Integration & Follow-up

Once your experience of a teaching or ceremony is complete, the next phase of the journey begins. TJU-EPU strongly encourages its participants to consider the importance of integration as this part of the journey can go unnoticed if we don’t pay attention. It is most beneficial to recognize this part of the ceremony before one begins, and include it in your preparations and planning. Asking questions, such as:

“What will I need to do, or prepare in advance to integrate my experience?”

“How might I be different after this experience?” “What will that require for me to integrate? “How can I organize my life to receive the blessings from the ceremony?”

Often after a ceremony our life will change, Things may fall into or out of place. It is good to simply notice. Do your best not to engage or think a lot about what happened or what to do, rather allow yourself to observe what is happening. Recognize that all that is occurring may be related to what you prayed for. Contemplate this.

Integration is something that happens over time. As with all things precious and sacred, we must be attentive to what is required for the preserving and blossoming of what has happened. Usually what is received from a ceremony occurs on many levels; physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. It is valuable to contemplate how you integrate on these different levels. Possibly you might like to dance, do art, cry, laugh, journal, be silent, share, create an altar, reconnect with a spiritual practice that supports you to stay connected to Source. Be gentle and patient with yourself. Take good care of yourself: eat well, drink water, take-baths and walks in nature. Honor that others in your life may not understand your experience and it is still real and valid.

Staying Connected to Nature & Others

It is special and helpful to stay in touch with others that were at the ceremony with you. Having a shared experience is useful in remembering and integrating what happened. Often, over time different aspects of what happened are recognized and understood. Ceremonies can create new connections with the elements, the Earth and Spirit. These connections will need to be developed and cared for like any other relationship, new or renewed. Contemplating: “How do I want to stay connected to this experience?” “How can I share this and bring it more fully into my daily life?” You may not have answers to these questions right away but it is important to keep asking, intending and allowing the response to come.

Remembering Your Intention

Remember your intention for participating in the ceremony. Reflect on what happened during the ceremony or teaching. Watch for the ways your prayers have been answered. Stay in gratitude. It can be very insightful to have a divination or private session after a ceremony. This time can serve to clarify your experience, as well as be a great source of integration.

General Recommendations

One general recommendation is to have time to go slow afterward. Whenever possible do not schedule anything to happen right after a ceremony. Leave time and space for the unexpected, for Spirit to answer you powerfully. Have a journal, water and a snack, if needed, so you can be relaxed and be nourished during and after the ceremony.

Most ceremonies serve to connect us to nature and the powerful forces of life. Simple ways to stay committed to this are: Notice the life around you. Spend time in nature being quiet and allowing the silence to enter your heart and mind. Drink in fully your experience, and let it inform you in new ways. Actions such as giving thanks to the water while taking a shower can open pathways of love and gratitude that can flow out into all areas of your life.

Another powerful way to support your integration is to share the gifts you received with others. This could be your insights, your gratitude, a token of appreciation, your love, your awareness of nature, etc. Notice what you have to give and give it fully.