What I have found that works for me is to let go of the spiritual/metaphysical aspects. Let go of intentions and expectations. Treat it as if you are preparing to board a roller coaster. This doesn't mean that you won't have a spiritual experience or have insights or lessons. When I prepare in this manner, lower doses are so much more blissful and entertaining, but larger doses are much easier to ingest and have the same level of insight and the feeling of connectedness but with a much lower level of fear and anxiety.