The Art of Psychedelic Integration: A Deep Dive with Daniel Shankin

Key Takeaways

• • Integration of Psychedelics and Spirituality: Shankin’s philosophy intertwines Eastern philosophies and personal growth through psychedelics, emphasizing that such experiences should be incorporated into everyday life as ongoing practice rather than isolated events.

• • Navigating Uncertainty and Meeting Needs: Embrace the unknown and meet personal needs through small, deliberate actions. This approach supports mental and emotional stability, contrary to making impulsive, large-scale life changes after psychedelic experiences.

• • Comprehensive Coaching and Candidate Selection: Shankin’s coaching program prioritizes practical skills and personal growth, seeking candidates who are committed to self-reflection and development. His approach aims to empower individuals to transform their experiences into lasting personal evolution.

• • Psychedelic Passage: Your Psychedelic Concierge — The easy, legal way to find trustworthy psilocybin guides, facilitators and psychedelic-assisted therapy near you in the United States.

The Genesis of Psychedelic Integration

Daniel Shankin’s journey into the realms of psychedelics and spirituality traces back to a fusion of Eastern philosophies and American counterculture. 

Influenced initially by his mother’s eclectic record collection, which included the rock opera “Hair,” Shankin was captivated by the mystical art and messages that discussed themes of the Vietnam War, mind expansion, and spirituality. 

This familial influence inevitably led him to explore yoga, meditation, and psychedelics, all of which he describes as part of the same lifestyle and ethos of creativity and mysticism.

Psychedelics and Spirituality: Two Sides of the Same Coin

For Shankin, psychedelics and spirituality are inseparable. His practices are steeped in the philosophies of the East and the expansive, often rebellious spirit of modern psychedelic explorers. 

He notes that this exploration is not merely recreational, but a form of personal inquiry and growth that transcends conventional labels. The journey with psychedelics often involves receiving loud, undeniable messages, which Shankin describes as transformative insights that call for life changes like giving up alcohol.

What’s interesting about his journey is that the undeniable messages come to him both when sober and meditating, and while under the influence of psychedelic substances. 

Shankin’s story exemplifies the relationship between psychedelics and spirituality:

“I’d watch X-Files on Sunday night, and then I would go to yoga on Monday morning. I realized the teacher would be giving us instructions on how to direct our mind and to be mindful in watching our breath, and I couldn’t help but notice that I was replaying the X-Files in my head, like it was stuck.

And this is when I realized this is something that everybody who has mindful practices will tell you that what you put in makes an impression on the mind and then the mind has to process it. 

And so I was discovering I’m having to process these very intense images. I was like, so I should either stop doing yoga or I should stop watching the X-Files. So I stopped watching the X-Files. 

And so one day at Phil and friends, Phil was a bass player for the Grateful Dead after Jerry died, this Summer Tour of 2000 was at the Gorge in Washington state. And I was on an unmeasured amount of LSD like you do. 

And I ended up sitting down with some guys that I met and doing shots of whiskey in the middle of the day. And then I walked away and the voice in my head was like, you don’t do that anymore. I was like, that’s never going to make you the person you want to be. And so it has been 24 years since I’ve had a drink.”

— Daniel Shankin

Navigating the Mystery and Chaos

“It’s just a part of human nature to want to be able to know things, to have a sense of familiarity, to have a sense of safety. And then to also say, ‘if I do this, then this happens.’ That’s also a mechanism of trying to tame the unknown. And to me that is the gift and the curse of conditionality” — Jimmy Nguyen

A recurring theme in Shankin’s teachings is embracing the unknown. Drawing from philosophies and real-world metaphors, he emphasizes that the world is inherently chaotic and unknowable, filled with infinite interdependencies that shape our reality. 

In a world brimming with uncertainty, the intersections of life’s mysteries, chaos, and our individual and shared journeys offer profound opportunities for exploration, especially within the realm of psychedelics. The challenge, as Shankin elucidates, is to find the courage to face these uncertainties head-on.

In Buddhist philosophy, the concept of interdependent co-origination captures this essence perfectly: each moment is a culmination of countless preceding causes, stretching back to infinity. This understanding emphasizes a reality that is constantly in flux, necessitating our readiness to adapt and accept.

The Metaphor of the Surfer

Navigating life’s unpredictability can be likened to surfing—a metaphor enriching our understanding of how to engage with personal challenges and psychedelic journeys alike. 

A surfer does not control the ocean; they learn to ride its waves, responding to each twist and turn with balance and flexibility. This metaphor extends to embracing life’s complexity and chaos, recognizing that we often have far less control than we desire.

Resisting this reality by attempting to exert power over the uncontrollable can lead to tension and dissatisfaction. 

Shankin emphasizes the importance of meeting life’s unpredictability with compassion and curiosity rather than resistance and control. By adopting a surfer’s mindset, we enable ourselves to not only navigate but also embrace the flow of experiences, no matter how chaotic.

Finding Stillness Amidst Chaos

For many, the prospect of confronting the unknown can feel daunting. Shankin advocates for practices of stillness, both in everyday life and during psychedelic experiences. 

Whether through sitting quietly with one’s thoughts or engaging in deep meditation, these practices create spaces where chaos can be observed without judgment. 

Shankin’s instruction to sit for 20 minutes in silent darkness illustrates the profound simplicity and challenge of facing oneself without external distractions.

“Sit for 20 minutes in silent darkness. No playlist. Right? And what you’ll find is that people say, ‘I can’t meditate. My mind’s too loud. My mind moves too fast.’ Yeah, exactly right.” 

— Daniel Shankin

In a society overwhelmed by stimuli, sensory deprivation—or simply sitting in silence—can surface uncomfortable truths and feelings that we typically shy away from. 

This practice, inspired by thinkers like Terrence McKenna, allows individuals to engage with their minds meaningfully, uncovering insights that might otherwise remain dormant.

The Cave You Fear to Enter

Drawing on mythological metaphors, Shankin references the “cave” as a symbol of facing one’s deepest fears and undiscovered treasures. 

Much like Luke Skywalker in his pivotal encounter in “Star Wars,” entering the cave of the unknown can often reveal parts of ourselves that we have resisted acknowledging. This process is not about facing external threats but rather about turning inward to confront our own fears, mistakes, and hidden aspects.

Through embracing this journey into the metaphorical cave, individuals can discover profound insights and personal truths. 

By understanding that we have sometimes been the source of our troubles—borrowing a sentiment from “Breaking Bad’s” Walter White—Shankin points to the transformative power of self-awareness and acceptance.

Recognizing this can initially feel intimidating, but it is essential for growth and transformation. This perspective mirrors the unpredictable nature of psychedelic experiences, where the explorer learns to ride the wave of consciousness rather than control it.

Practical Tools for Integration

Integrating psychedelic experiences involves translating epiphanies into daily life changes through mindfulness, meditation, and self-reflection. 

Shankin advocates for consistent practices, such as meditation, to engage with one’s mind, highlighting the significance of sitting with thoughts to understand unprocessed emotions and unmet needs. Through compassion and self-kindness, individuals can reshape their habits and open up to new ways of being.

Supporting the Individual Journey

In the wake of a psychedelic journey, many individuals find themselves in a phase known as the “afterglow,” where insights and revelations abound. Yet, translating these insights into meaningful life changes often presents a challenge. 

Central to this process is the fundamental act of understanding and meeting one’s needs—a deceptively simple yet largely neglected practice in modern society.

Recognizing Our Needs

Jimmy Nguyen emphasizes two pivotal yet frequently overlooked aspects of personal care: recognizing and meeting our own needs, and being genuinely kind and gentle to ourselves. These concepts may sound straightforward, even hokey at first, but in reality, many people struggle deeply with them. 

Taking care of one’s needs could be as simple as drinking water when thirsty, seeking a hug, enjoying some quiet time, or ensuring a regular meal. Yet, the societal tendency is often to overlook these basics, becoming caught up in external demands and distractions.

One of the critical points Daniel Shankin underscores is that many people remain unaware of their needs or fail to recognize their importance. 

Often, individuals haven’t been taught that they are worthy of having their needs met, which can make it challenging to identify and express these needs. 

Shankin, drawing from Marshall Rosenberg’s work on nonviolent communication, illustrates this by highlighting a strategy of creating lists that categorize basic human needs and values, such as connection, acceptance, autonomy, and safety.

Shankin shares that uncovering these needs is transformational for many. People might initially struggle to articulate what they need, but when presented with a structured list, they often have moments of realization that guide their actions and intentions. 

Understanding that unpleasant emotions manifest when needs are unmet allows individuals to retrace their feelings and identify which needs require attention.

Strategizing to Meet Needs: The Power of Small Steps

A common scenario following psychedelic experiences is the urge to make drastic life changes—whether it’s quitting a job, moving to a new city, or joining the circus. 

These impulses often arise from a newfound clarity but lack the groundwork in understanding fundamental needs. In the realm of psychedelic integration, Shankin reiterates that most people do not require massive, sweeping changes to improve their lives. 

Instead, they benefit more from incremental, considered steps that support long-term well-being and emotional stability. By taking the time to understand their emotional states and underlying needs, individuals can set actionable goals that bring them closer to fulfillment.

Shankin’s integrative approach involves guiding individuals back to the root of their desires and helping them strategize effective and sustainable ways to meet these needs without making disruptive life changes.

For instance, if a person desires creativity and novelty, there might be ways to incorporate these elements into their current life rather than overhauling it entirely. 

This could include picking up a creative hobby such as juggling or attending local events that offer a sense of community and novelty, like concerts or festivals.

Such small, deliberate steps ensure that any changes made are not only meaningful but also sustainable, preventing the burnout and upheaval that often come with making too many life-altering decisions too quickly.

The Role of Coaching

Reflecting on his journey, Shankin recounts the early days when psychedelic coaching wasn’t yet a recognized profession. 

Initially a yoga and meditation teacher, Shankin noticed that formal, lasting consciousness work was often fostered through ongoing practice rather than fleeting psychedelic moments. This realization led him to advocate for building upon psychedelic experiences through dedicated coaching.

His coaching journey evolved from running a yoga studio where he trained other instructors to creating integration circles. These spaces allowed participants, whether seasoned psychonauts or newcomers, to share experiences and insights. 

The lack of infrastructure in the psychedelic community at the time propelled him to establish TAM Integration, a platform to formalize structured support in psychedelic coaching.

Creating a Robust Training Program

Recognizing the need for robust training, Shankin developed a year-long coaching container that emphasizes practical skills over theoretical learning alone. 

He critiques some existing programs, like the Oregon guidelines, for focusing excessively on subjects like psychedelic history, which, while fascinating, can be self-taught via books and videos. 

Instead, his program places a heavy emphasis on actionable skills—those that involve engaging clients directly and navigating the complexities of their emotions and needs.

To ensure his coaches are well-prepared, he incorporates 175 hours of contact training, during which participants actively perform coaching tasks such as role-playing scenarios, practicing with actual clients, and receiving detailed feedback. 

This hands-on approach helps coaches develop the patience and listening skills necessary to truly understand and facilitate their clients’ personal growth.

Finding the Right Candidates

Selecting candidates for his coaching program involves identifying individuals who are not only passionate about psychedelic integration but are also committed to their own personal development outside of psychedelic experiences. 

Shankin values applicants who bring with them a background of self-reflection, whether through therapy, community engagement, or self-employment.

These experiences contribute to a holistic understanding of the world and the ability to work autonomously—qualities that Shankin finds are markers of a successful coach. 

He seeks candidates who are not just interested in coaching as a career but are genuinely invested in the personal and spiritual growth of themselves and others.

Interestingly, Shankin acknowledges that some participants join his program not to become professional coaches, but to enhance their personal understanding and skills. 

Such individuals often work in unrelated fields and see psychedelic coaching as a means of personal enrichment—a trend he deeply respects.

Making the Transition from Good to Great

Shankin’s approach defines successful coaching as an art that goes beyond technical knowledge. While foundational skills are crucial, true greatness in coaching comes from the ability to distill complex emotions and needs into clear, actionable strategies that resonate with clients on a deep level.

The transition from good to great involves practicing patience and honing one’s ability to truly listen. Shankin encourages aspiring coaches to master the art of being present during interactions, enabling them to discern nuances in their clients’ narratives. 

The emphasis on repeated practice—much like a musician rehearsing scales or an athlete drilling free throws—ensures that these skills become second nature.

The role of coaching in psychedelic integration is about more than guidance—it’s about empowering individuals to harness their experiences for lasting personal evolution.

Daniel Shankin’s program reflects a commitment to nurturing this empowerment through practical, empathy-driven training that equips coaches not only with skills but with the wisdom to listen, distill, and support authentically. 

In doing so, Shankin opens the door for both professional coaches and personal learners to explore and expand their understanding in a transformative and meaningful way.

Integration: A Full Body (and Mind) Workout

Whether you’re teaching integration, doing the integrating, or a combination of both, as any good facilitator would, let Shankin’s words sink in as you further explore the world of psychedelic integration and spirituality. 

• • The First Step When You’re Scared to Take The First Step: Does the unpredictability of quieting your mind give you the heebie jeebies? Explore 8 ways to ease into spirituality and the psychedelic state of mind without drugs.

• • Recognizing Your Needs: Setting yourself up with a personalized care team for your psychedelic journey is one small step you can take to make sure your needs are met long term. 

• • Prepare for the Chaos that is Life: Similar to everyday life, you can’t control what a psychedelic experience can bring up in your body or mind, but there’s ways to prepare yourself for the unknown.

• • Integration as a Form of Healing: Sometimes after a psychedelic experience you find yourself in need of healing and hashing out all the information it has to offer, so that you can make conscious changes that benefit you.

• • The Forms of Integration: Discover the power of openness and hard work as you read about the different ways you can integrate your psychedelic experience into everyday life. 

• • Becoming a Professional in a Budding Vocation: Being a psychedelic guide doesn’t have to be a full time job, but mastering yourself almost does when you accept this role. 

Client Testimonial:

“I did this because I wanted to quit smoking. Well, I haven’t had a cigarette since my journey and can’t be more pleased. I don’t know how it works, but it did. I still get urges, some very strong, but still managing to fend them off. 

I feel like I should maybe do another journey to possibly submit the not smoking in my head, but I need the courage to do it on my own. I will get there though. I was fortunate enough to get a sponsor and I’m so grateful for that. Otherwise, I most likely would have never been able to do this. 

The way that the program’s set up and the available material and advice and podcasts all listed on your website are so helpful. I am recommending your site to everyone that I feel will benefit from your program. Thank you.” — Psychedelic Passage Client

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What inspired Daniel Shankin’s journey into psychedelic integration and spirituality?

Daniel Shankin was initially influenced by his mother’s eclectic record collection, which included mystically themed works like the rock opera “Hair.” He started yoga because of his grandmother’s habit of doing it. 

These familial influences led him to explore meditation, and psychedelics, viewing them as interconnected elements of a lifestyle centered around creativity and mysticism.

Through the interconnectedness of yoga, meditation and spirituality, his interests grew to eventually encapsulate psychedelic experiences as well.

2. How does Shankin view the relationship between psychedelics and spirituality?

For Shankin, psychedelics and spirituality are inseparable, acting as tools for personal inquiry and growth. His approach transcends labels such as recreational use or therapeutic use, instead focusing on transformative insights that often lead to significant life changes, such as abstaining from alcohol.

3. What practical tools does Shankin advocate for integrating psychedelic experiences?

Shankin promotes the use of mindfulness, meditation, and self-reflection to integrate the insights gained from psychedelics into daily life. 

He emphasizes the importance of consistently engaging with one’s mind to understand deeply rooted emotions and needs, facilitating change through compassion and self-kindness.

4. Why is it important to embrace uncertainty and chaos, according to Shankin?

Shankin believes that the inherent chaos and interdependencies of the world offer profound opportunities for exploration.

Embracing these uncertainties with compassion and curiosity, rather than resistance, allows individuals to navigate life’s complexities and the unpredictable nature of psychedelic journeys more effectively.

5. What qualities does Shankin look for in candidates for his psychedelic coaching program?

Shankin seeks candidates who are passionate about personal and spiritual growth, have a background in self-reflection or community involvement, and understand the holistic nature of personal development. He values those with experience in working autonomously and those interested in personal enrichment, whether or not they aim to become professional coaches.

References

Nonviolent Communication by Marshall B. Rosenberg Analysis and Summary. (2021, April 5). 

StoryShots. https://www.getstoryshots.com/books/nonviolent-communication-summary/

Oregon Health Authority : Oregon Psilocybin Services : Prevention and Wellness : State of 

Oregon. (2016). Oregon.gov; Oregon Psilocybin Services : Oregon Health Authority. 

https://www.oregon.gov/oha/ph/preventionwellness/pages/oregon-psilocybin-services.aspx?utm_source=OHA&utm_medium=egov_redirect&utm_campaign=https://www.oregon.gov/psilocybin#:~:text=The%20Oregon%20Psilocybin%20Services%20Section