Psychedelic Visualization as a Practice of Deep Inquiry
Do's and Don'ts for facilitation
Often, we work with psychedelics to simply know what we really think deep down. We are curious about the subconscious processes and beliefs that seem to guide our actions while we stand by and watch, confused and helpless!
Visualization practices can unlock the door to these psychic realms and help us to develop a relationship with the parts of our mind that often go unnoticed or, worse, neglected. Suddenly, we have the chance to befriend aspects that used to make us feel uneasy, frightened, and defensive.
Once people get the hang of it, the smallest bit of visualization guidance can inspire them to long, powerful vignettes or conversations with their subconscious mind. This is true for meditations both in and out of the psychedelic space. Even folks who think it's silly or it will never work find themselves dropping in with ease. Even if they don't know what all the imagery means, there is a sense of relief and amazement to finally be able to receive it with grace. It's not always about figuring it out; sometimes, it's just about being present.
However, facilitators (guides/teachers/coaches/therapists/etc) often get this kind of practice wrong. In their zeal, they might force way too much content down their client's throats. They want to suggest seeing a red rose over here and a crystal building over there. They step on the client's inner dialogue, replacing inquiry and openness with something more akin to hypnosis. We're all plenty creative. The slightest nudge is usually enough. We don't need to be told what our own minds hold.
Instead of narrating an entire interaction with a bunch of invented characters and objects, It's perfectly sufficient to invite people to picture a natural setting and to notice as much detail as possible. Once they feel safe and grounded, they can ask whatever they want to ask, or simply invite their deeper wisdom to come forth. All they have to do next is, as Terence Mckenna told us, "Do not give into astonishment."
Less is more, as far as the guide is concerned. As little reliance on the practitioner as possible, as much reliance on the client's own inner intelligence as possible. The guide would also do well to refrain from attempting to interpret the visions. Just let them be as they are, meanings can emerge slowly, over time, if they do at all.
Psychonauts have limitless, untapped wisdom lying dormant inside them. Good preparation is a dedicated practice of orienting towards that wisdom when difficulty arises—With love, of course.
This is the kind of stuff we cover in our six week course, "Meditation for the Journey" It starts Thursday, June 6th at 7pm Eastern, and you're welcome to join. More info can be found here.