🫠 Ask a Guide Anything

Welcome to Tricycle Day. We’re the Pokémon of psychedelic newsletters. Pocket sized, a little bit feisty, and constantly evolving.

It happens to the best of us, really. Even the most seasoned psychonauts occasionally find themselves spiraling into frightening challenging territory.

So, for our debut issue of “Ask a Guide Anything,” we asked our network of psychedelic practitioners the age-old question: What should I do if I'm having a bad trip?

We share their best reflections and advice below.

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It's not bad; it's challenging

Many guides suggest reframing difficult experiences as opportunities rather than threats. John Moos explains that "There are no 'bad' trips, just challenging ones." And a shift in mindset from fear to curiosity can transform your experience.

Kari Roe-LaFramboise encourages journeyers to "be curious about what is coming up for you" and to "go toward the uncomfortable." After all, the medicine often brings up exactly what needs attention, even if it feels intense in the moment.

Oxana Kirsanova echoes this idea: "There's no such thing as a bad trip—only necessary experiences. Shifting perspective is key; what feels intense or uncomfortable is often something that needs to be released."

Your body is your anchor

When your mind feels untethered, your physical body can be the anchor that keeps you grounded. Mary Decker offers a specific breathing technique: "Start by slowing your breath with the 6-7-8 pattern: inhale for 6, hold for 7, exhale for 8." This breathing pattern helps signal to your nervous system that everything is okay.

Eliza Collins suggests another approach: "One trick that I personally love and use is to reduce outside stimulation. Close your eyes, focus on taking slow, even breaths in and out, and remind yourself the experience is temporary." If it's safe to move around, sometimes just walking "from the bedroom to the living room can be an excellent way to quickly shift your perspective."

Carla Detchon recommends getting physically comfortable: "If you're in a safe space, unclench and stretch. Keeping your body and energy tight sends distress signals to your nervous system. Relaxing on your back with open arms sends signals of ease, allowing energy to flow."

Find connection outside or within

When things get weird, reaching out—whether to a physical person or your own inner resources—can make all the difference. Darlene Rollins suggests "asking for support and guidance from the medicine or your guides," while remembering that a challenging experience "will pass if you don't identify with it."

Having someone physically present can also be helpful. As Eliza notes, "If you have a trusted sitter, asking them to hold your hand or remind you that you're safe is always a great option." Kathy Gruver keeps it simple: "Ask for a hand to hold your hand or to be placed on your back."

Even when journeying solo, you can provide your own support. Darlene recommends a practice called Inner Relationship Focusing, where you witness your experience by saying "I notice something in me feels..." without becoming that feeling. Mary suggests holding "a comforting anchor object—something special like a crystal or stuffed animal" and repeating "a grounding mantra like 'trust' or 'presence' to stay connected."

Our take

We get where these guides are coming from when they talk about looking for growth opportunities in difficult journeys. It’s a great mentality to have. But even then, sometimes a psychedelic experience can be destabilizing or even (re)traumatizing.

Integration matters, full stop. But if you’re having a mental health emergency, it’s especially important. Organizations like ICEERS and Fireside Project offer free support for people processing difficult experiences, so that you can get back on your feet in 3D reality. Take care of yourselves, Cyclists. Okay, PSA over.

Got a question for our guides?

Reply to this email to shoot your shot. If it’s a juicy one, we may select it for a future issue.

Seeking more personalized guidance?

Our directory of vetted psychedelic professionals is a great place to start your search. Find a facilitator on Maria’s List.

UNTIL NEXT TIME

That’s all for today, Cyclists! Whenever you’re ready, here’s how we can help.

ONE CYCLIST’S REVIEW

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DISCLAIMER: This newsletter is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice. The use, possession, and distribution of psychedelic drugs are illegal in most countries and may result in criminal prosecution.