Intention and discipline are fundamental to preparing for your ayahuasca experience.
Many people like to set out intentions for their experience, asking specific questions about topics they wish to work with. However, it is important to understand that you may not receive the specific answers you are looking for, and in general, it is best not to have too many set expectations. It is important to surrender to the process, and trust that you will get what you need, even if it doesn’t always perfectly align with your intentions.
In order to start training your mental state, we recommend starting or continuing your meditation practice. Breath work is also a wonderful tool for mental preparation. Sitting daily for 2 weeks before arrival in meditation or contemplation, even if it’s just for 5 minutes a day, is a really good way to prepare yourself. We highly recommend giving yoga a try or deepen your practice in order to get familiar with asanas and breathing techniques.
Attention to your breath is crucial during the ceremonies- in fact it is a very important part of surrendering to the healing process.
Ayahuasca is not a recreational drug. It may provide you with intensely positive states of mind, but it does not give you an easy-going experience where you just see pretty patterns and laugh with others.
You can prepare for ayahuasca by learning techniques for handling difficult experiences.
Some of these might include the following.
Mindfulness. Noticing what is occurring during an experience without being either attached or aversive toward it.
Focusing on your breath. This involves consciously taking deep breaths. A form of mindfulness that can bring your attention to the present moment, alleviating some distress you might be experiencing.
Acceptance. Embracing what you are experiencing, rather than wanting challenging emotions or visions to disappear. Also known as “letting go”, this acceptance and lack of resistance can be useful when experiencing intense states like ego death.
Self-Compassion. Showing kindness toward yourself during a difficult experience.
Reminding yourself that you are safe and not in danger. This is especially helpful when you experience fear, anxiety, or panic.
Telling yourself that what you’re experiencing is because of ayahuasca. You haven’t lost your mind, and that you will be sober again in a matter of hours.
It isn’t necessary to become a master of meditation to prepare yourself for challenging moments of an ayahuasca experience. Nevertheless, being aware of the above techniques, practicing them a bit beforehand, and recalling them during an ayahuasca journey can prove to be incredibly helpful.