(HEMPEARTH ) The “set” is your mindset and the “setting” is your surroundings. Making sure that you’re in the right frame of mind, with the right people, and in a good environment, can literally make or break your trip. Taking the set and setting into consideration can drastically increase the probability that we have are a really good time, not taking it into account may very well the probability of having a bad experience.
SET
The “set” mostly revolves around yourself—your mindset and state of being at the time of taking a psychedelic. You might feel happy and carefree, or worried and tense. Your thoughts, your mood, how you feel about the impending psychedelic experience—even your physical health—all comprise the set.
SETTING
The “setting” is your environment, which includes your surroundings and the people you’re with. But the setting isn’t just about the physical; it also extends to how you feel about being in a given space. For instance, certain people might generate good or bad vibes that will influence your trip, and the same goes for your surroundings. A cold and uncomfortable environment is much more likely to promote a bad trip than somewhere familiar and safe.
Why is it Important?
Most people think that ‘Set and setting’ is exclusive to psychedelic experiences, but the truth is that ‘set and setting’ is applicable across all spheres of life. Generally speaking, peoples’ internal states and external surroundings are lenses through which they experience and tackle life’s realities in any circumstance. Set and setting are habitually discussed in relation to psychedelic therapy because psychedelic drugs tend to amplify the lenses through which individuals experience and tackle life’s realities.
Recent studies have revealed that the ability to estimate a good ‘set’ is as valuable as understanding the value of a good ‘set’ to an individual’s ultimate psychedelic experience. The main question that any individual should as before deciding to embark on a psychedelic experience by taking magic mushrooms or any other psychedelics is, how am I feeling at this moment? The answer to this question speaks to an individual ‘set and setting’ at a particular point in time. Why is ‘set and setting’ important when an individual chooses to take magic mushrooms? The truth is that ‘magic mushrooms’ and any other psychedelics tends to step up the state of mind that an individual is in when immersing themselves in a psychedelic experience. ‘Set and Setting’ is important when taking magic mushrooms because it speaks to an individual’s state of mind during that time.
HOW TO CREATE THE BEST SET AND SETTING
Know that, even with the best preparations, your trip can still turn out different than you planned. After all, it’s really not possible to say beforehand exactly what one will experience. The kind of psychedelic you are taking, the dose, your tolerance, and your own experience with psychedelics all play a role. But with the right mindset (set) and a suitable environment (setting), the likelihood of a negative experience will be much less. Let’s look at how you can create the best set and setting.
SET
When it comes to the set, it’s all about knowing yourself and your experience. If you follow your gut, your trip should turn out just fine.
RESIST PEER PRESSURE
Don’t go tripping if you don’t want to! Don’t let peer pressure influence your decisions. If you have doubts or simply don’t feel like it, just opt out this time. Going on a psychedelic trip isn’t something you do to impress someone.
DON’T TAKE PSYCHEDELICS IF YOU’RE FEELING NERVOUS
Don’t take Magic Mushrooms or any psychedelic if you’re feeling nervous, uneasy, or sad. While there’s a chance your trip will turn out just fine, it’s always better to trip in a positive state of mind.
CONSIDER YOUR MENTAL HEALTH STATUS
Be cautious taking psychedelics if you have a mental health condition, especially one that makes you prone to panic or dissociation. Know that family history can play a role herein, and that some conditions can be temporarily exacerbated by psychedelics.
DON’T TRIP IF YOU’RE SICK
If you’re not feeling well, are injured, or tired, this will likely have a negative effect on your trip. In fact, chances are the trip will make you feel worse.
RESEARCH THE BEFOREHAND
Every psychedelic is different. Make sure you are familiar with what to expect from each experience, and plan accordingly. Ask reliable friends for anecdotes if they have any, but know that people are prone to exaggeration.
GO WITH THE FLOW
Don’t try to micromanage your trip. Overthinking the experience and trying to find meaning in everything can actually prevent you from having positive breakthroughs. Accept that a trip is, by definition, something surreal, and some things are perhaps not meant to be intellectualized or fully understood. Relax and enjoy the ride.
BE SMART WITH DOSING
Even if you’re feeling amped and ready to trip, be mindful of your dose. If it’s your first time trying a new psychedelic, start with a mild dose to become acquainted with its range of effects. On subsequent journeys, you can up your dose to find your sweet spot. Taking a “heroic dose” will only make it more difficult to come down should your trip go south.
SETTING
Remember, your social surroundings are just as important as your physical environment. Preparation is key with the setting, and can save you a lot of discomfort later down the line.
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION
Choose a nice location for your trip; one without distractions, where you feel comfortable and safe. If you’re still inexperienced with psychedelics, a familiar place like your home may be best. Avoid crowded and loud places.
PREPARE YOUR SETTING
Put on some nice trippy music, set up a comfortable launching spot with pillows and blankets, turn down the lights, and light some incense. You get the idea. Note that the music you choose can significantly influence how your psychedelic journey develops. You may like techno or rock when sober, but for a good psychedelic experience, soothing music and sounds will be better.
TURN OFF ELECTRONIC DEVICES
Power down your phone and set it aside. With the exception of music or visuals, it’s best to keep electronic devices to a minimum while tripping.
SET ASIDE TIME AND SPACE
Make sure you can trip without unwanted surprises—this includes unexpected visitors and phone calls. It’s best to set aside an entire day to enjoy your journey. A trip can easily last several hours, so plan accordingly.
SURROUND YOURSELF WITH PEOPLE YOU ENJOY
Mind the people around you. Make sure the people you’re with understand and approve of what you are doing. Otherwise, they may bring on unwanted panic or paranoia.
DON’T TRIP IN A DANGEROUS PLACE
It goes without saying that you want to keep it safe when taking psychedelics. Been on Magic Mushrooms or Other Psicodelics will affect your cognition and motor skills, so choose not to go tripping somewhere dangerous. And definitely don’t drive while tripping.
GET A TRIP SITTER!
This one is very important. An experienced trip sitter will be an immense help should your trip not go to plan. You may be tripping balls and not even understand what your friend is saying, but just their presence can help turn a bad experience into a better one. It is important for your trip sitter to be experienced with psychedelics and to understand what you are going through. That said, your trip sitter should be sober while you’re on your journey.
