
You may have heard that setting an intention is important when working with psychedelics. But what does that mean, and why is it important? No matter what or how "small" or vague your intention behind taking a psychedelic journey may be, the key is that you have one.
Setting intentions and properly preparing ahead of the psychedelic session is foundational to the process of integration. It creates the fertile soil from which a tangible positive change in one’s life will be harvested.
There is no list of acceptable and unacceptable intentions for psychedelic use. What’s most important is that there is a conscious process of intentionally approaching the experience. The intention of having an expansive and enjoyable experience with loved ones, for example, is just as valid as the intention of doing deep inner work of some kind. Each of these examples can result in significant and positive tangible impact to a person’s life.
Preparation for a psychedelic experience extends beyond simply setting an intention. It is equally important to be mindful in the process of learning and understanding. This includes understanding the substance one will use, the associated risks and benefits, and methods or tools that can be used before, during, and after the experience to mitigate the risks and maximize the potential benefits.
Through setting intentions, learning, understanding, and preparing for the psychedelic session, we cultivate a fertile state of mindfulness and transform the experience into a vehicle for growth and change. We also set ourselves up for successful integration once the experience itself has passed.
Jornada (2023)
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