When NOT to Proceed with a Planned Psychedelic Journey

The date has been set for a while. The research has been done. The preparation is complete. The meditation practice is in place. Important intimate and social relations are in full support. A trusting relationship with a guide or therapist has been established. The desperation, curiosity, or eagerness that motivated the pursuit of a planned psychedelic journey has continued to intensify. And then something happens. Something doesn't "feel" right. When do we make a decision not to move forward? Can it wait?

There's time. All of the preparation already done up to this point remains a part of the the entire journey, regardless of when a "meaning making molecule" enters our physical body and gets distributed throughout the mind, body, and spirit. Here are some signs, signals, cues and cautions that may suggest postponing a psychedelic journey.

• Physical Illness - A positive COVID test, mild cold symptoms, an aching back or sore leg. We don't have to feel 100% healthy to optimize a psychedelic journey, but if something "feels off" in our physical bodies, it may be a sign to postpone the journey.
• Interpersonal Conflict - A nasty argument with a loved one, or a stressful cycle with a friend or coworker. A psychedelic journey may help shift perspectives on interpersonal dynamics, but if the conflict is particularly acute or agitating, it's ok to hold off on journeying if it is scheduled within a day or two of the stressful interpersonal situation.
• Emotional Unrest - A growing feeling of feeling "emotionally off" or a nagging sense of unsettledness seems to have increased in a way that can't be soothed or stopped. This one is difficult because often times the psychedelic journey is sought to alleviate emotional distress. However, if there isn't enough acceptance or peace with the decision to "trip", perhaps it's better to hold off until a little more clarity emerges.
• A surge of fear - Apart from steady background uneasiness that may slowly increase leading up to the date of the psychedelic journey, it's possible to experience a surge of fear the night before or the day of the planned experience. A sudden surge of this kind may be a sign to consider postponing the journey for a short time, if possible, to allow this surge to taper off.
• Cultural or Political Events - When we think of major national or global events that rocked society or the world such as the January 6, 2021 siege of the U.S. Capitol or 9/11/2001 we typically remember where we were, who we were with, how and when we heard the news. If someone plans a journey and there's an event of similar magnitude where multitude share in horror and disbelief, it's probably better to wait until a time when the intensity of the event has quieted somewhat.
• Death - if there has been a recent death of someone close to the person who has a planned journey, it may be wise to consider another date to help naturally process the grief that arises from such a loss, whether the death was sudden or expected.

Once we have made the decision, and poured our hearts, bodies, minds, relationships, and souls into the myriad of ways to prepare for a psychedelic experiences, we can always "change our minds" and postpone the planned date, molecule, setting, or chosen guide. One of the hallmarks of psychedelic action is that they induce neuroplasticity, psychological and emotional flexibility, and changes in perspective based various elements of the psychedelic experience. What better way to prepare for a psychedelic journey than to exercise our ability to change course WITHOUT the substance.