it seems like a buzzword in the psychedelic community, but what does it mean?
Integration means a lot of things. Depending who you speak with, the process of integration may look different. A psychotherapist might view this process differently than a shaman. Each expert is going to consider the process through a different lens based on her or his discipline or focus of study. Also, when taking the individual's beliefs into account, the process becomes even more personal and unique. Some will resonate with shamanic or spiritual practices as part of his or her integration process, while others may seek out medical advice or traditional talk therapy. Integration is certainly not a one size fits all prescription when it comes to integrating one's psychedelic experience.
Integration is about creating wholeness. The etymology of the word integration comes from Latin word integrare, which means “make whole” or to “begin again.” Integration also comes from the French word intégration, which describes the, “act of bringing together the parts of a whole.” Integration is about creating wholeness in one’s life or creating wholeness out of an experience. One word that comes to mind when I think about integration is embodiment. How does one bring the lessons and insights of an experience into the body and make them a part of daily life?
Over the past year, Joe and I have been exploring this topic in-depth by talking to many experts in the field of psychedelic integration. We have put together an online course on this topic. We recently recorded an excellent video interview with The Psychedelic Integration Coach, Sherree M. Godasi, M.A. about how she works with the integration process.
Dr. MacLean explores mindfulness of the body and techniques for maintaining awareness of present-moment bodily sensations during the process of integration.
Expressive art can be a great way to integrate the psychedelic experience.
More to come soon! Let us know what you think.
