Why Do Some Journey’s Transform lives, While others Become a Distant Memory?

The answer may lie in the way we integrate the journey. Psychedelic experiences can be profound and transformative, often leading to significant shifts in perspective and emotional processing. Following the experience there is a period of neuroplasticity we rarely experience past childhood.  As the field of psychedelic research and therapy expands, so too does our understanding of the importance of integration. This process, which involves assimilating the insights and experiences gained from a psychedelic journey, is crucial for long-term therapeutic benefit. Nature, with its inherent mystic, ever-changing cycles and restorative power, plays a vital role in this process. Contrary to what an individualistic culture would have us believe, we do not heal in a vacuum. The podcaster Joshua Shrei, beloved by many psychedelic space holders, ceremonialists and seekers, describes this phenomenon in his podcast, The Emerald, Why Mindfulness is Not Enough.

Why Nature Matters

The connection between nature and healing has been recognized for centuries, our ancestral earth traditions before modernization reflect this intuitive understanding. Recent scientific research has further validated this connection, demonstrating the positive impact of spending time in nature on mental and physical health. In the context of psychedelic integration, nature offers the salve we need to heal the wounds of modernization and colonization.

• Grounding and Centering: Nature provides a soothing and grounding environment that can help individuals anchor their experiences and return to a sense of stability. The sights, sounds, and smells of the natural world can help to calm the mind and reduce anxiety. For more on this, check out this article from Mental Health. 
• Emotional Processing: Spending time in nature can facilitate emotional processing, allowing individuals to work through difficult emotions and trauma in a supportive and non-judgmental setting. The vastness and beauty of nature can inspire feelings of awe and wonder, which can help to shift perspective and promote healing.
• Enhanced Mindfulness: Nature can cultivate mindfulness, a state of heightened awareness and focus on the present moment. This can be particularly beneficial for integrating psychedelic experiences, as it allows individuals to observe their thoughts and emotions without judgment.
• Spiritual Connection: Many psychedelic experiences involve a sense of spiritual connection or transcendence. Nature, with its inherent mystery and power, can deepen this connection and provide a sense of meaning and purpose.

Actionable Ideas for Nature-Based Integration

• Forest Bathing: Immerse yourself in a forest environment, focusing on your senses and the present moment. Check out this article from the Daily Om on the myriad of benefits of forest bathing.  Not feasible? Imagine yourself in one. Create as much detail as possible in your visualization.
• Nature Walks: Take regular walks in nature, paying attention to the details of the natural world. There are many creative ways to walk in nature, Check out the book, The Wild Mind, by the self-described Psychologist Gone Wild, Bill Plotkin. Remember: everything is nature- you don’t have to drive to a pristine forest or virgin beach to access nature. Look for the green moss peaking out from a brick wall, or an archipelago of mushrooms vying to reclaim a dilapidated city stoop.
• Community Gardening: Even when we feel like a caged animal enclosed by tall buildings in almost every city there is an opportunity to engage in gardening activities, planting, weeding, and harvesting- and most importantly, having a shared goal with community members. Your community is also nature. For more on this, check out this article on the Power of Community Gardening from the magazine, Experience Life.
• Water Therapy: Spend time near bodies of water, such as lakes, rivers, or oceans, or even consider adding a water feature to your home space.
• Nature Journaling: Document your experiences in nature, including thoughts, feelings, and observations. Take a step outside. What phase is the moon in tonight? What colors can you see in the rising or setting sun and how do these colors make you feel?

By incorporating nature into the psychedelic integration process, we can reclaim our natural well-being, reclaim our power from the massive healthcare machine and maximize the therapeutic potential of our mystical experiences. As the field of psychedelic therapy continues to evolve, it is essential to recognize the importance of nature as a powerful ally in the journey towards healing and transformation.