Monterey Bay Psychedelic Society

# Monterey Bay Psychedelic Society

## Set, Setting & Intention

### Creating the Conditions for a Meaningful Experience

What we bring into an experience—and the environment we enter it in—can profoundly shape what unfolds in any experience.

Join the Monterey Bay Psychedelic Society for an evening around the fire at Carmel Beach as we explore set, setting, intention, and preparation—some of the foundational considerations surrounding psychedelic experiences.
Whether you're completely new to psychedelics, experienced, or simply curious about the science and conversation, you're welcome here. Bring a friend!
This is currently a free community event. • 21+

## What We'll Explore

INTENTION — Why do I want this?
What draws someone toward an experience? We'll explore the difference between having an intention and having an expectation—and why leaving room for the unexpected matters.

SET — What is my mindset and how does this affect my ?
"Set" refers to mindset: our emotional state, expectations, beliefs, stress, relationships, physical well-being, and what's happening in our lives. We'll look at the different layers that can influence mindset, including sleep, nutrition, mental health, and preparation.

SETTING — Where am I?
Physical surroundings matter—but setting also includes the people around us, privacy, comfort, music, nature, distractions, responsibilities, and whether an environment actually supports the intention.

PREPARATION & HARM REDUCTION
We'll touch on broader considerations such as personal readiness, physical and mental health, substance-specific differences, contraindications, support, and integration—without trying to cover every subject in one evening.
Think of this gathering as a map of the territory. Future meetings can take us deeper into individual topics.

## What to Expect

We'll gather around a fire at Carmel Beach for a relaxed educational conversation about set, setting, and intention, with opportunities to ask questions, share perspectives, and learn from the knowledge and experiences within the group.
You don't need psychedelic experience to participate. Curiosity is enough.
Sharing is always an invitation—not a requirement.
Feeling adventurous? There will also be an optional ocean dip for anyone who feels called to challenge themselves. Completely optional—staying warm beside the fire is also in invitation to have some self love and care. 😄

## What to Bring

• A blanket and/or something comfortable to sit on
• Warm clothes and layers
• A warm hat—we're at the beach!
• Water
• Your curiosity
• A friend!
Carmel Beach can get chilly, even around a fire, so come prepared to stay cozy.
(and swim suit- we will be going in at the end of the meeting so as to be able to jump in a warm car after the experiance)

## Community Agreements

• Speak from your own experience—use "I" statements.
• One conversation at a time—no cross-talk.
• Judgment-free space. We don't judge use, non-use, experience, or where someone is on their journey.
• Curiosity over correction. Seek to understand before trying to change someone's perspective.
• Ask permission before commenting on someone's personal share.
• Listen from the heart. Speak from the heart.
• Confidentiality matters—share ideas and lessons, not people's names or personal stories.
• Phones on silent or Airplane Mode whenever possible.
• No buying, selling, trading, sourcing, or soliciting substances.

## About the Monterey Bay Psychedelic Society

The Monterey Bay Psychedelic Society is a community dedicated to fostering thoughtful conversations around psychedelics, consciousness, mental health, personal growth, science, and the nature of the human experience.
Through educational gatherings, community discussions, nature walks, guest speakers, and shared experiences, we create a welcoming space to get curious, ask honest questions, exchange ideas, and learn from one another.
Our work is rooted in education, harm reduction, responsible practices, scientific inquiry, curiosity, and meaningful human connection.
We do not provide or sell illegal substances and ask all participants to respect applicable laws.
Come curious. Bring a friend. Leave with more to explore.