Hello everyone, and thank you for this relevant and important post about the use of psychedelics, particularly DMT, but also applicable to other psychedelic substances. There seems to be a general lack of understanding about the process of experimenting with or using psychedelics, and I think it’s important to address this.
First, it's essential to recognize that there are three distinct areas of application for these experiences: recreational, spiritual, and therapeutic. Each of these areas shares common aspects but also has specific qualities that should be considered to ensure safe and meaningful experiences. Most discussions and opinions tend to focus on the experience itself rather than on the factors that contribute most to its success, such as the setting and the intentions brought to the journey.
As we know, psychedelics can evoke experiences ranging from extremely pleasant to challenging, but these challenges shouldn’t be seen as something to fear. Instead, they should be approached with preparation, especially for those approaching this field for the first time or who are looking for a deeper understanding. With that in mind, here are some key points for a conscious and beneficial approach:
- Expectation vs. Deserving - Psychedelics tend to offer the experience you deserve, not necessarily the one you desire. The experience unfolds according to each person’s inner state and level of preparation.
- Conscious Preparation and Integration - Without proper preparation and post-experience integration, one can miss out on the deeper benefits of psychedelics. Taking time to reflect on and interpret the experience is crucial for it to bring growth and self-knowledge.
- Guidance - Having a psychedelic experience without the support of one or two experienced people who know how to guide and offer support during challenging moments can be somewhat “kamikaze,” as it increases the risk of a negative experience. The presence of a facilitator is a key element for a safer, more guided journey.
- Setting - The physical and emotional environment where the experience takes place (often called the “setting”) is essential to the success of a psychedelic journey. This setting should be safe, calm, and harmonious to allow the free expression of emotions and energies, creating an atmosphere of peace.
- Intention and Mindfulness - Defining one or two clear intentions and practicing mindfulness or meditation before the experience help clarify the journey’s purpose, directing the process toward meaningful insights.
- Challenging Experiences - There are no “bad” experiences, only challenging ones. Each of these moments brings valuable lessons that can be as or even more transformative than purely pleasant experiences.
Finally, this can all be summed up in a simple analogy: it’s like trying to pilot a plane without knowing how; the likely result is that the journey ends without going anywhere. For those approaching this area, I recommend thorough research and careful consideration of these points, as they are fundamental for a positive and enriching experience, even if it’s challenging.
There is abundant information and research supporting these ideas, and I speak from personal experience. Over the past 10 years, I’ve never had a negative experience, even with higher doses. On the contrary, every experience has offered me valuable insights and personal growth.
I hope this sharing is useful. Wishing everyone the best!