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In the world of surfing, it’s common for experienced surfers to skip the first really good wave they see. They understand that patience is key; the first wave is rarely the best. Rather than chasing the initial surge, they wait. They observe the ocean’s rhythm, sensing when the next set of waves will arrive, often positioning themselves more strategically for the second or third wave. This allows them to catch the wave at just the right moment, optimizing their ride. After all, good things come to those who wait, and in surfing, timing is everything.
This wisdom from the ocean resonates far beyond the surf, particularly in areas where timing, patience, and discernment are critical, such as the emerging realm of psilocybin mushroom journey work in Colorado’s legal market. Just as a surfer may hesitate before committing to the first wave, individuals in this field may feel conflicted about when to jump in, especially in a rapidly evolving legal landscape.
Honoring Your Own Pace in the Psychedelic Space
A dear friend in the psychedelic therapy world recently expressed her concerns about potentially missing the first wave of this emergent space. She felt a twinge of disappointment, sensing she might not be at the forefront of this transformative period in psychedelic-assisted therapy. You too, reading this blog, might have been asking yourself “How soon should I try to get into a mushroom facilitator training program? Will I miss out if I don’t get started right away?” It’s a sentiment many can relate to in our fast-paced culture, where forward progress is the standard and scarcity or greed often guides our choices.
At Elemental Psychedelics, Shannon and Dori too find themselves pondering these crucial questions: How do we honor the process of taking our time as a training organization? How may we allow our personal journeys to shape our offerings in their own right way and timing? Like you, we feel the urge to rush and be first so that we don’t miss out. And, in fact, Elemental was one of the first approved facilitator training programs in Colorado. What is driving our forward movement? Are we in good creative flow and receiving the moment as it calls us to respond? Are we in a scarcity mindset, trying to take our piece of the pie before others get to it first? This is a delicate dance and, in our experience, we move in and out of both mindsets. What we’re striving to cultivate for ourselves is a delicate balance of trust, patience and slowness, while also saying yes to the creative force that births a new vision into action.
A Culture of Urgency
In a society driven by urgency, we often feel pressured to act quickly, to make the most of every opportunity, to always be progressing forward, and to be part of every new trend. This is especially true in the realm of psychedelics, where a burgeoning industry promises rapid advancements in mental health treatment and investors are quick to jump in. While it’s exciting to be on the leading edge of the growth of psychedelic-assisted therapy and mushroom journey work, it’s essential to also reflect on the importance of taking a step back, of waiting, and of allowing a larger process to unfold.
At Elemental, we strive to honor this concept of slow time. Just as the ocean has its rhythms, so too does our internal landscape and our collective landscape. We recognize that some may feel the rush to join the first cohort of training programs or to jump headfirst into psychedelic journey work. But what if waiting and watching the first wave is equally valuable?
In psychotherapy, we can observe this truth in the rise of various modalities, such as Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Those practitioners who trained five years after these modalities were introduced were not at a disadvantage compared to the early adopters. Clients continue to seek out these therapeutic approaches long after their initial introduction. It’s a reminder that the essence of our work is not about being first but about our capacity to be in a deep relationship with what our work is so that we may better serve our communities.
The Power of Patience
The power of patience cannot be overstated. Just as the ocean ebbs and flows, our journeys in the realm of psychedelics and therapy are marked by cycles of growth and reflection. There’s a sacred rhythm to these experiences that invites us to trust the timing of our lives.
In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to fall into the trap of believing that we must keep up with others. You might even be marketed to in a way that implies “Sign up now, or you might miss out!” However, the reality is that there is no end destination that we must reach as fast as we can. Our journey into mushroom facilitation work is our own, and by giving ourselves the grace to wait, we allow our individual paths to emerge organically.
While there may be a rush to get into the first cohort of Elemental’s program or another training program, what is there to be said about those who wait and see how this new legal framework and system plays out over its first few years? Those who take the time to observe might gain insights or avoid missteps that those rushing in might miss.
We also want to highlight the beauty and awe of Mystery. While it can be daunting, Mystery is where the magic happens. Just as the ocean is uncertain and vast, so is this path. Allowing ourselves to miss the first wave means relinquishing the need for control and certainty. It’s about surrendering to the flow of life and trusting that what is yours to do will unfold in its own time. In this surrender, we create space for expanded possibilities and more grounded connections.
The unknown invites us to be open to what lies ahead and to let go of preconceived notions and expectations. It reminds us that we are part of a larger journey, one that is intricately woven with the experiences of others. As we open ourselves to the unknown, unfolded before us in its own perfect timing, we invite the richness of life to carry us.
Finding Community and Connection
In the spirit of this journey, it’s vital to recognize the importance of community and connection. Psychedelic-assisted therapy and mushroom journey work is not a solitary pursuit; we need others with us and around us to be witnessed, supported, held accountable, and move beyond the limited thinking that this work is even about “me.”
At Elemental, community has been central to our practice and we strive to foster a sense of community among our students. Imagine gathering with others who share a similar dedication — individuals who are also exploring the depths of their inner landscapes and seeking integration in their lives. Together, we reflect on our experiences, learn to embody our insights, be witnessed in our darkness, and celebrate our growth.
The process of allowing ourselves to miss the first wave is not just about patience; it's about finding community and tapping into the collective components of this work. Those who are patient and willing to observe the currents may glean wisdom from the experiences of others. This collective growth fosters an environment where each practitioner can learn from the successes and missteps of their peers, enabling them to approach their own journeys with a deeper understanding and richer context.
Additionally, taking a step back provides an opportunity to critically assess the implications of psychedelic therapies on social and ethical levels. As we consider how psychoactive mushrooms can reshape mental health treatment, we must remain vigilant about the responsibilities that come with power. Engaging thoughtfully with the developments in this space ensures that we are not only participants but also stewards of a movement that seeks to promote healing and well-being.
As you navigate your journey, consider how you can cultivate community and connection with others. Seek out spaces where you can share your experiences, learn from one another, and honor the mystery of your unfolding process. Together, we can create a culture that values patience, relationality, and deep listening.
Your Personal Guide to Mushroom Facilitation in Colorado
As we conclude this exploration of waiting for the second or third or fourth (!) wave, we extend a personal invitation to our readers. Allow yourselves the grace to take your time, to honor your unique journey, and to embrace the unfolding process of learning, healing and growth.
Reflect on the waves of experience that come your way and trust that each one offers a lesson, an opportunity, or a moment of connection. Whether you are a practitioner in the field of psychedelic therapy or someone seeking healing through these modalities, know that your path is yours alone.
Ultimately, the essence of our journey is about more than just completing programs and obtaining licenses. It’s about the connections we forge, the insights we integrate, and the relationality we cultivate along the way.
We encourage you to embrace patience and to give yourself the time and space needed for integration. Remember, it’s not about being first; it’s about being present and open to the moment as it reveals itself to you. May you embrace the rhythm of your journey and trust that the waves of transformation will come, bringing with them the gifts of healing, connection, and profound growth. Together, let’s honor the process, celebrate the unfolding, and trust in the magic of what is yet to come.