The 6 Continuums of Integration Activities and Practices

The Synthesized Model of Integration proposed by Bathje, Majeski, & Kudowor (2022) attempts to bring together ideas found in a variety of integration models, definitions, and activities. In doing so, it makes use of 6 domains and 6 continuums.

These continuums of integration are:

1. Contemplative-Expressive
2. Internal-External
3. Creative-Receptive
4. Conscious-Unconscious
5. Self Care-Self Challenging
6. Active-Passive

By choosing integration practices that reflect our intentions, our preferences, and our needs, we can guide ourselves to a holistic and balanced approach to integrating after psychedelic experiences. Each of these continuums pairs well with one or more of the domains of integration in the model, and the same activity could fall on an end or in the middle of one or more of these continuums. Specific integration activities can relate to more than one continuum. For example, a walking meditation in nature might be thought of as Contemplative, Active, and occurring in a middle space in the Internal-External continuum.

Contemplative-Expressive

Activities on this continuum can involve considering our thoughts and feelings and/or expressing them. They can occur in isolation or with a group. Meditation is on this continuum. So is ecstatic dance.

Internal-External

When we work with this continuum, we can turn inwards. Or, we can move our attention to the world around us. Journaling relates to this continuum. So does sharing your experience with a trusted friend, community group, or guide.

Creative-Receptive

Integration practices on this continuum can be very powerful. Many psychonauts have been inspired to produce art or felt as if they received deep insight through mystical experiences. Be careful of taking “received” messages literally. Drawing or even scribbling is an example of activity on the Creative-Receptive continuum. So is a simple reflection on any changes in feelings or perception that you experienced during your trip.

Conscious-Unconscious

Work on this continuum might be considered to blend almost by definition. As we integrate, we can reshape unconsciously held limiting beliefs. Or we can choose to make changes in our habits and routines. Creating a new bedtime routine might fall into this continuum as might pulling some tarot cards and thinking about how their symbolism and archetypes relate to our experience.

Self Care - Self Challenging

It’s thankfully not uncommon anymore to hear people talk about self-care in social spaces. Psychedelic experiences and integration can both be wonderful spaces for self-care, andthey often involve an element of challenge. Self challenge is an important part of growth, and it is important not to pathologize difficulties. Be willing to go deeper with yourself and your obstacles. And if you need support, ask. For many, even learning to ask for such help as a process of integration can be a crucial opportunity to challenge past behavior.

Active-Passive

This continuum reminds us that sense-making can occur through both action and rest. Playing a favorite sport or spending time with a hobby can be an active part of integration. Meditation could be considered more passive. And then there are all the activities in the beautiful middle like journaling, scribbling, and so much more.

In much the same way that psychedelic experiences themselves can challenge or support us, focus us inside ourselves or on the world around us, inspire us to create, or ask us to listen, integration may, and perhaps should, span these continuums. There are many different ways to integrate, and there is no perfect, “right” way.

As you approach each integration experience, you get to make intentional choices about what to focus on and how to approach your practices. And yet, integration will also happen in areas like the unconscious or in response to things that happen around you and are beyond your control. If you need support as you integrate, check out resources like The Fireside Project, join a community circle, or find a trained therapist or integration specialist.

If you want help making an integration plan that addresses many points along these 6 continuums, check out the MAPS integration guide.