Integration: A Free How-to Guide
When you set the intention to release trauma and choose to be reborn into a more truthful version of yourself during a ceremony, the experience can be either smooth or challenging. Either way, after such an experience comes a rearrangement of one's life structure: certain relationships may come undone, you may experience an immediate move, and you have new realizations about yourself that must now be honored. These shifts might present themselves as chaotic, but ultimately it's for the best; to get what you asked for, your life must be uprooted and reorganized in some way by weeding out what's no longer serving you. Thankfully, order follows chaos.
On top of that, the entire body, especially the nervous system, is recalibrating itself. The brain has the potential to reshape itself by forming new neuronal pathways (new connections of neurons) to upgrade its capabilities, and this is what's happening. This process is known as neuroplasticity.
So, what can we do to support ourselves?
Seek new environments
First, it's crucial to support your mind by ensuring that your home (or a part of it) is a peaceful and comfortable place to be, at least for a few weeks as you settle back into the world. Some no longer find cities suitable for them, so they begin to seek quieter, more nature-filled environments, which can look like many things-- including living in the wilderness. If your home isn't ideal, consider going over to a friend or family member's home, or rent a room for a few days/hours. Your mind is especially vulnerable after a ceremony. As its undergoing a big neuroplastic shift, it can't be overstimulated.
Implement micronutrients
During a ceremony, the brain experiences a huge uptake of serotonin, a neuro-chemical responsible for mood stabilization. Typically, after a ceremony, the brain's serotonin level will drop before it finds balance, potentially causing low moods. To help yourself, we recommend buying certain supplements: B-complex helps stabilize your mood and energy. DHAs (omega-3 fatty acids) support your brain development and they help fortify the transmission of messages (signals) between neurons. Amino acids are crucial to protein formation, including developing hormones, muscle tissue repair, and immune function.
Remember your breath
Breathwork is one of the best mental health tools we've ever come across. Not only does breath provide life and increase vitality instantly, but breathing techniques regulate your emotions. One of our favorites (and an easy one to do every day) is from the yogic tradition called Sama Vritti. In the West, it's called box-breathing: inhale for a certain amount of seconds (e.i. 5 secs), hold for the same amount of seconds, then exhale for the same amount of seconds. Do a few rounds of that whenever you're feeling anxious, upset, or confused.
Strengthen your support system
Surround yourself with high-vibrational people who love you. It'll make your integration process enjoyable and safe.
Increase your self-awareness
Pay attention to how you behave, your thoughts, and your actions--do they align with the principles you want to live by moving forward? If not, how can you change that?
Get help from us
Experiencing physical and mental symptoms you aren't sure are normal after a ceremony? Many of us need someone to talk to, and our loved ones or a therapist wouldn't understand. That's why we offer free integration services for 30 days post-ceremony and integration coaching for all, including those have not sat with us in ceremony. Visit our Integration Coaching page for various package options (coming soon)!
Find a new hobby
After shedding so much stagnant energy and trauma, there's now more room to live life joyfully, as life is meant to be lived! Find new ways of being creative and physically active. Plan a vacation if you can. Happiness isn't a destination. It's a practice!