Setting an intention before a psychedelic experience is a practice that can help guide the journey towards personal growth, healing, and self-discovery. 

Setting Intentions involves identifying… 

• Issues or wounds that you want to resolve (i.e. childhood wounding/ developmental trauma, grief, shame, loss)? 
• What experiences, resentments, fears, losses, programs and/ or behavioral patterns do you want to let go?
• What adverse relationship or communication issues need to be resolved?
• What areas of spiritual development or growth would you like to gain clarity on?
• What are some new behaviors or qualities you would like to cultivate? 

Common Intention Themes

1. Self-Discovery and Personal Growth:
   • Deepening self-awareness and understanding personal values.
   • Exploring strengths, weaknesses, and potential roadblocks.
   • Discovering and embracing personal strengths and unique qualities.
   • Understanding and transforming limiting beliefs.
   • Cultivating a sense of purpose and direction.
   • Connecting with the “shadow self” for growth and self-acceptance.
2. Healing and Mental Health:
   • Addressing specific emotional wounds, trauma, or unresolved issues.
   • Processing difficult memories and releasing emotional blockages.
   • Exploring the roots of anxiety or fear.
   • Finding acceptance for grief or loss.
   • Healing past trauma.
3. Spiritual Exploration and Connection:
   • Deepening connection with one’s inner spiritual self, nature, or the universe.
   • Seeking a sense of meaning, purpose, and interconnectedness.
   • Exploring existential questions and the nature of reality.
   • Connecting with a higher power.
4. Relationship Improvement:
   • Exploring and understanding recurring patterns in relationships.
   • Forgiving oneself or others.
   • Reconciling relationships with loved ones.
   • Building healthy boundaries.
5. Cultivating Positive Qualities:
   • Developing self-compassion.
   • Cultivating gratitude.
   • Embracing one’s authentic self.
   • Becoming more loving towards oneself and others. 

Tips for Setting Intentions

• Focus on growth and positive change: Frame intentions positively, focusing on what you want to gain or cultivate rather than what you want to eliminate.
• Be specific: Clearly state what you hope to experience, heal, or work on.
• Get to the root: Address the underlying causes of challenges rather than just the symptoms.
• Be open to discovery: While having intentions is helpful, also be prepared for unexpected insights and experiences.
• Work with a therapist: Setting intentions with a therapist can provide valuable guidance and support.
• Embrace surrender: Trust the process and allow the experience to unfold naturally.
• Focus on integration: After the experience, dedicate time to reflecting on and incorporating the insights gained into your daily life. 

Importance of Intentions

Research indicates that setting intentions is associated with heightened mystical experiences and fewer challenging experiences. 

Specific and concise intentions assist you in being grounded, present and connected during your journey. 

Intentions play a significant role in the integration process, aid in making sense of the experience, and in applying the insights gained.