9 minute read
Have a good trip!
So, you want to take a trip into liminal space and time? Interested in traveling between dimensions from the comfort of your body? Eager to explore the auric galaxy? Then you’ve most certainly happened upon the right article! Allow me to teach you how to have a good trip!
Planning a psychedelic trip is like preparing for a vacation; the real “money” is spent on the prep. Everyone does it differently with the same goal in mind, to enjoy themselves and avoid a bad trip. Sometimes the excitement can be overwhelming and cause us to dive into the proverbial void of dimensions, unprepared.
Before we dive into our “good trip”- checklist, I feel the need to tell you that there is no such thing as a “bad” one per se. Lack of planning and information are the culprits for many not-so-positive psychedelic experiences. REMEMBER, the effects that psychedelics have on the body are PSYCHOSOMATIC, loosely meaning that the brain experiences and the body perceives.
Take your mind to the depictions of bad trips in the media; they usually involve hallucinations, extreme paranoia, and embarrassing moments. While these reactions are possible, thankfully they are not guaranteed to happen.
Below is the “Trip Hiker’s Guide to the Psychedelic Galaxy” checklist for how to have a good trip! These are the most important aspects of psychedelic travel I believe in based on my experiences and research.
I hope you find this helpful as you prepare for your first, or next, journey!
PRE-TRIP INSPECTION
1.CHECK YOUR INTENTIONS AND STATE OF MIND
Are you stressed or at peace? Is this a deeply healing trip or a slightly less intimate trip into your own psyche?
Ask yourself these questions while contemplating the next part of the trip. They will reveal to you the reason why you may be prompted to travel in the first place.
2.TIME OF DAY AND LOCATION
What time of day will you be taking your trip? Will you be indoors? Are you going to be home? All of these factors matter because your external stimuli can affect the way you perceive your trip. Being in a comfortable setting allows your mind to relax while in a healing state. Your home might be ideal.
If possible, some form of natural setting is a great place to tap into the psychedelic world because of the lack of technology, and the influx of earth and atmospheric downloads (sunlight, fresh air, natural water sources, etcetera). Connecting with the deepest parts of your spirit requires vulnerability. Allow yourself space, physically and mentally.
The time of day for your trip may be night because that’s when you have the least amount of distractions. It could be daytime because you enjoy the warmth of the sun and prefer to take advantage of the outdoors while there is still light in the sky. The choice is yours really! Consider what time of day you may be most receptive to the quiet (or the noise) of your own mind! Choose well.
3.TRAVEL BUDDY
You may choose to travel with a companion or alone. Either way, it’s vital to let someone close to you, someone that you TRUST in your vulnerability, know that you intend to be checked into the galaxy for a bit. I say check-in and not out because you’ll be entering a mental space within your own psyche, simultaneously straddling the thin line between physical reality and the metaphysical plane. Let your buddy know before you begin and inform them when your trip is finished so that they are aware of your safety.
If you ARE traveling with a buddy, and that person plans to consume, understand that you both may be experiencing similar phenomena…or not. Be aware of how you might feel around this person. Give yourself and your buddy space, talk to one another and provide physical comfort only with informed consent.
Consider exchanging consent before the trip to ensure clarity. If your buddy is NOT traveling but is familiar with psychedelics, continue to tap in with them as best you can.
Ask questions before the trip! Most experienced travel buddies are happy to help you understand the dynamics of psychedelics and ensure you’re as ready as possible, whether or not they accompany you on your journey.
4.MODE OF “TRANSPORTATION” AND DOSAGE
Do you know what type of psychedelic you intend to consume? It’s important to know some basic information about what you’re taking and have an idea of your starting dosage. Make sure you're in touch with someone (either your psychedelic provider or travel buddy) that has traveled to the psychedelic galaxy.
There is also a lot of information available across media and search engine platforms! Take advantage of this Aquarian age and do a bit of digging. It may prompt more specific questions that will help you find what you’re looking for.
A sample chart of psilocybin (the psychedelic component of magic mushroom) dosage illustrates what you may experience while on your trip. You can find charts and other information like this on the web!
5.HYDRATION AND NUTRITION
During my trips, I have often been very thirsty. Others have said this same thing. This is due to increased heart rate and blood pressure from consuming a mind-altering substance. I recommend your favorite drinking water for the trip! Sweet, watery fruits are also very hydrating and can help settle your stomach.
The type of mushroom you consume, for example, might upset your stomach a little depending on your dosage and form of consumption. You could also end up with no appetite at all, as some psychedelics help regulate hypothalamus function (appetite control).
This is not to say that you can’t still enjoy junk foods. Grab a variety of snacks before your trip so that you will be ready for however you may feel during the trip. Snack away as your body allows. Listen to yourself!
6.MIXOLOGY
Try not to mix large amounts of alcohol with psychedelics. This can cause dehydration and gastrointestinal difficulties;
it can also increase stress, cause an extreme lack of healthy judgment, and decrease healthy neurological function. Imagine being on vacation and getting sick because you went too hard. Give yourself room to enjoy some things for what they are; the entourage effect does not apply in this case because these substances affect the body in totally different ways. Be cautious!
Try not to mix too many psychedelic substances, especially in large amounts. The idea is to invite steady and conscious healing of the brain. If you’re just looking to travel for pure enjoyment, still understand that more is not necessarily best.
Remember to check your dosing. Ever been on a trip that lasted way longer than it should have? Neither have I.
Keep the level of enjoyment at a good balance so you can continue to enjoy the journey again and again, and so you don’t have to tell a crazy horror story about that one time you had a “bad trip” (without divulging that you had way too much of a good thing). Go easy on yourself!
7.SENSORY STIMULATION
Remember that this trip is an undercover healing mission for your brain. Brain-building activities that involve creativity and free expression are ideal to take advantage of the neurological stimulation that psychedelics encourage.
Consider playing music with positive messages, instrumental or spiritual music that speaks to your soul. Reading, writing, crafts, dancing, yoga, exercise, playing…these are all cool activities to help move the surge of energy from your brain throughout your body.
Another way that you can take advantage of the trip is by simply doing…nothing.
POST TRIP REVIEW
8.REST AND RECOVER
Some may find themselves in a place on the journey where they are ok just BEING. Resting is a major part of having a good trip! Although sleep may evade you, if you allow things to flow naturally, rest will certainly make its way to you. Let your trip be good for you. Lounge with yourself or your travel buddy. Enjoy your existence for what it is while exploring the psychedelic galaxy.
Let your trip be good for you. Lounge with yourself or your travel buddy. Enjoy your existence for what it is while exploring the psychedelic galaxy.
If you happen to be active and then switch to a restful state (for example, taking a nature walk and then returning to home base), allow your body and mind time to catch up with each other. Whether or not you will be well-rested the next day depends on a few factors on this checklist, time of day is one of them! Try to make time for your rest.
If you decided to skip the recommendations in the Mixology section, and made some different choices, you may find yourself more tired than usual. If this is the case, make sure you hydrate and take intentional time after your trip to recover.
9.REVIEW
Whether you write it down, sing it or simply allow the thoughts to run through your mind, take some time to process the downloads that you received during your trip. What did you see? How did you feel at various points throughout your trip? What did you hear? What thoughts did you encounter that you normally would have suppressed (because the psychedelic galaxy is a realm of revelation)?
You should remember many of the things you experienced mentally due to the “brain rewiring” phenomena promoted by psychedelic consumption.
Your mind will be changed in a minute but permanent and positive ways. Be open to the healing aspects of witnessing self and the merging of self with elevated and expedited thought.
A FAREWELL
Psychedelic consumption, like hemp and cannabis consumption, can be considered therapeutic to the brain and body. Understand that your experience in the world of psychedelics can and should be comfortable, fruitful, and peaceful. Having a good trip is more about the mental space occupied. Your brain deserves healing, and psychedelics can help usher you into that place. This is not to say that we can completely rule out negative experiences; even with the most careful planning, anything is possible. However, preparation helps us to avoid the mental ditches we may get caught in while traveling. I’m passing this information on to you as it was downloaded to me from my own journey! We all deserve to have a good trip!
Travel light. Travel safely. I bid you farewell.
Peace and Love, from a fellow Trip Hiker
