Yes it can be shocking. Be prepared to have your ass kicked once in a while for certain.  There are messages to be taken from these experiences however.  I found that taking the spice too lightly will wind up with an ass handed to you quickly - your own.

The closest I came to complete ego death was on the Sally - I had no idea what to expect and was ripped out of this realm and rolled - physically - into a new one.  I was greeted by "my family" (?) who I had never seen before but felt very familiar.  I was told that the life I just had was a trip and I was back.  I was scolded for wasting time, told to get into my usual spot in the corner...where I melded with the ground as if I were a plant.  The whole space was very confusing and felt a strange mix of 2D and 3D - which could possibly have been my brain projecting as best possible the image of 4D.  I became scared and sadened as I realized that that was reality and this was all a joke.  I was sadened because I had left behind my wife and family without saying goodbye...and felt as if I had failed in this test.  I settled down to relax in my new - old - home for some time then I started to hear voices.  The voices were those of the friends I was with as I started to come out of it.

Spice has done the same thing but I have been scared - momentarily - on some heavy doses.  The Sally experience was terrifying from the get go.  I have managed to "let go" more freely now as I have little fear of dying. 

Just give it a rest and reflect for a while, then start off with smaller doses once you're ready and see how it goes.