So, you've decided to dip your toes into the world of psychedelics, have you? Well, before you take that mind-bending plunge, there are a few things you need to wrap your head around. First off, let's talk about "set and setting."
Now, I'm not talking about arranging the furniture in your living room or fixing your mindset on a particular goal. In the psychedelic realm, "set" refers to your mindset, your mental state, and "setting" is, well, your physical surroundings. It's like setting the stage for a wild and wacky play that's about to unfold in your mind.
Now, when it comes to preparing for a psychedelic trip, there are a few other things to consider. Firstly, make sure you're in a safe and comfortable environment. You don't want any unexpected visitors or distractions barging in while you're off exploring the cosmos in your mind. Secondly, it's a good idea to have a trusted friend, or better yet, a "trip sitter," with you. This person can help keep you grounded and provide support if things start to get a bit too cosmic for comfort.
Set – Prepare Your Mindset for the Psychedelic Trip
When discussing set and setting, the set refers to your mindset. It's important to approach the psychedelic experience with confidence and calm. To alleviate nervousness, consider the following:
- Research and understand how psychedelics will impact you.
- Seek insights from others about their experiences.
- Engage in calming activities leading up to your first dose.
- Remind yourself of your reasons for choosing this experience.
- Embrace the experience and be open to learning from intense emotions.
- Read the rest of this guide and take the time to adequately prepare.
Setting
The setting is the physical space where you plan to have your psychedelic trip. The most important aspects are your physical and emotional safety. You want to ensure you are in a comfortable and safe environment and with people that you trust.
The ideal environment in terms of comfort is likely to vary between individuals, but here are some things to consider when choosing the best setting and making it comfortable.
- Easy access to water and a bathroom.
- Access to comfort items like pillows, blankets and a space to lay down.
- Consider the ambient sounds and consider queuing up music you will find soothing.
You also want to think about removing any possible distractions or interruptions.
Setting Intentions
Let's think of intentions as your North Star, a guiding light that can steer your experience towards meaningful insights and profound self-discovery. Sure, you can't control every twist and turn, but having a clear intention can anchor you amidst any swirling psychedelic storm.
Consider the Psychedelic Dose
After setting your intentions, the next step is picking the right dose for your trip. It's like surfing – too little and you may miss out, too much and you might get overwhelmed. If you're chill, go for a microdose. If you're up for a wild ride, try a full dose.
If you're feeling nervous but interested in trying a psychedelic dose, start with a smaller amount. Normally, dried mushrooms are taken in doses between 0.5g to 2g. Ego dissolution, also known as ego death, is often reached at doses around 4-5g depending on the strain.
You should expect to feel the effects around 45 minutes to an hour. So, if after an hour and a half you’re feeling comfortable, you can always increase your dose.
When going for higher dosages it's best to have a clear schedule an entire psychedelic trip can last for 5-6 hours.
Consider A Trip Sitter
If you're planning on taking a potent dose of psychedelics, it's wise to think about having a trip sitter. This individual, who remains sober during your trip, is there to provide you with support. It's best if the trip sitter is someone familiar with psychedelics, as they can assist you through any difficult moments that may occur.
Final Thoughts on Preparation
Preparation plays a crucial role in the psychedelic journey, shaping its atmosphere. Yet, despite your readiness, unexpected emotions can surface. Try to stay flexible and allow the experience to lead you. Keep in mind, whatever unfolds, it will eventually pass.
Psychedelics can be therapeutic and healing but aren’t without risk. Please use responsibly.