Monthly News — February
In this newsletter you will find: My personal journey to self-love, how to prep for your psilocybin journey & a fab integration idea. Keep Reading!
What’s Love Got to Do with It?
Holiday decor was barely gone from the shelves before I started seeing heart shaped everything on retail shelves everywhere! As a culture, we love LOVE.
Unfortunately, we often emphasize and prioritize romantic love above all other expressions. Let’s face it - our egos need and desire to be loved by another. Yet our egos are not always our best ally when it comes to finding and sustaining romantic love. We all know the song ... “looking for love in all the wrong places.”
What if we could bypass our ego and seek a higher expression of love first and foremost? What might that look like and how might that impact our overall sense of self? If we loved ourselves more fully and unconditionally, what other potential insights may be revealed? I share my own journey below.
Spirituality, Self Love & Sense of Purpose
Which Comes First?
Long before I tried psilocybin, I held the core belief that many of the world’s problems began and ended with self-love. Anyone who truly loves themselves, ultimately has empathy and compassion for others. Yet, learning to love ourselves, with all of our flaws, pain & ego driven desires is not an easy job. Instead, many of us practice negative self-talk all day long, never finding answers or peace.
During a psilocybin journey, it was revealed to me that without knowing the unconditional love of a higher power (for me that is GOD), I would never be able to access the forgiveness needed and acceptance of what is, that allowed me to step fully into who I was at that precise moment in time. Through spiritual connection I was able to forgive and love myself exactly as I am, flaws and all.
As my spiritual practice grew & strengthened, my inner voice and instincts sharpened. My sense of purpose soon revealed itself and I have no doubt that it will continue to evolve. Past careers and jobs fed my ego but may not have been feeding my spirit. Suddenly I was able to see the difference!
Now when I make mistakes or things don’t go as planned, I return to my prayer practice for answers rather than having ego driven conversations (negative self talk) with myself. For me, accepting what is (self-love), rather than longing for a different outcome (ego) has resulted in the biggest lessons and insights thus far. Through prayer, I found self-love and peace.
Follow Along
Microdosing with Kanna
Have you heard of Kanna? It’s a natural empathogen and psychoactive (not psychedelic) plant that’s been widely used across South Africa for thousands of years. I’ll be microdosing Kanna this month and posting about my experience. Follow along to learn more!
Review of the Month
“I was extremely comfortable going into this experience because of Michelle. Our preparation sessions beforehand helped me feel comfortable with her, but most importantly they empowered me with the education needed to make my journey a transformative one. During a pivotal point in my psilocybin session, Michelle was very helpful in coaching me to let go and allow my mind to take me to the places I was hoping to go. My experience would have been totally different if I tried to do this on my own! I’m grateful for this life changing experience, and I’m grateful for having Michelle to have guided me through it all.”
Preparing to Let Go
How the Ego Gets in the Way
Preparing for your psilocybin journey is a critical step in the healing process. Clients who take their preparation seriously and take the time needed for introspection always have better outcomes.
Setting thoughtful intentions is the first step of preparation. What lessons or insights are you hoping to have revealed? Write all that comes to mind. Check in with your ego. Is your ego tethered to any of these intentions? Often our ego clings to particular outcomes for a false sense of safety. This ultimately works against the healing process. Review the list and edit as needed. Once you are happy with your list, set them and then let them go.
Second, honor your fears. What fears and concerns may you have prior to your psilocybin journey? Our egos love to imagine dooms day scenarios! Write them down and share them with your facilitator. Ignoring and minimizing them allows these thoughts to remain on replay in your mind and may result in a lack of mindfulness during your journey.
Finally, prepare the ego for surrender. Accept that you cannot control, guide or direct your psilocybin journey. Accept that it does not have to be perfect to provide healing. Accept that it may be hard. Accept that lessons may not be revealed immediately but rather through integration afterwards. Accept that healing is a journey and not a destination. Accept that your experience will be different from another’s. Accept that what is meant for you will be revealed but may not look like what your ego wants or is expecting. Reassure the ego that whatever happens, you will be ok.
Adopt a Road
An Integration Idea
A friend of mine recently adopted a highway to honor loved ones who had passed the year prior. She made it a monthly practice to clean up garbage along the road, reflect on life, get exercise & connect with nature. Friends & family join sometimes which makes it a powerful opportunity for connection! Such a beautiful idea, and not strictly limited to those who have passed. What an honor for someone special in your life!
