Setting intentions for a psychedelic trip

People often talk about setting intentions for a psychedelic trip, but what does it mean to set intentions? Why do people set intentions and how do they support a psychedelic experience?

Broadly speaking, intention setting is the practice of taking the time to think about the psychedelic experience one is hoping for before committing to the practice. The goal of setting intentions is to prepare your mindset and create a framework that you can use to guide the experience.

It may seem that intentions are the same as goals. While there are similarities between intentions and goals, there are also some key differences.

Goals tend to be very specific, time-limited, future-oriented, and outside of oneself. While intentions are something we can practice every day, they aim at the present moment and focus on ourselves and our relationships with others.

Why set intentions for a psychedelic trip

Psychedelics can induce intense emotions that can quickly become the focus of the experience. However, when you set intentions, they can be used as a guide (like a mantra) to bring you back to the present and keep you grounded.

How to set intentions

The first step in setting intentions for a psychedelic trip is taking the time to consciously think about what you hope to get out of the experience.

Are you hoping to relieve stress? Are you reconnecting with the people in your life (close friends or partner)? Explore your relationship with yourself.

It’s okay if you don’t have an exact answer yet. Your intent doesn’t have to be specific. Beginners may simply want to start with an intention like, “I want to remain open to what this experience can teach me.” This alone can remind you to stay present and calm, and be open to letting the experience take you where it wants without fear.

You might want a more specific intent. If that’s the case, think about the places in your life where you feel stuck, where you could use insight or some work. Think about the things you want to change in your life.

How do I formulate my goals as intentions?

Many people use psychedelics for their mental well-being, but trying to better manage anxiety symptoms is not intentional. Consider the prefixes “help me,” “teach me,” or “show me” when formulating your intentions.

In the case of mental wellbeing, you can set an intention like, “Show me what’s causing my anxiety” or “Teach me how to better express my boundaries to others.”

If you’re having trouble setting intentions, you should sit down with those you’re planning a trip with and talk about it together. Hopefully the people you choose to travel with are people you trust and know well, so they may have some insight on where to start or can help you translate your thoughts into a concrete intention .

Remember that we don’t always know what we want or need; try to go into the experience with an open-minded, non-rigid goal. Setting an intention does not mean that you will achieve it in this psychedelic experience. Our intentions give us a starting point, but something more pressing may arise during the experience; it’s okay to allow yourself that.

Taking the time to chart your thoughts and feelings after a psychedelic experience can be helpful in the growth process and an excellent tool for self-reflection. If you feel like you haven’t achieved your intentions, taking the time to journal after the experience can also be beneficial. Perhaps your intentions have been addressed more indirectly, and the benefits will become apparent over the next few days or weeks.

What about microdosing? Should I set intentions for microdosing

Sterile container containing the mycelium of psilocybin mushrooms, Psilocybe cubensis. Pin and Primordia of the Rasta White variety. Cultivation, creating conditions. Microdosing, psychedelic trip

It’s up to you whether or not you want to set intentions with microdosing; However, we still find them helpful.

For some people, setting intentions with microdosing may seem more like goal setting because they are thinking more long-term than with a single psychedelic experience.

When microdosing, you might want to think about both the longer term and the short term. It can be helpful to outline your intentions when it comes to the overall microdosing experience. Maybe you want to be better at managing stress, dealing with depressive symptoms, being more productive at work, or finding more creativity.

At the same time, it can be helpful to set daily resolutions. Or at least the days you do. Think about what you can do that day to move closer to the larger purpose you have set for yourself. For example, if you’re trying to manage stress better, consider what you can do today to make space for yourself or something you can do to slow down a little.

Final thoughts on setting intentions for a psychedelic trip

Whether you’re microdosing or preparing for a full psychedelic trip, setting intentions can help you consciously move through the experience and bring you back to purpose when your mind wanders.

That being said, don’t force it. Use your intentions as a guide, but be gentle with yourself and allow yourself to move through the experience however you need to. It can open you up to something you weren’t expecting, and that’s okay. Taking the time to reflect on the experience can help you integrate it into your life and guide you through the learning.

See also: Best Activities for Your First Psychedelic Trip