I consider myself extremely lucky to have found my way through Mindtrek's doors and into the hands of Scott and Alexis. I had done a lot of research on psilocybin therapy and knew I would walk away at the end with an experience that would expand my mind. But what I didn't expect was an experience that would leave me with ideas, thoughts, and ways of living that remain with me even almost two months later.
What sparked my interest in the six-hour session I embarked on was a realization at how stagnant I had become. I had stopped working out, which was something I had made a priority for the past ten years. I had no interest in meditation anymore. I found myself faking laughs and smiles when with other people, crying every time I drank, and had no emotion about the fact that I was finally succeeding in my career. A career that requires a lot of creativity, which I also seemed to have lost.
Going into the session, my only real intention was to laugh again. During my journey with Alexis, I embarked on a seemingly long process of breaking down the tension I was holding in my body. I was physically exhausted and after a few hours and a lot of tears, I was able to let go and smile. Of course there were moments that were scary and some that were sad, but Alexis reminded me that I was safe and that she was there for me and I was able to return to the internal work. Without a good guide, I truly believe I would have been more worried about if I was safe, rather than the more important work that my body and mind was waiting for me to address.
I walked out of Mindtrek exhausted, but was unintentionally laughing and smiling when I got into my ride's car. My ride reminded me: "that's exactly what you were looking for!" I continued to laugh and be in the moment for weeks after. Something I did not expect from my journey was a complete disinterest in alcohol which still continues to this day. It wasn't intentional and wasn't something I went into my session hoping for, but I'm very happy with this outcome. Along with the laughs, smiles, and disinterest in alcohol, I was reminded in my journey that I need to take care of myself and have been back in the gym and have even picked up a new yoga routine. I started creative writing again and have found a new creativity and fun mindset to put towards my work.
I know that not everyone walks out of one session with life-altering changes, and I'm very lucky to have that outcome. I truly believe that it was the safety of being in Mindtrek's farmhouse, with an experienced and vetted guide, and safe psilocybin that made it possible for me to fully let go and work through what was behind my mind's closed doors. With my continued self-reflections, therapy, journaling, and learning, I'm able to take my experience at Mindtrek and build new foundations for myself that improve my day-to-day life.
Thank you Scott and Alexis!
- J.S