If you are considering taking magic truffles, you may have heard of the concept of a “trip sitter.” This is not just someone who sits next to you during your trip—it is someone who plays a crucial role in guiding and safeguarding your experience. Especially if you are taking 15 grams (or more) of magic truffles for the first time, a trip sitter can make the difference between a calm, safe journey and an overwhelming or frightening experience.
What Does a Trip Sitter Do?
A trip sitter is essentially a sober person who stays with you while you go through your psychedelic experience. Their main role is to provide a sense of safety and reassurance if the experience becomes intense. They are not there to tell you what to do or how to feel but rather to be present in the background and ensure that everything goes smoothly.
You can compare it to someone holding your hand as you jump into deep water for the first time. The trip sitter sits on the edge of the pool, watching as you navigate your experience, ready to step in if needed but generally just observing and available.
Why Is a Trip Sitter Important?
Psychedelic substances like psilocybin can take you to unprecedented mental and emotional states. For most people, this is fascinating and enriching, but sometimes unexpected thoughts or emotions arise that can be confusing or even frightening. During a trip, you may lose some sense of reality, which can be unsettling, especially if you do not know what to expect.
A trip sitter can help you stay calm if you start to feel overwhelmed simply by being there and reassuring you that everything is okay. They can remind you that the effects are temporary and that you will be “back” in a few hours. This can be enough to turn an anxious moment into something more positive.
What Should a Trip Sitter Do?
A good trip sitter knows how to be present without taking over. Here are a few important things a trip sitter can do:
- Project calmness and stability: It is crucial for a trip sitter to have a calm energy. Their mere presence can be a source of stability for someone under the influence of psilocybin. Speak in a soothing, reassuring voice and avoid sudden movements or loud noises.
- Reassure without judging: If the person taking truffles becomes anxious or stuck in a negative thought loop, remind them that this is just a phase of the trip and that it will pass. Simple phrases like “You are safe,” “It’s okay,” and “This will pass” can be very helpful.
- Offer practical assistance: The person may need a drink of water, a blanket, or to move to another room. A good trip sitter helps with these small practical matters without making the tripper feel burdensome.
- Keep an eye on safety: Sometimes, people feel an urge to do impulsive things during a trip, such as going outside or engaging in physical activities that would be safe in a normal state but could be riskier under the influence of truffles. A trip sitter can gently encourage staying in a safe space or simply stay close to ensure nothing goes wrong.
What Should a Trip Sitter Avoid?
While it may be tempting to guide someone through their experience with advice and conversation, a trip sitter should avoid over-involvement. Here are a few things a trip sitter should not do:
- Do not judge or control the trip: A trip sitter’s job is not to steer the experience or evaluate what the tripper is saying or feeling. People under the influence of psilocybin may say strange or illogical things—this is normal. It is best not to judge or try to “fix” the experience but rather let it unfold naturally.
- Do not start complex conversations: A trip sitter should avoid engaging in deep, intellectual discussions or overwhelming the tripper with too much information. Even simple thoughts can feel intense during a psychedelic experience, and too many words can be confusing.
- Do not push activities: Sometimes, the tripper just wants to sit in silence or even close their eyes for a while. Do not force activities like walking, talking, or listening to music. Let the tripper decide what they need.
Who Is a Good Trip Sitter?
Not everyone is suited to be a trip sitter. The person should be trustworthy, able to remain calm in stressful situations, and willing to be fully present without participating in the experience. Here are some key qualities of a good trip sitter:
- Patience and empathy: The trip sitter should understand the tripper’s emotions and respond with compassion, without rushing or becoming frustrated.
- Stay completely sober: This may seem obvious, but a trip sitter must remain completely sober to ensure the tripper’s safety.
- Trust and comfort: The tripper should feel completely at ease with the trip sitter. They should be able to talk openly and honestly about their thoughts and feelings without fear of being judged.
How a Trip Sitter Can Enhance the Experience
A good trip sitter ensures that your psilocybin experience is not only safe but also deeper and more meaningful. Knowing that someone is there to look out for you allows you to fully surrender to the experience. This can lead to profound insights and a sense of freedom, knowing that you are in safe hands.
In short, a trip sitter is not just someone who is physically present—they are someone who creates a space for a safe, supportive experience. They can help you navigate challenging moments and ensure that you look back on your trip with a positive feeling. If you are planning to use truffles for the first time or take a high dose such as 15 grams, having a good trip sitter is your best ally.