Integration and Digital Detox
Let that dopamine reset!
Integration and the Digital Detox
One of my favorite weekends of the year is coming up. I'm meeting in the wooded hills of New England with the Integration Coaching Trainees for our Spring Retreat.
We meet in a funky old house full of organic food to practice our skills and learn some new ones. After several months of hanging out on Zoom, it will be wonderful to all be in the same space, and to have space together.
One way I like to practice being present in the space is through digital fasting and dopamine detox.
I love my job, but I spend a lot of time in front of a screen. More than I would like to in a perfect world. I'm in front of a screen right now.
When I get a chance to put the phone down, sit still, and just gaze off into the distance, it's a good day.
We know that it's beneficial to engage in media fasting from time to time, and constant doom scrolling isn't great for our mental well-being. Breaks from screens lower stress hormones and prevent the constant dopamine spikes that keep our brains overstimulated. We have more of a chance of moving through the world intentionally if our reward system isn't constantly being messed with.
While it's always good to keep our compulsive habits in check, It's especially useful before and after psychedelic journeys.
Keeping our stimulation low before journeys helps us keep a clear head for introspection. If we have the intention to process old emotions that have been holding us back, then we want to be able to focus on that without having a bunch of news and other wild content rattling around top of mind. We also know that the nature of the screens is that they fragment attention, which detracts from having a strong, focused attention. We definitely don't need the sympathetic nervous system highjacking that comes from staring at the blue light all night or the cortisol that comes from the constant stream of horrors the algorithm serves.
Staying off screens after our journeys allows the insights we've gained time to filter through our minds and nervous systems, informing new conscious habits and perspectives. Good sleep habits support the transfer of journey material into autobiographical memory, literally integrating it into our lives. Having space from the media we usually consume helps us notice a mismatch between fresh values and old digital habits.
I'm looking forward to it. In all fairness, I'll probably facetime with the kids.
But as the weather warms up, I'm looking forward to much less screen time.
It's going to be a fabulous weekend. I'll tell you about it next time.
Until then!
Coaching Training Info Session
Thursday, May 1st, 5pm Eastern Time Join Here!
We would like to invite you to attend a friendly and casual conversation to share about the world of psychedelic integration coaching. This event is designed for individuals who are passionate about supporting others in their healing and growth and are interested in becoming highly skilled and competent coaches.
As you may know, the use of psychedelics has increased in recent years and many people are seeking support in their integration process. As a result, there is a growing demand for trained professionals who can provide guidance and support. This event will provide you with the opportunity to learn about the latest developments in the field and to gain the knowledge and skills needed to become a successful coach.
During the event, you will have the opportunity to hear from the director of the program, Daniel Shankin, who will share their knowledge and experience in the field. You will also have the chance to learn about the latest techniques and approaches used in psychedelic integration coaching.
We hope that you will take advantage of this unique opportunity to learn about psychedelic integration coaching and to connect with others who are passionate about supporting others in their healing and growth.
We look forward to seeing you there!
One Week until Fractal Inquiry
Fractal Inquiry is a deep dive into the art of asking good questions. In it, you are offered lenses through which to understand the client’s experience and mind, which enables you to intuit questions that raise awareness in the present time. A collection of time-tested tools that you can practice with your clients in order to take both of you deeper into curiosity and discovery.
We also practice some self-inquiry. We need time to practice looking at ourselves. We need to break the habit of avoiding ourselves by fixing others. We need to be willing to look closer at the subtle agendas that have insinuated themselves into our practice. The more we’re willing to be impartial and judgmental with ourselves, the more readily we can offer it to our clients. We’ll get out of our own way.
So now we meet all of the Thursdays in May, May 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th at 5pm Pacific, 8pm Eastern
We'll cover:
See how asking the right questions can lead to closing more sales.
Know what to do after your client tells you “where they feel it in their body”
Understand common mistakes coaches make in their inquiry
And of course, we'll discuss a little parts work as mentioned above!
As a bonus, you'll receive:
Tam’s Comprehensive Inquiry Framework Workstation - robust templates to support you in exploring essential areas of your client’s life.
Tam’s Integration Journaling Prompts - the same questions that guide us in supporting our clients as they process their psychedelic experiences.
Twice Weekly Group Meditations - take the opportunity to sit with us!
Ongoing Q&A with Daniel - Daniel answers your questions posed in the community space.
If you're thinking about joining our year-long psychedelic integration coaching training, this is a great way to explore what it means to be a psychedelic integration coach and what it's like to learn with us!
Logistics:
Class meets Thursdays, May 8, 15, 22 at 5 - 7 pm Pacific, 8 -10 pm Eastern with a bonus class on May 29th at 7pm Pacific
All classes are recorded and available 'forever'.
Meditation meets Mondays and Wednesdays at 9 - 9:30am Pacific, Noon Eastern
Community practice and discussion space through "Mighty Networks"
Class is $297, or $149 for just the recordings.