Intention is no more mysterious than it sounds. It is a guiding idea for you to return to for direction during your psychedelic journey. It is a simple, succinct idea rather than a long one, which can make it harder to come up with given the complexity of our lives and concerns.

Some examples of intentions include:

• Let go

• Be free

• Be curious

• Connect with the universe

• Understand my family

• Be reborn in my true self

• Take what the medicine gives me

• Show me wonder

• Help me learn peace

• Explore deeply

• Relationships

Yes - your intention may be just one word. Many of the above examples may feel spiritual in nature, but yours does not necessarily need to be. It is only important that you set down a thoughtful intention of some kind rather than have it be any certain way.

• Ask a question

• Stick to one phrase or sentence

• Go deeper

• Be specific

• Start with “Show me” or “Teach me” or “Help me”

If it sounds like some of the suggestions contradict each other, it’s because they are merely suggestions - you do not need to stick to all the above to “do it right.” Remember that the basic process of considering and setting an intention is the important piece. Take your time to do so.

The truth is, sometimes you may not encounter what you set your intention to be at all. Practitioners of psychedelic medicine often refer to this phenomenon as “The medicine will give you what you need, not necessarily what you want.” In addition, ketamine is a “trickster” medicine, and often your experience will not align with your expectations.

That being said, intention will affect your ongoing integration. It can be how you will understand your experience after it occurs.But during the experience, remember not only your intention, but also to Trust and Let Go. It is okay for you to be a traveler on the journey set out for you by the medicine. You can exert control over it, but gently and with no expectation.