Awakening Consciousness
Often, when people seek out psychedelic therapy or plant medicine retreats such as those offered at Tabula Rasa Retreat, they do so in a state of desperation for change. While there is nothing inherently wrong with this, it reflects a broader societal trend rooted in our conditioning—one that prioritizes quick fixes over sustained transformation. This is why mindfulness practice after ibogaine therapy is essential for achieving lasting change in the months following treatment. However, the concepts and processes outlined below are just as relevant for those who have not undergone psychedelic therapy—one does not exclude the other.
There is a great deal of information circulating on the Web about how psychedelic therapy—be it with the oneirogen ibogaine, or with classic psychedelics like ayahuasca, psilocybin, or 5-MeO-DMT—is a one-stop-shop for completely eradicating trauma, emotional pain, depression, or a host of other mental health conditions.
This kind of misinformation stems from two sources. On the one hand, we live in a society that prioritizes results over the journey, treating process as an inconvenient detour rather than an essential part of creation. It is much like a factory assembly line where craftsmanship is sacrificed for speed—where the focus is not on the artistry, precision, or integrity of what is being made, but on how rapidly a product can be pushed out, packaged, and sold to recoup costs and maximize profit margins.
This mindset, when applied to healing, fosters the illusion that transformation is something that can be mass-produced and expedited, rather than an organic, unfolding experience that requires time, care, and introspection. This is where the concept of mindfulness practice after ibogaine therapy comes into play.
When we apply this analogy to the wellness industry and to individual healing journeys in particular, we begin to understand with compassion how the discomfort of living with trauma, depression, or any kind of emotional pain or existential emptiness might make us, as individuals, equally focused on the “quick fix.”
Whether or not our healing journeys lead us through plant medicine retreats like Faith Retreats, or ibogaine treatments at Tabula Rasa Retreat, it is important to know that before we can dive headlong into our past, reconnect with our inner child, and engage in all the necessary ego work to process and reintegrate our past traumas, there is a key piece missing from the puzzle.
The reality is that so many of us live on autopilot, being pulled back and forth between our desire for active change and the pull of our old conditioned habit selves, that few of us have any significant connection to who we really are: the authentic self beneath all our layers of subconscious conditioning.
Essentially, before we hope to reach for those deeper layers, be it through plant medicines like ibogaine or psychedelics, or through self-care, mindfulness or therapy, we need to first learn to witness our internal world, and to learn that even though we have millions of thoughts and narratives run through our mind every day from the moment we wake up until we go to bed, that ultimately, we are not those thoughts or narratives.
This is what is called awakening our conscious awareness.
For those of you less inclined to spirituality, do not fear: this blog is not about that, nor is it the only meaning of the phrase “conscious awareness.” Essentially, what a state of conscious awareness is, is a state of openness where we give ourselves the intentional choice to witness our thoughts and what happens around us without identifying with the thoughts or the events at hand.
Our conscious mind, the seat of which lies in the prefrontal cortex—the part of our brain directly behind our forehead—is the part engaged with reasoning, logic, and multitasking. The subconscious mind, however, is where all of our memories are stored; that includes all the good memories from our past, but it also includes the traumatic ones—the ones that have really shaped who we think we are.
The main reason we get pulled into the undertow of our subconscious mind, which is driven by our past conditioning often stemming from childhood is that, unlike other animals and mammals in the animal kingdom, as far as science knows, humans are the only species which is able to think about thoughts—a characteristic known as “metacognition.”
This ability means that we are so often immersed in our own inner worlds and thought loops, that not only do we miss out on living the present moments before us, as very few of us are aware that there is an identifiable narrative continuously playing over and over again inside our minds.
For some of us, it is the filter of “I’m not good enough.” For others, it will be “the only way to receive love is to succeed at everything I do.” For others still, it might be “the only way to have safety in my relationships is to prioritize keeping others happy, and forget about my own needs.”
So, what happens when we are not conscious? We believe that those deeply ingrained messages about us, picked up from the parents or adult caregivers in our childhoods, are the true us; our true, authentic self. Most of us label these thoughts as being “us,” but they are not.
We are, in fact, only the thinkers of the thoughts, but we are not the thoughts themselves. There is an adage that says that a belief is only a practiced thought, and to an extent this is true. Neuroscience recently discovered that “neurons that fire together, wire together,” which supports the former claim. A thought only becomes a deeply ingrained belief through repetition.
While not all thought is maladaptive, and allows us to evolve and form new connections, and learn, relying excessively on the narratives of our thoughts does keep us stuck in cycles that often do not serve our deepest wishes and desires. This attachment to these patterns of thinking is what Buddha once called the “monkey mind”: an endless and confusing sea of chatter and distraction, where we take everything our monkey mind says to be true.
Each and every one of us has what is called “intuition.” We could also call this our “gut instinct.” How many times have you felt a deep mistrust for someone you had just been introduced to, for example? Or when someone asked you if you wanted to come over for dinner, your first feeling was “no way.”
That is your instinct, or “intuition.”
As children, we are all deeply intuitive beings. A child will have no problem pushing away a plate of food if it decides it doesn’t like it, and will not be afraid to wail a sea of tears if in any form of discomfort.
However, as we develop throughout childhood and learn to internalize what the actions and words of others mean about us, we learn the game of “self-betrayal;” that is, we learn what we should and shouldn’t do based on the reactions of the adults around us. Therefore, we prioritize some aspects of ourselves and learn to suppress others that we consider “unwanted.” When we undergo treatment with psychedelics, our supressed emotions and memories come to the fore. But it is what we do in the months after treatment that counts, which is why mindfulness practice after ibogaine therapy is key to sustainable integration and recovery.
What You Can Do to Start Becoming Conscious of yourConditioned Habit Self
- Emotional Awareness:
- What patterns or routines in my life feel like “autopilot”?
- How do these routines impact my emotions and relationships?
- What one small action can I take today to step out of autopilot?
- Conscious Choices:
- What values or intentions do I want to bring into my day?
- Reflect on a recent reaction: How could I have responded more consciously?
- Personal Growth:
- What did I learn about myself today?
- What moment today made me feel most connected to the present?
- Emotional Awareness:
Daily Script: Mindful Words Matter
Instructions: Use these scripts daily to reinforce mindfulness and reframe unhelpful thoughts. Copy these into your journal or a word processor on your phone for quick access.- Living in the Present Moment:
- “I pause to notice my breath and feel grounded in this moment. Right now, I am safe.”
- “I don’t need to rush or multitask. I can focus on one thing at a time.”
- Reframing Thought Patterns:
- “This thought is just passing by. I am the observer, not the thought.”
- “I choose to focus on what brings me peace and positivity today.”
- Breaking Autopilot:
- “Every small, intentional choice I make today helps rewrite my story.”
- “It’s okay to step away and reset. I honour my progress.”
- Self-Compassion:
- “It’s valid to feel what I’m feeling. I allow myself space to process with kindness.”
- “I am worthy as I am, even on difficult days.”
Note for You, Dear Readers
- You are not your thoughts or behaviours—you are the observer.
- Be patient and kind to yourself as you navigate this transformative process.
- Embrace small steps; each one is a success.
Small Daily Promise Planner
Instructions: Use the examples below to create and track your daily promises. Copy the template into Microsoft Word to personalise your plan.Examples- Promise: Today, I will take three deep breaths before responding to stressful
situations.
- Gratitude: I am grateful for the opportunity to pause and centre myself.
- Progress: I noticed I paused successfully before responding during a meeting..
- Promise: Today, I will savour my morning tea without distractions.
- Gratitude: I am grateful for the quiet moments I can create for myself.
- Progress: I stayed present and noticed the warmth and flavour of my tea.
Template
- My Promise for Today:
- I am Grateful For:
- I Noticed Progress When:
- I Learned:
The Role of Psychedelics in Supporting Consciousness
Psychedelics such as ibogaine, ayahuasca, and psilocybin are powerful tools in illuminating subconscious patterns. While they shine a light on beliefs and emotions that may no longer serve us, they are not a substitute for the ongoing work of cultivating daily awareness.
Psychedelics can act as catalysts, helping individuals see the need for change, but the actual process of embedding conscious practices into everyday life remains a personal responsibility, highlighting the need for mindfulness practice after ibogaine therapy.
Building Conscious Awareness
- Daily Conscious Check-Ins: Set an alarm as a reminder to pause and reflect. Ask yourself: Where is my attention right now? How does my body feel? What sensations can I notice in my surroundings?
- Engage Your Senses: o Bring your attention to the present moment by noticing what you can see, hear, touch, and smell. For instance, while eating, focus on the texture and flavour of each bite.
- Positive Reframing of Thoughts: o When unhelpful thought patterns arise, remind yourself: "I am the observer of these thoughts, not the thoughts themselves." Replace self-critical narratives with affirmations such as, "I am learning and evolving."
Breaking Free from Autopilot
Much of daily life is dominated by automatic behaviours. To break free, it’s crucial to recognise the moments when you’re operating on autopilot—whether in morning routines or emotional responses—and consciously redirect attention to the present. This awareness creates the space to choose responses that align with your values and aspirations, and speaks directly to the need for sustained mindfulness practice after ibogaine therapy.
Small Daily Promises
Change begins with small, manageable commitments. A “small daily promise” could be as simple as spending one minute breathing deeply or journaling about your emotions. These micro-habits strengthen neural pathways for conscious awareness, fostering long-term transformation.Grounding Practices for Emotional Regulation
If emotional discomfort arises during this process, grounding techniques can provide relief:
- 4-7-8 Breathing: Inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 7 seconds, and exhale for 8 seconds. This calms the nervous system and brings attention to the present.
- Physical Grounding: Take a short walk, focus on your feet against the ground, or
feel the texture of an object in your hand.
Journaling Prompts
- What thought patterns do I notice repeating today? Are they helpful or limiting?
- How did I respond to emotional triggers, and what could I do differently next time?
- What small act of self-compassion can I offer myself today?
Doubts You May Have About the Above Content
- How do I know if I am truly conscious?
Consciousness feels like being fully present and aware of your actions, emotions, and surroundings. If you find yourself disconnected, practising mindfulness exercises such as sensory grounding or conscious breathing can help cultivate presence. - Can I reprogram my subconscious mind?
Yes, through repetition and intentional practices, and engaging actively in mindfulness practice after ibogaine therapy. For example, replacing self-critical thoughts with affirmations or committing to daily mindfulness can gradually reshape subconscious patterns. - What if practicing consciousness feels uncomfortable?
This discomfort often arises because suppressed emotions and patterns surface during mindfulness practices. This is a natural part of the healing process. By staying consistent and using grounding techniques, you can navigate this phase and experience relief over time. - How long does it take to see results from practising consciousness?
This varies for each individual. Consistency is key—begin with small, manageable steps and gradually expand your practice. Over time, as you practice mindfulness practice after ibogaine therapy, you will notice shifts in your emotional regulation, relationships, and decision-making.
Points to Consider when Incorporating Mindfulness After Ibogaine orPsychedelic Therapy
Awakening consciousness is not a destination, but rather, an ongoing journey. By integrating small daily practices, committing to self-reflection, and utilising tools like mindfulness practice after ibogaine therapy and grounding techniques, you can create meaningful change in your life. Psychedelics may illuminate the path, but it is through consistent, conscious action that transformation truly unfolds.