Why non-intervention can be an advanced support skill for psychedelic journeys
There was a phrase I learned during my years working with the Black Rock Rangers at Burning Man: “First, do nothing.” Before rushing toward a problem, observe. Orient. Make sure your attempt to help isn’t about to create another problem.
My early days of psychedelic support involved an approach of over-communicating, intervening too-often and too-soon, and wanting to save the day by making everything better for an individual clearly suffering in their inner (and sometimes outer) landscape.
I’m not saying that this approach always makes things worse, but it is not guaranteed to make things better. Ask yourself: how many times has the phrase “Calm Down” ever provided calming and de-escalation to anyone, including yourself?
It took me years to deliver the simple – but not always easy to embody – philosophy of the Zendo Project:
- Safe Space
- Sit, Rather than Guide
- Talk Through, Rather than Down
- Difficult is not necessarily Bad
Remember your last difficult experience – in sobriety or on a substance, and recall whether you think having one (or many) people in your face constantly asking you, “what’s wrong?” or “anything I can get for you?” – actually provided support.
Imagine what the ideal support looks like in your life when you’re truly under-resourced and spun out. Is it a calm presence simply standing-by, observing, caring and stewarding the situation? Or is it a calming hand on your shoulder, a knowing look, and the perfect timing of getting up to intervene when another wants to help?
Not only does your situation dictate what support actually looks like, but it can change from moment to moment in crisis work. Sometimes the best support is containing the outside influences: folks trying to capture video of potential viral social media content, prying eyes, and individuals who perceive themselves as being helpful by asking a barrage of questions and providing solutions that are not helpful to anyone.