished
Drinking water and having light, healthy snacks available can help maintain physical comfort during the experience. We’re all walking around in a perpetual state of dehydration as it is, now’s not the time to make it worse. - Know When to Seek Help
If the experience becomes too intense, it is important to recognize when to seek help. Techniques like grounding exercises or contacting a professional helpline can be useful.
Integration: Making Sense of the Experience
After the psychedelic experience, taking time to integrate your insights is crucial.
- Reflect and Discuss
Talk about your experience with trusted friends or a therapist. Sharing can help solidify insights and promote healing. - Continued Practices
Maintain beneficial practices like meditation, journaling, and physical activity to keep the positive momentum going. - Patience and Self-Compassion
Give yourself time to process the experience. Be patient and kind to yourself as you integrate new understandings and changes.
Conclusion
Time is a strange thing, impossible to comprehend and growing ever-flimsier as our understanding of the nature of our reality grows over time. But for now, we understand that time is “precious,” and using time wisely for focusing on set and setting, participating in creative and grounding practices, and avoiding risky behaviors, can help you make the most of your psychedelic journey. Remember, the time is yours – use it wisely to foster growth, healing, and connection.
