What to Expect on a Psilocybin Trip
Psilocybin produces intense changes in consciousness, including:
- Distorted visual hallucinations, either with open or closed eyes.
- Whirls of color and light, many with a shimmering or breathing quality
- Altered sense of time, space, and self with experiences of unity or ego dissolution.
- Strong feelings-some positive, some challenging: feelings of joy, love, fear, or grief perceptions about oneself and one’s life that may seem important or life-changing
Effects come on in 30-60 minutes, peak at about 2-3 hours, and gradually diminish over 4-6 hours. It is best, however, to set aside a whole day for the experience. Intensity is dosage-dependent as well as dependent on individual brain chemistry, mindset, and setting.
Choosing Your Dose and Setting Intentions
The first time, a dose of 1-2 grams of dried mushrooms is quite a wise beginning. In this way, you will get to feel the effects without being overwhelmed. In addition, you can have them gradually increase when you get comfortable in future sessions, if that is what you want to do.
Many find it helpful to set an intention for the journey-considering what it is that one hopes to learn, heal, or explore. You may want to reflect on a personal issue, or connect with your creativity, or open to spiritual insight. Meanwhile, also be open to whatever happens.
Preparing Your Setting and What to Have on Hand
Create a setting that is safe, comfortable and free from interruptions. You might:
- Clean your space. Round up pillows, blankets, comforting items.
- Create an instrumental music playlist that enables introspection.
- Have water and light snacks available, and have a bucket nearby just in case
- Minimize exposure to stimulating social media screens and electronics.
- Record your personal experience as it occurs, using a journal or art supplies
Most importantly, have a trusted friend who can play the role of sober sitter. While they needn’t be with you every second, it is very valuable to have someone on call who can reassure and assist you if necessary.
Consuming Mushrooms and Potential Challenges
These mushrooms are usually consumed in dried form, whole, or as powder. You can consume it directly, make a tea out of it, or take it in capsule form. The other option is mushroom gummies, which many like because they come in tasty flavors and an exact dosage.
It’s normal to feel apprehensive or uncomfortable when effects start to begin taking hold. Take deep breaths and remind yourself where you’ve taken a substance, and these effects are temporary. If you feel overwhelmed, ask for support from your sitter, change your environment, or engage in a grounding activity like walking meditation or drawing.
You can also feel nausea-most strongly during the first hour. Sipping ginger tea or lying down can help. If you need to purge, let your body do its thing. Many find the nausea passes as the peak of the experience approaches.
Integrating the Experience
When the effects wear off, take your time to transition back to daily reality. Eat a nourishing meal, stay hydrated with water, and rest. Days and weeks afterwards, reflect upon any lessons or insight that may have presented themselves. You may want to write in a journal, discuss it with trusted friends, or use creative expression.
Some will be clear and immediately translatable; others take time to unfurl. Be patient with your process-integrating is often a gradual process, not an event. Consider working with a therapist or guide who has training in psychedelic integration.
Conclusion
Psilocybin mushrooms offer unique possibilities for growth, healing, and transformation. You can minimize risks and maximize potential benefits by starting with low dosages, setting intentions, and creating a supportive setting. Keep in mind that psilocybin is a strong tool that deserves respect and is not some casual party drug. If preparation and integration are done properly, a psilocybin journey may be really meaningful, life-enhancing.
