After an intense experience, what people miss most is usually not an explanation. It is a place where they can talk about it without having to justify themselves, without scaring anyone and without getting an opinion in reply. Integration circles exist for that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you have never been to one, it is normal to have doubts: whether you will have to speak, who goes, whether it is therapy, whether it is a cult. This article explains what they are, how they work and what to expect from your first one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It is a group gathering, guided by one or more people who facilitate, in which participants share experiences with non-ordinary states of consciousness and what those experiences have left them with. People speak in turns and listen without interrupting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Its value lies in something very simple. Putting the experience into words in front of others helps to make sense of it. And listening to others shows that what is happening to you, however strange it seems, has happened to more people. Analyses of integration practices<\/a> include circles and community among the basic domains of the process, alongside work with the mind, the body or nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Each circle has its own style, but the structure tends to be similar:<\/p>\n\n\n\n It usually lasts between an hour and a half and two hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They are what make the space safe. If they are not stated at the start, ask.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You do not need to have taken anything to attend. Some people come because of experiences with meditation, breathwork or life crises.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A circle is not the right place, at least as your only source of support, if you are in an acute crisis: very intense anxiety, several nights without sleep, ideas you cannot get any distance from or thoughts of harming yourself. In those cases professional care is needed. The signs are covered in anxiety or depersonalization after a trip: when to ask for help<\/a>. A good facilitator will tell you if they notice it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is common for the first one to leave you wanting more or with an odd feeling. Give it two or three before deciding whether it is for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If what you want to share is a difficult experience, it may help to sort out your thoughts beforehand with how to integrate a bad trip weeks or months later<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Good signs:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Warning signs:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Both formats work. In person makes it easier to build trust and allows for what happens before and after, in informal conversation. The online format lets people take part who live far away or prefer to start from home. If you can choose, try in person first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The community linked to RILOFU meets through the Meetup group Barcelona Psychedelic Society<\/a>, where upcoming circles and gatherings are posted. You can see the dates and sign up from there. On the community<\/a> page we explain how we understand these spaces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The circles do not include substances. At RILOFU we do not sell or supply substances in any context.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A circle is not for everyone or for every moment. If what you need right now is a one-to-one space, we offer individual support. The overview of the process is in what psychedelic integration is<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat it is not<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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How it works<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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The usual rules<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Who it is for<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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When it is not enough<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What to expect from your first one<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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How to prepare<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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How to recognize a good circle<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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In person or online<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The community in Barcelona<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
And if you would rather start on your own<\/h2>\n\n\n\n