clearing the way
Preparation Programme for Earth Medicine
“Silence is a practice of emptying, of letting go. It is a process of hollowing ourselves out so we can open to what is emerging. Our work is to make ourselves receptive.”
— Francis Weller
“The garden of the world has no limits except in your mind. Its presence is more beautiful than the stars with more clarity than the polished mirror of your heart.”
― Rumi
This final week of preparation is all about clearing the way; decluttering mind, body and space so that you are receptive and centred for this experience. Not only are you preparing for the Earth Medicine immersion, but you’re also preparing for your arrival home. The days and weeks after an intense peak experience are actually where most of the ‘work’ is. This is a really important part of the preparation process.
Use this time to organise what needs to be organised, clean and tidy your living space for a welcoming return and clear your mind and body of harmful or destabilising external influences. Find silence as much as you can - stillness and spaciousness to be with your inner and outer landscapes. Nourish yourself, be present, move gently and give yourself the space to pack and prepare both practically and ephemerally.
Detox your input
Violent and dramatic media content, such as films, gaming, TV shows, dramatic books, or news depicting distressing events, can also have a profound impact on one's mental state. Exposure to such content can trigger anxiety, fear, and other up-regulating emotions, which may not be conducive to a safe and beneficial psychedelic experience. Avoiding such content and creating a calm and peaceful mental environment can help in creating the optimal conditions for a positive and transformative psychedelic journey.
People often lay a great deal of importance on a dietary detox (more on this below) but granting yourself the time away from external input before a potentially life-changing experience will help you really meet yourself without too many recent external influences sculpting your experience.
“But meditate now on steadfastness and clarity, and let those be the wings that lift and soar through the celestial spheres.”
― Rumi
This final week is the most important time for digital minimisation. We recommend completely detoxing from all unnecessary media; from gaming, news, social channels, films, dramas and so on. Digital detoxing can be crucial in preparing for a psychedelic journey. You have invested a lot into this experience, so it would be a shame to spend much of your ceremony processing Frodo or Harry Potter’s conundrums rather than your own…
One of the main reasons for digital detoxing is to reduce the cognitive overload and sensory input that modern technology, especially social media, can impose on the brain. Studies have demonstrated that extended periods of social media use can lead to increased stress, anxiety, depression, decreased attention span, and impaired cognitive function. The constant stream of information, notifications, and social comparisons that social media presents can overstimulate the brain, leading to mental fatigue and emotional instability.
In the context of preparing for a psychedelic journey, the importance of digital detoxing becomes even more relevant. Psychedelic experiences are highly sensitive to external stimuli, and the mind can become easily overwhelmed by the barrage of information and sensory input from the digital world. Being in a state of cognitive overload or emotional instability due to excessive screen time and social media use can negatively impact the quality and outcome of a psychedelic journey.
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In the moments you might habitually reach for your phone, instead use this moment to do a somatic awareness check in, then also take in your environment as the observer and not the critic. Allow space (and if possible, silence) to bring yourself into the present moment.
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During an evening you might normally watch TV or a film, etc, instead find your journal and ask yourself:
What do I deeply love?
Allow yourself to be a poet, a romanticist, an idealist… Allow yourself to dwell in all that you know to love.
“The doors to the world of the wild Self are few but precious. If you have a deep scar, that is a door, if you have an old, old story, that is a door. If you love the sky and the water so much you almost cannot bear it, that is a door. If you yearn for a deeper life, a full life, a sane life, that is a door.”
― Clarissa Pinkola Estés
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Get your ‘away from emails’ automation ready, tell your friends and family you will be offline for an important experience, prepare your support network to think of you and be ready to receive you after the retreat. Release yourself from all external commitments during our immersion.
We also encourage you to allow an additional few days after the immersion to ‘land’ and decompress. If you do need to go straight back to work, try not to take too much on during those days. Keep appointments minimal and the days spacious enough to move gently, slowly and nourishingly.
Rest, hydrate + nourish
Getting good nights’ sleep before a psychedelic experience is important. A well-rested mind and body are better equipped to handle the intense and potentially transformative experience. Lack of sleep can lead to fatigue, irritability and decreased ability to focus, which can interfere with the ability to navigate the psychedelic experience effectively.
Sleep plays a critical role in the brain's natural detoxification and restoration processes. During sleep, the brain clears out toxins and waste products, consolidates memories, and repairs and rejuvenates cells and tissues. These processes are particularly important for maintaining the health and functioning of the brain and nervous system.
In general, rest is essential for maintaining optimal physical and mental health. We live in a culture that predominantly runs on stress hormones so it is important to relearn the profound need for rest. Rest can also be a 10 minute lie down or 3 minutes of deep breathing throughout the day. Many people who come to our gatherings reflect on how difficult it is to allow the body (and mind) to truly relax as life can be so go-go-go and we have almost forgotten how to simply be. So prioritising rest will help yourself prepare for a level of receptivity that is needed for a psychedelic retreat.
It seems obvious, but life is often frantic and our general self-care can suffer for it. Leading into Earth Medicine, this is a good opportunity to create some nourishing habits so that you can feel energised and ready for our psychedelic experience together.
Aim for 8 hours sleep each night. Getting to bed at 10:30pm would be optimal according to our circadian rhythms. And we recommend engaging in practices that help you down-regulate your nervous system in order to sleep well (Yin Yoga, calming breath, Yoga Nidra, meditation and so on). No more adrenal aggravation, instead focus on inner peace. If you suffer from insomnia, allow yourself regular naps when sleepiness does come and take a thorough look at your diet, subconscious beliefs (repeat ‘I do not work when I sleep, I sleep when I sleep’) and address cortisone levels to try to make sleep come more easily.
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If you are working or engaging in any activity that requires focus, set an alarm to pause after 45 or 50 minutes and take a 10-15 minute break to connect with nature, breath consciously, or rest with somatic awareness. Repeat this rhythm throughout your day (alongside breaks for food).
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We strongly recomend supplementing with magnesium before bed every night.
Magnesium is an essential mineral that plays a critical role in various physiological processes, including sleep and brain function.
It has been shown to have a calming effect on the nervous system and can help improve the quality of sleep. It helps regulate the production of melatonin, a hormone that plays a key role in sleep-wake cycles. Magnesium also helps relax muscles, including those in the brain, which can contribute to a sense of calm and relaxation, promoting restful sleep.
Magnesium is involved in over 600 enzymatic reactions in the body, including those related to brain function. It supports cognitive function, memory, and learning by helping to maintain healthy synaptic plasticity, which is crucial for nerve cell communication. Magnesium also has neuroprotective properties, protecting the brain from oxidative stress and inflammation, which can help support overall brain health.
Supplementing with magnesium can be beneficial in the context of a psychedelic ceremony due to the following reasons:
Psychedelic ceremonies can be intense and may induce heightened states of awareness, which can lead to increased mental activity. Magnesium's calming effect on the nervous system may help reduce anxiety and promote a more relaxed mental state during the ceremony.
Psychedelic substances such as psilocybin and ayahuasca have been reported to deplete magnesium levels in the body due to their effects on neurotransmitters and metabolism. Supplementing with magnesium before and after a psychedelic ceremony may help replenish any potential magnesium depletion and support overall brain health.
Magnesium may also help with the integration and processing of the insights and experiences gained during a psychedelic ceremony. It can support healthy brain function and neurotransmitter balance, which may aid in the integration of the insights and lessons learned from the ceremony into daily life.
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Firstly and foremost, well rounded nutrient dense foods will be the best support for this experience. But here are some supplements you might want to explore to support this work. We don’t want you to feel overwhelmed by these suggestions so simply follow your intuition, perhaps one thing stands out based on your general sense of needs.
Magnesium: As discussed earlier, magnesium is essential for brain function and can help promote relaxation, reduce anxiety, and support healthy neurotransmitter balance.
Antioxidants: Supplementing with antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E, and glutathione may help protect cells from oxidative stress during and after the ceremony.
Omega-3 fatty acids: Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish oil or algae-based supplements, are important for brain health and can support cognitive function and mood regulation.
Adaptogens: Adaptogenic herbs like ashwagandha, rhodiola, and reishi mushroom have been shown to help the body cope with stress and may support resilience during the psychedelic experience.
Probiotics: Gut health is closely linked to brain health, and a healthy gut microbiome is crucial for overall well-being. Probiotic supplements may help support gut health and may indirectly support brain function.
B vitamins: B vitamins, including vitamin B6, B9 (folate), and B12, play a role in neurotransmitter synthesis and may support healthy brain function.
N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC): NAC is an amino acid that has been shown to support glutathione production, which is a powerful antioxidant. It may also have neuroprotective properties and support overall brain health.
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Before taking psilocybin or any other psychedelic substance, it's important to be aware of certain substances and foods that may interact with or affect the effects of the psychedelic experience.
Alcohol: Avoid consuming alcohol as it can potentially intensify the effects of the psychedelic substance and increase the risk of a challenging or overwhelming experience. It also affects your overall energy and wellbeing so we recommend zero alcohol intake this week.
Recreational drugs: Avoid using any other recreational drugs or substances, including cannabis, MDMA, cocaine, or other psychedelics, as they can potentially interact with psilocybin and result in unpredictable and potentially dangerous effects.
Prescription medications: Some medications, such as antidepressants (particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs), antipsychotics, and other psychoactive medications, may interact with psilocybin and affect the effectiveness and safety of the experience. MAOIs are a type of antidepressant medication that can interact with psilocybin and can potentially cause dangerous interactions, such as serotonin syndrome, which is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition. It's important to avoid using MAOIs before a psilocybin experience and to discuss any medication use with a qualified healthcare professional. We won’t have accepted you if we felt your medications you disclosed posed a risk, but we include this just to be clear.
Caffeine and stimulants: High doses of caffeine or other stimulants can increase anxiety, restlessness, and heart rate, which can potentially intensify the effects of psilocybin and result in an uncomfortable experience. It's best to avoid excessive caffeine or stimulant use before a psilocybin experience.
Negative or triggering stimuli: As previously mentioned, avoid exposure to negative or triggering stimuli, such as stressful situations, emotionally charged events, or distressing news, before a psilocybin experience. It's important to create a calm and supportive environment to promote a positive and safe experience.
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Staying hydrated is key. Ideally find sources of structured water - natural spring water is most optimal. We recommend filtering tap water and remineralising it to. Avoid plastic botted water, instead use glass or metal bottles. Many people who are reliant on coffee will experience headaches as they withdraw for this experience, so do give yourself the right kind of hydration to aid this.
Packing list
Passport + any needed travel docs
Water bottle
Phone, charger + plug adaptor (if needed)
Comfortable clothes to move in
Layers, for cooler evenings and nights and the possible spring shower
Ceremonial attire - this is completely optional. For some, wearing certain items or colours can help shape the intention of a ceremonial space
Eye mask
Ear plugs (especially for those of you who are sharing rooms)
Shoes/sandals that are easy to slip on and off for moving between dwellings
Sleepwear and cosy comforts
Natural Mosquito Repellant
Massage ball (the slightly squidgy kind - if you have, bring, don’t worry if not)
Wash-bag supplies, medications, supplements etc
A low light torch - this can be useful after ceremony as you want to avoid using your phone for this as the screen can hurt your eyes and we discourage phone use in general
Swimwear + travel towel (for the canyon)
Snacks (if you’re someone who likes to snack a lot, or if you have particularly specific dietary requirements)
Something for the altar - it is a nice ritual to imbue an object with this experience, which you can later use as a totem to reconnect.
Pen(s) + art supplies or other items for your free time integration
Footwear for hikes if desired (sandals are also probably ok, but if you like to feel more supported, go for it)
Our group call is at 6 PM BST on Tuesday 15th May (link is in your prep email). This is to run through final preparation notes and for you to ask any questions that you may have before our immersion.
preparation programme navigation
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Growing Awareness
Create micro practices to increase your awareness and evolve your capacity for presence and observation, which will lay some important foundations for the psychedelic journey ahead.
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Planting Seeds
Set or deepen your intention for your psychedelic experience. Having a clear intention will help you make the most from your experience at Earth Medicine, and will provide anchor points during the ceremonies.
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Welcome Page
Explore our initial guidance and resources and watch Andrew’s talk on the importance of ceremony.