So it's been probably a year since I've really tripped. In that time I've kind of gotten into society. Drinking- relapsed with vaping unfortunately (Haven't smoked in ages, and vaped drunk )

Apart from all of the personal slips, it seems society as a whole has also slipped quite a ways. With the recent political landscape and the general level of mainstream consciousness..

So the thing is, all these things come to light in the psychedelic experience. I've been feeling the calling recently, and I'd like to return but I'm scared. I'm not confident that it'll be an easy trip, but I know it's the trip I need.

Other than the obvious (Just do it) what kind of preparations can I take to get to the point of doing this? I aim to quit vaping, drinking, and all of the unnecessary and unhealthy habits I've developed in life, as I am generally a very healthy individual (Great diet, sleep habits, etc.)

I aim to reinvigorate my imagination, intellect, and just creativity in general. Music is my ultimate passion, and drinking now and then has a noticeable impact on my creative performance.

I aim to trip on shrooms- as to me they're my ultimate teacher. I'm debating the 5 grams in silent darkness, but I'm not sure what the proper mental setting is to go about doing that and not having my ego freak out. It's that or just a lighter trip first, then going to 5 grams a few months after.

Thoughts and advice?

Much love, psychonauts.

If you ready, you are ready. Set a date a week in advance and spend the week leading up to it preparing your body and headspace. Eat healthy, abstain from any addictions, listen to music that inspires you, get outside to enjoy nature, reflect, appreciate existence.... the morning of your journey, meditate and focus your mind.. come to realize that you have been given a gift so divine and powerful which only few living humans are fortunate enough to experience in this existence. Right before you take the mushrooms, smile and resolve to only embrace love. As worry and doubt approach, acknowledge it and let it pass. Recite a mantra such as "only love" or anything positive that resonates with you.

You will emerge with a radiating light.

With Love,
Artemis

Couldn't have wished for a more helpful reply. Many thanks and much love

Perfect!

Artemis nailed it on the head!

I have often felt some trepidation when using psychedelics. I think a lot of it has to do with respect. That feeling of "Am I ready?" is a powerful thought. Something is activated in this thought process. Introspection seems to be at it's highest before a journey.

After a journey I always felt a little silly at the fear I had felt, but really understood where it came from.

I have come to see every psychedelic journey as a death in some way. Something in you will not return. Something in you will no longer exist. It will be gone. Something is also born. New perspectives and alternative views of reality and our minds. I think we have a choice on our rebirth. We can choose to focus on the fears and that focus of what we may be losing or what in us will die during the journey, or we can choose to focus on the birth of something new and positive.

The choice may seem all but obvious but it isn't that simple. That is why we need to prepare before. So when the choice arises we can recognize it. There it is! This is the moment! I am in a state of being born and dying at the exact same moment. What could be more powerful?!