Set and settings!
Taking psychedelics requires careful preparation and a suitable environment to maximize the benefits and, above all, minimize the potential risks . Psychedelics induce deep, intense experiences, outside of usual normality and lead to a loss of bearings and even to a questioning of the nature of consciousness, of life, of existence, of the world... as we know it. knows them, practices them and imagines them since birth. The way you approach them and the environment of the exploration or experience is one of the essential factors for the success of this moment... and what follows. Here are some general tips for establishing a complete protocol with what is called an appropriate "set and setting":
1. Prior preparation:
· Thoroughly Research the Substance: Before taking a psychedelic, research the specific substance you are considering taking. Understand its effects, dosage, duration of action and possible risks.
· In-depth research on the conditions of the retreat or the place and the manager: it is also the aim of this site to ultimately provide you with precise information on the masters of ceremonies, the facilitators, the accompanists... Training? Experience ? Problems already encountered? Approach to security? Emergency management? Sacred, psychological or exploratory dimension? ...Exercise your judgment and listen to your intuition: this is one of the most important decisions of your life that you are making.
· Physical and mental health assessment: Make sure you are in good physical and mental health before undertaking a psychedelic experience. Certain medical conditions may interact with psychedelics, so consult a healthcare professional if necessary. Not taking medications and other substances is a prerequisite for any experience.
· Stable environment: Choose a time when you can be in a stable environment, without interruptions or major commitments. Avoid stressful situations in the days before taking it. And only consider the experience with trusted friends who understand the issues. If one of them talks to you, even in jest, about pink elephants or mean spiders... you're going to see pink elephants or mean spiders. As specified elsewhere, these substances are not recreational but real vehicles for exploration and new understanding.
· Intentions: Define what your intentions are for the moment you are going to experience. “No wind fair to him who does not know where to go” applies perfectly here. These intentions can be:
o exploration of past events
o resolution or new approach to a problem
o letting go of the effects of the plant or substance
o perception of different loves and universal love
o understanding of consciousness, gravity, time...
o connection with entities from other worlds
o incarnation of animals, plants...
o ex -corporation, exit from body, dissociation... exploration of etheric, astral, causal bodies...
o ...
2. “Set and Setting ” which could be translated as “State of Mind and Environment”:
· Positive mindset: Approach the experience with a positive and open mindset. Mental disposition can have a significant impact on the course of the experience. If you have concerns (in the etymological sense: concerns such as money, family tensions, future professional stress, etc.) postpone your experience. The size of these concerns may be exacerbated with less capacity to control them.
· Safe and comfortable environment: Choose a place that is familiar, comfortable and free of distractions. Make sure the environment is safe and you won't be disturbed.
· Presence of a guide or companion: If possible, have a trusted guide or companion who can stay sober and support you when needed. The presence of a trusted person is reassuring. They must be ready to help you in different ways and in a graduated manner. This can be simple words, a light touch to be defined before the session, accompaniment to the toilet if requested, support in the event of agitation to avoid any injury, an emergency call in the event of extreme physiological difficulties. ..
· Appropriate Music: Music can have a significant impact on the psychedelic experience. Choose a calming and enjoyable playlist in advance. Also consider that the wifi may cut out... or that a phone call may take precedence over music playback. Airplane mode and downloading the songs is perhaps the best solution...
· Take back control: Plan a way to return if you feel or experience an uninteresting or unwanted experience. Breathing is an essential way to regain control. For example by inhaling strongly and blowing for a long time. It’s a way to quickly refocus by letting your mind and body work together. There may also be words that we have put in the “ icaros ” part which are these words which heal and guide, normally used by shamans but which can also be useful to you.
3. Proper Dosage:
· Follow dosage recommendations specific to the substance you are taking. Overdosing can lead to uncomfortable or difficult experiences to deal with.
· Find out about the dosages used: a systematic 50 mg of 5MeO-DMT is not 0.8 mg/kg which will take into account the body size of the person and avoid a risky double dosage.
· Also be careful with underdosing which can have very different effects than a normal dosage.
4. Post-Experience Integration:
· Time for rest and integration: Allow time after the experience to rest and integrate what you experienced. Avoid major commitments in the days that follow.
· Therapeutic support: some memories are too violent or strong to be able to manage alone. Do not hesitate to seek help from a psychotherapist competent in this area if you feel that you cannot cope with the situation. But also if you perceive that you are not fully exploiting the wealth of the new material at your disposal.
· Writing : Keeping a journal can be useful for remembering all the events experienced, relating them to each other, reflecting on the experience, taking a step back if necessary and understanding its implications for oneself, one's life, one's relationship with others , with the world.... A new dynamic of life appears, new energies too... it's time to take them into account... or not.
It is essential, again, to emphasize that taking psychedelics carries risks, and the legality of these substances varies by region. A responsible, informed and respectful approach is crucial.
