Whether it is a shorter in-clinic session with ketamine or a more extended ceremony with psilocybin or ayahuasca, one of the most crucial components of integration is reflection. Reflection is tremendously aided, supported, and deepened by the practice of journaling. Journaling helps by creating a record of what you recollect close to the time of your experience, and this can help you remember and preserve important details for later meaning-making. One general recommendation is to focus on capture before processing. To read more about integration journaling, click here.
One thing I've noticed in my own experience with integration journaling is that the transition from medicine experience to the act of journaling, particularly after a ketamine session, can feel jarring. I feel like a fish out of water. The contrast between the before and after is sometimes so stark that I feel like I'm already losing continuity with the previous experience. I have come to address this with the inclusion of journaling music.
Journaling music is almost like end-credit music at the end of a movie. It marks the transition from the story to the after story, yet still provides some continuity of energy, mood, or theme. Journaling music doesn't need to be complex. In particular, simpler is probably better.
Here are a couple of examples on YouTube that I use regularly. Look around and find what suits you. Doing a little work ahead of time can ensure a smooth transition from medicine space to the ordinary, allowing you to journal and begin working with the details and the important parts of your experience.
Good luck with your integration.
Music for Journaling
These videos have elaborate titles! Some of them “promise” things like balancing energies or something. The only thing I’m claiming is that these are good for journaling! 😄 - Dave