9 Tips for Preparing for a Retreat

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Psilocybin is an emotional amplifier that often brings to the surface what has been silenced or kept at a distance. In truth, it is only the instrument of an inner process.

And this process is for each person to undertake, with the professional guidance of a retreat and through a set of personal steps known as preparation. Preparation is extremely helpful in welcoming inner truths without getting lost and in embracing the transformative effects of psilocybin truffles.

This guide offers 9 practical steps to approach a psychedelic retreat with clarity, serenity, and grounding. It is intended for anyone ready to embark on a deep inner journey, in a safe and lucid way.

1. Clarify Your Intention

Set an inner compass

First, ask yourself why you are taking this step, but do not try to define a fixed goal. The intention is meant to be a guiding thread throughout the psychedelic retreat.

Your intention should be simple, broad, and sometimes even a little vague. Most of the time, it is best to avoid negative phrasing or words that feel emotionally heavy.

This intention expresses a state or condition you would like to reach: I would like to feel at peace; I want to become more productive. You can also address the psychedelic experience as if it were a symbolic force capable of guiding you: help me find energy and hope; show me how to enjoy life more fully.

Write your intention down in simple, sincere words. Return to it regularly in the days leading up to the retreat. Try to recall it from memory before falling asleep.

2. Reduce External Stimuli

Lighten your digital and social environment

In the days before the retreat, limit your exposure to social media, distressing news, and noisy or crowded environments. If possible, avoid shopping malls, loud parties, packed public transport, and situations that make you uncomfortable.

The idea is to remove anything that fuels vigilance reflexes and creates stress. Your nervous system will benefit from the calm, making it easier to perceive what is happening inside.

Give yourself moments of solitude without distractions: a walk in nature, a warm bath, or simply sitting quietly and listening to your breath.

3. Lighten Your Diet

Create a peaceful digestive environment

Your diet directly influences your physiology, sleep, and mental state. One week before, start simplifying your meals. Reduce your intake of:

• Processed foods ;
• Stimulants (coffee, sugar) ;
• Saturated fats ;
• Alcohol ;
• Red meat.

Favour vegetables, fresh fruit, whole grains, and herbal teas. This way your body will spend less energy on digestion and detoxification.

4. Move and Breathe Consciously

Prepare the body as a welcoming space

A supple and rested body is better equipped to navigate a psychedelic experience. Choose easy and soft practices: walking, yoga, stretching, intuitive dance. You can follow any short online session, 15 minutes per day for 5 to 7 days is enough.

No need for athletic achievements; simply moving is already beneficial. Add a few breathing or heart coherence exercises.

Whenever you feel inner turbulence, this simple return to the breath will help you find grounding.

5. Observe Your Emotional Landscape

Welcome what arises before diving in

Find a notebook or some sheets of paper and write down your dominant emotions in the days before the retreat: fear, excitement, anger, impatience, vulnerability.

Try to summarise each one in a single sentence. Recognising them in advance will allow you to move through them more consciously during the psychedelic session.

A brief daily entry is enough to create a valuable inner map. You can even use two or three colours to categorise your emotions (positive, neutral, difficult).

6. Identify Your Vulnerabilities

Know yourself to protect yourself

If you have a history of trauma, severe anxiety, or depressive episodes, your retreat setting should offer stronger support. Talk about it with a therapist, a doctor open to these practices, or directly with the retreat team.

Even if you do not have time for long therapy, one or two conversations can bring clarity.

7. Choose Your Pillars

A reassuring environment

In the few days before your departure, select three pillars that will reassure you. These are personal objects with a deep connection to you, which you can bring along to the retreat. Examples include:

• A special piece of music
• A comfort item (soft toy, cushion)
• A figurine, statue, or travel souvenir
• A photograph
• A specific item of clothing
• A scent or essential oil

Thanks to these personal anchors, you will remain connected to yourself in a familiar way, even in a new environment.

8. Prepare for the Return

Integration begins with preparation

A psychedelic experience can sometimes open up vulnerable spaces. Plan several days of rest after the retreat, without major obligations.

If possible, do not go back to work within 72 hours. Write down your impressions, take walks, let your body and mind process what has emerged. If you can, schedule an integration session with a therapist or take part in a sharing circle.

9. Surround Yourself with Support

Do not carry it all alone

Let a trusted person know about your retreat so they can be available when you return. That way, you will not feel alone if strong emotions surface.

If you do not have such a network, remember that there are therapists specialised in psychedelic integration. You may also keep in touch with other participants and facilitators through the retreat’s WhatsApp group.