Ayahuasca as a triple phenomenon: Environmental Factor
The environmental factor refers to factors external to the individual capable of influencing the experience: 1. the place where the brew is served; 2. the atmosphere from the cultural, spiritual and emotional standpoint; 3. how the individual is being attended to; 4. the number of people involved; and 5. the type of leadership — are some of the factors to consider for the proper analysis of the results.
Normally the individual becomes impressionable under the effects of a substance like Ayahuasca, a state arising from the aforementioned perceptual magnification. This effect, coupled with the increase in perspicacity (metaphorical capacity and ability to generate creative psycho-associations), feeds the noetic and imaginary side of the experience. This impressionability does not mean that the ayahuasquero is more easily susceptible to influences than the common person, or than the faithful of mass religions: the degree of credulity, naivety, or skepticism (see note) of an individual reflects cognitive, philosophical options, as well as profound and stable personality traits, even inherent, which will not be overflowed by the 'force and influence' of the brew. On the contrary, these profound contents of the individual, including basic tendencies such as credulity or skepticism, determine the way of giving meaning to the experience.
The vision, type and quality of the belief system pertinent to the social environment in which the ritual will occur, as well as the leadership and dynamics of the works, are factors capable of influencing the harmony and tranquility of the experience; having a good description of the environment in which one will partake of the potion is an important factor. A non-interventionist and tranquil leadership favors the study and access to personal contents, the examination and integration of one's own trajectory, the finding of one's own paths and concepts. A facilitator will need to be patient, empathetic, familiar with the processes of the experience; he can be very effective by knowing how to reflect the essential points, asking questions, making apparently casual observations. Chants, music, attitudes and even direct, well-dosed orientations can be important to facilitate a smooth and rich experience. The ayahuasquero will discover that sharing possible difficulties with receptive and understanding companions can generate clarity and comfort. The best guide is one's own consciousness, and this internal and singular process should not be interfered with except when requested.
Inspirational and holistic rituals, natural environments, spontaneous and creative activities, allow the focus of attention toward interesting psychic regions. The contents themselves, together with the configuration of the environment, the quality of the brew, the personal intention and that of the group, configure a singular process, a 'gestalt', a 'greater being', the very 'transpersonal self' of the experience. To recognize and be certain of being in tune and harmony with the phenomenon generated by the event is the key to a successful experience.
(Note) Skepticism: an attitude or doctrine according to which the human being cannot reach any indubitable knowledge, whether in the domains of general truths or in any specific domain of knowledge.