Self-reflection is the most important aspect of the MSI practice. It involves cultivating stillness, connecting with your body and spirit, and returning to your intentions, wisdom, and gratitude. This sacred time is dedicated to learning from your beloved plant teacher and embracing their teachings. It requires attuning your listening with all your senses and your emotional body.

Designate a physical space that will be your place of practice. In this space, you're encouraged to create an altar where you can access spiritual and energetic support and keep your prayers and intentions alive. Bring representations of your spiritual support and your intentions for this sacred time.

Take time to connect with the wider web of life. Connect with the elements and assess their presence within your body. Find a place in Nature, honor it, and acknowledge the nature spirits, requesting their support and guidance during this MSI period, as they will be a critical part of your support system. This is a place you will visit repeatedly to connect with your intentions and your plant.

Even with a full life, it is still possible to do a Medicine Spirit Initiation. Through careful assessment, we help you identify areas in your life that offer an opportunity to pause and temporarily retreat. This is a time to give yourself permission to step back from social engagements. You may ask your closest loved ones to hold space for you and keep you in their thoughts and prayers as you journey through this self-reflective, initiatory experience.

Arguably one of the more challenging aspects of this modern technological era is pausing the consumption of information. This includes not only TV and the internet but also books, magazines, newspapers, radio, and podcasts. Even listening to music with lyrics is not recommended. Pausing the intake of external narratives allows us to delve deeply into ourselves, granting greater access to our inner wisdom, while aiming to cultivate environments of peace and quietude.

During an MSI, it’s best to avoid crowds, loud places, busy environments, artificial or strong natural fragrances, scented soaps, chemicals, and exposure to strong sunlight. You will likely find yourself significantly more sensitive to other people’s energy as well. Sexual abstinence is highly recommended during this temporary experience. It is essential to protect your sacred field to the best of your ability.

Simplify, lighten, and detox. By consuming gentle flavors and neutral foods that don’t require much energy to digest, we give our bodies a much-needed break and the opportunity to heal, allowing the medicine teacher to have more space and access to us. For the first eight days, it is crucial to prepare your body for this deep work with a cleanse.