safe tripping

In the sixties and seventies, young and inexperienced people – like myself – embarked on LSD and other trips without knowing how to make them safe. We’d heard of set and setting but the terms trip sitting, and safe tripping were coined much later. We often relied on people we barely knew to help us navigate journeys they were clueless about themselves. Fortunately, we often were part of smaller or larger gatherings of the like-minded, affording us a certain measure of emotional and physical safety. Being young and unburdened overwhelmingly made for positive experiences. If young adults were also most often in trouble, it is because consumers of psychedelic substances were mostly under 25. Older subjects may have been better prepared, but had they taken psychedelics in comparable numbers, more problematic use would have arisen among them too.

What works for safe tripping holds true for life in general. Why do some people stumble upon charlatans and hypocrites time and again, whereas others easily find the right doctors, friends, teachers, or sources? Is it because some are so traumatized as to be completely out of touch with their feelings? “If it feels good, do it!” says an old hippie adage. The contrary is also true: “If it doesn’t feel good, don’t do it!” And it helps to keep your eyes peeled for your surroundings, and to observe. For psychedelic journeys, therapy or healing circles ask: are the potential sitters, teachers or therapists well-prepared? Are they warm and generous or aloof and expensive and/or insufficiently equipped? Do they have a sense of humor and a ready smile? Or are they the kind that don’t let you in on their feelings, ranging from stoic to stern? Are you intimidated?

What was the first thought that came to mind when you entered the room/came to this new situation? What were you first impressions? Don’t let your eagerness to attend or partake in new experiences cloud your judgment. Do not decide you’re going no matter what! Being informed helps you know what to expect, and to make better choices. Like Terence McKenna said, taking psychedelic trips starts on the internet.

Alternatively, you might want to expand your consciousness by being in nature. Spring is almost here!

Yours,
Susanne G. Seiler

P.S. You’ll find us at the gaialounge, Hochstrasse 70 (behind Basel’s SBB station, tram stop Peter Merian), every Thursday afternoon from 14 – 18 h. Welcome!