Cultural Importance of Integration

Integration cont.

Integration is not considered an isolated event, but instead a part of the larger spiritual and cultural practices. In contrast, the understanding of integration is still in its early stages in the Global North. It lacks a cultural framework and societal awareness of spirituality and altered states of consciousness. The approaches to integration vary widely between these two worlds.

It is essential for facilitators to have proper training and experience to avoid reinterpreting someone else’s experience through their filter. The facilitator should listen to the person respectfully and offer helpful support without invading the essence of the experience. Integration is not just sharing what happened. It requires the ability to attentively listen and respond in a way that helps the person make sense of the experience.

Talking about a psychedelic experience with someone else is another method to help “land” what took place during a session or ceremony. We recommend that these discussions be done with a guide, or someone who works with plants or has experience with altered states of consciousness. They can offer perspective to help support people if they lost their way. Having an external source is going to take someone out of a solitary, self-referential place and help them become aware of their blind spots. This can inspire them to interpret things differently. Working with someone trained in integration can help people to discern if their insights are appropriate and healthy.

Experiences with ayahuasca and other plant medicines can, at times, be ineffable. However, integration work consists of putting the visions and sensations into words. This process is essential because putting the experience into words can help ground it. Expressing the experience in words is not the only way to do this, but it is important.

Psychedelic integration can be facilitated through a variety of practices and therapies, including mindfulness meditation, talk therapy, group therapy, and body-centered therapies such as yoga or breathwork. The goal of integration is to help individuals achieve lasting positive changes in their lives due to their psychedelic experience.