Preparation & Integration
Expanded State of Consciousness: when one's mind has been opened to a wider or entirely new aspect of awareness, associated particularly with mystical experiences, meditation and psychedelics.
In the realm of expanded state work, intentional preparation and integration is essential in taking a profound experience to truly transformational levels.
Learning more deeply about ourselves before this type of experience and working with the same tools during the integration process, can truly elevate the power of the journey. These additional steps will allow us to more deeply embody the wisdom that we receive from these powerful teachers, and should not be taken lightly.
Preparation Benefits
Understand what your intentions are and what you are looking to address.
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Support opening and vulnerability for healing to begin. This is the most vital element for healing to begin.
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Deepen your understanding of the root cause of the dis-ease in your life by recognizing patterns, limiting beliefs and attachments to stories.
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Accelerate our awareness of the root causes of our dis-ease. It is also the starting point for any journey of self discovery, with or without psychedelics.
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Two to three Preparation sessions are recommended before embarking on a transformational journey (could be a psychedelic retreat or any type of experience that is self-development oriented). The timeframe could be weeks or even a few months in advance.
Integration Benefits
During an expanded state experience, especially an intensive retreat, it is easy to feel that all our questions have been answered, that the healing has completed. To this day it still happens to me, this "honeymoon phase". These incredible moments of clarity and connection feel unshakable as if they will integrate immediately and lasting change has occurred. While this can be true, it often takes quite a lot of intention to change our patterns and our lives once we are faced with the realities once again. Because of this honeymoon phase many people feel that the integration piece can be skipped. Trust me, it cannot.
Long before I became an integration guide, sharing my passion of the necessity for it was a foundational piece of how I held space. Not everyone needs another to walk with them in the process. Some can implement heightened awareness and impact change all on their own…and most of us need support, someone to ask the right questions to inspire reflection. I certainly have needed this type of support, and still do at times.. It is beautiful to share our truths, our vulnerabilities and our humanity with someone, especially an unbiased and honest ally who can allow you to come just as you are.
Expand our understanding of our psychedelic experience.
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Deepen our connection to ourselves, building trust, worth and compassion.
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Maintain our connection to the medicine and to the awareness’s that we are having about our lives.
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Explore, understand and express our emotional world.
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Impact change in our behaviors so that we experience progress and expansion.
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Support us to live with more love and compassion for ourselves and others
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Continue to “let go” of emotions, experiences and beliefs that are no longer serving us.
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“Trauma: Any unresolved life experiences that have negatively impacted your beliefs about self or the world around you, and have shaped your behavior in a way that no longer serves you.”
Amber Antonelli