Odyssey - Psilocybin Retreat for End-of-Life Distress

I chose to participate in an Odyssey group retreat after hearing that psilocybin was being used to treat depression, PTSD, and other mental health disorders in clinical trials. I've never had any of those issues (thank goodness), but I've also struggled with constant negative thoughts for my entire life. I wanted to see if psychedelics could help me. After having had this experience, I can say one thing for certain: no one has come close to describing a heroic psychedelic dose accurately in words, at least not one like I had. If you've never had one, you (yes, you) really should do it at least once during your life assuming you don't have a family history of any psychological conditions. No matter what, you will discover something profound about your own mind and emotions, perhaps truths you'll carry for the rest of your life.

I had never had any experience with drugs prior to this retreat, so I wanted to make sure all the details were right - high quality mushrooms, licensed facilitators, science-based methodology, etc. Odyssey absolutely nailed it on all counts. In particular, the facilitators were an absolute godsend. They were both experienced psilocybin users themselves, and they went to great lengths to provide an open, nonjudgemental environment for all of us. I had no idea how crucial this environment would turn out to be for helping everyone through the healing process. They answered all our questions beforehand and carried out long conversations with us after our psilocybin experiences to help us build the tools to make sense of them.

The facilitators were also by our sides for the entire 7+-hour experience (the "journey" as they call it). I honestly have no idea what I would have done without them. My journey was extremely difficult to begin with - losing one's sense of self turns out to be a destabilizing and terrifying event. They helped me through the worst of the fear until I "launched." Had they not been there, I might very well have panicked and hurt myself.

I think trying to describe the specifics of my journey is rather pointless. What I can say is that I experienced a deep, profound truth that all my negative thoughts aren't even wrong; they don't have any place from which to stand in the first place. I've tried to recreate this feeling every day since. I'm more successful some days than others.

I'm now about a month removed from my Odyssey retreat. I have no idea how long my new spiritual and psychological insights will last, but I can say for certain that I am not the same person I was before. Or rather, I am the same person I've always been, I've only just now realized it. I can't recommend Odyssey enough, especially if you've never had a psychedelic experience before. I've lived nearly 3 decades, and the only time I've ever felt truly free from judgement, anxiety, and fear was during the 3 days I spent in Oregon a few weeks ago.

The combination of the caring, experienced staff and the natural beauty of the Oregon ranch location provided the perfect reset button. It feels like a new beginning for me. I arrived feeling like “time was running out” in my life…Halfway through the retreat I felt as if I had nothing but time to savor all the wonderful things life has to offer. Biggest contributor to this for me was the educated facilitators who prepared us for the journey starting at signup and continuing to this day. Since I have been home the communication and support from the staff continues and the love and support amongst our retreat group grows.

This is the first time I have engaged in a psychedelic journey, so was both excited and a little apprehensive going in.

I cannot speak highly enough regarding the skill and compassionate warmth of the staff. Aaron is a wise man and good leader with a heartfelt presence. Caroline exudes grace, laughter, and a level of kindness that is radiant. They are a great team, and complement each other perfectly - yin and yang. Both were fully present and there for me and the other participants, with hugs that I will feel for the rest of my life. I spent less time with JP, but felt the same sense of goodness and warmth emanating from him.

The setting is absolutely gorgeous - which can be tasted from the photos. The ranch is on sacred native American ground, and the energy was palpably reverent, contemplative, and healing.

Ingrid's gourmet cooking was delectable, and sharing meals together as a group felt so wholesome and familial. I can still taste the carrot curry and fresh bread.

Frankly, I can't imagine how this retreat could have been better. It exceeded all expectations, and was such a meaningful growth experience. And I am so glad/grateful to have done this with a group of comrades/fellow travelers/friends. Felt that we were all looking for the same thing, and found it - together.

I came away from the experience with a fresh look at my life. I felt more open, positive, and involved with my surroundings. It helped to renew my feeling of involvement in the world around me. The care of the facilitators was special. They were deeply engaged in the retreat process and brought a great deal of knowledge and experience. They had a great deal of experience and seemed to know how to help. I felt comfortable and at ease during the entire process.

I loved my time with Odyssey. The leadership team and the facilitators were truly unbelievable, caring, professional, and intuitive. Every small detail was taken care of. The psilocybin experience itself was emotive, positive, and therapeutic. Truly a top-class experience.