Integration after peak experiences

I used to think that awareness was the key to healing, and YES, it is so important and essential in the process of healing but it isn't enough alone. When we enter into altered states of consciousness, whether it be induced via plant medicines, drumming, dance, meditation, breathwork etc or spontaneously after connecting with nature or experiencing intense life changes such as deaths, births or physical illness, either way these states bring greater awareness about how we operate in the world and what the heart desires.

We can experience many things including intense feelings of love and connection, be shown our potential and capacity to grow and be who we are meant to be in this life, where we are holding back expressing ourselves and showing up in our relationships and be in a place of knowing, oneness, pure gratitude and joy.

These insights and messages are so powerful but what I am seeing with this is a lack of integration into life once returned to an ordinary state of consciousness and everyday life. We can believe that we are healed and changed because of what we experienced but without the ability to integrate, after some time we are doing the same shit and unconsciously moving through life wondering why we aren't actually seeing our dreams realised.

Awareness without CHOICE isn't integration. How are we embodying the messages and insights we received? What choices can I make now that I know what I know? How can I walk this wisdom into my daily life?

It doesn't matter how many cups of ayahuasca you drink or how many healing retreats you attend your life isn't going to change without dedication to making different choices out of the ceremony. It can be hard as the ego can be sneaky and tell you that you're done. But this is where the real work begins.

I believe the most important part of this work is integration and recommend if you are struggling, find a practitioner and community who understand the journey and can support and encourage you to create the change you want to see in your life.

We all experience challenges with integration remember you are not alone so go gently.