Integration is not only about assimilating your experiences, but also about reconciling the dualities of life, which at first glance seem numerous. Contradictions and paradoxes abound, but only because of the way we perceive things. This integration process can take years or even decades.

You can say many things about the slippery nature of reality and existence, but one thing that most of us can agree about is that our lives can be seen as unfolding stories, within which you have room for a great deal of meaning, symbology, metaphor. Things that make no sense up close can resolve into logical parts of a larger story when viewed from a distance, our sorrows and joys being the dark and light brushstrokes in the overall artistic composition that is our life. Viewed as such, the rich interconnected synchronistic nature of the whole thing becomes clear.

I believe that enlightenment is not about grasping the ultimate truth, which may at any rate be inaccessible to carbon based primates, but is instead about adopting the right outlook and attitude that will allow for smooth functioning in the world. This includes the ability to understand the motivations and actions of ourselves and others- you can get past a lot of anger and frustration that way. The right mindset reveals the richness of all this interaction, the natural beauty in how life is balanced.

More importantly, by adopting this kind of viewpoint it should be easier to find your own bliss; by listening to your heart and not the preferences of society, you can find a path that fits your unique qualities. And you can find great value in things that can't be marketed, such as the simple joy of living in a meaningful present moment.

Guyomech, thank you for the thoughtful response. I reflected on your insights before smoking changa last night. It began with hues of lime green and pale yellow light bathing the room. A willow-like female energy, tall and serene, approached me mentally (I could not see her but sensed her presence - my eyes were no longer seeing, I'm not sure how to explain...but I could here her and feel her energy/ her frequency.)

She grabbed my head (mentally) and shook me, "AWAKE!", she said. But then released me and explained that she was a teacher. She showed me that there were different things I could take from this experience: "You may have visuals, if you like" -- and the fractals and patterns exploded on the walls into a moving kaleidoscope. "You may try to tell others about this place, too" -- and I became her mouthpiece. The words were nonsensical at first, "But they cannot know what you know". Then she said, "Rebirth, renewal, reflection". It was more forceful than I expected, bringing me again to attention. She did not want me forget this piece.

Calmly, she let go and left me with waves of awe. I remembered your words once I came down: understanding that life is an unfolding story, an intricate weaving of dimensions, realities, and understandings. Like you said, the integration may take years or decades, you cannot know. But I have never been so excited to learn more.

Thank you all for your insights and assistance. I feel among my own people here