To truly heal and transform, we must be willing to engage, and take on some heavy lifting.
Ayahuasca doesn't do that for you. But it acts like a lever, allowing you to use your energy more effectively.
It helps you to get the work done now. Now.
The ancient curandismo tradition in the Amazon is alive and well. There are still beautiful, proficient, heartful men and women walking in the path of service, whose dharma is to help you with your healing, with finding and releasing old forms, old patterns of seeing and behaving, old boundaries of belief and wound. We have three times taken groups of people with us to Peru, for 12 days in the
rain forest, working with an indigenous curandero and with plant spirit
medicine. We have always found this medicine to be very powerful. Working in a group together adds a wonderful dimension of support and sharing. And of course, when you want time to yourself that is completely supported.
The marvelous interplay that humans have with Mother Nature, and with the plants in particular, is front and center in our ayahuasca retreat. What is striking is that, like everything in creation, medicine plants each have their own vibration, and when we are open and receptive, with clear intention, those finest-level vibrations come alive in us, and step forward to serve.
Ayahausca is consumed in ceremony in the form of a tea made of 2 or more plants. The synergy of these plants allows DMT to be accessible to our bodies. DMT is referred to as the "Spirit Molecule". It opens us to visionary states.The Ayahausca vine is considered the "mother plant" which assists in physical, emotional and mental healing. Hence the mixture is considered both "doctor" and "teacher".
The medicine is taken in the evening, usually in a round ceremonial building called a maloka. Participants are seated in a great circle, and the ayahuascero begins by setting a space of safety and power, calling in his spirit helpers. One by one the participants rise to receive a small cup of the potent tea.
Several hours later, as the ceremony closes, some choose to remain and sleep in the maloka, and others retire to their own rooms.
Joe and Cvita have done a very nice job with the lodging at Nihue Rao. The traditional-style buildings are well-suited to the mild climate. Beds are comfortable, and the structures are quite mosquito-proof! Showers and toilets are modern and clean.
The schedule gives you plenty of time to take walks, explore the forest, journal,work in the art studio,and enjoy your meals. Simple meals are prepared from fresh ingredients, many grown on-site.
There is room for us to welcome up to 12 people to come with us on this inward expedition. If
there's still a part of you that can believe, or even suspect, that real, substantial
progress is within reach, that a centuries-old technology may be able to
help you to move forward... then we invite you to consider coming along.
“The more apt we are to make the unconscious conscious, the greater the amount of life we integrate.” – Carl G. Jung
March 2013
Saturday, Mar. 2 - Day 1 - Arrive in Iquitos Those not already in Peru will arrange their international flights to Peru either via Lima, Peru or directly to Iquitos. We'll arrange for your transfer from the airport. We will lodge overnight in the city of Iquitos, near the central plaza in the heart of the city. Meals are not included this day. We will gather together for a group dinner at one of our favorite restaurants
Sunday, Mar. 3 -Day 2 - After breakfast at the hotel (included), we will travel to the retreat center - already the adventure begins: We travel for 90 minutes by "motokaro" (small rickshaw-like vehicles) After lunch, we will settle in to our lodging and explore the grounds. Afternoon will include an orientation and diagnostic meeting. Dinner and rest.
Monday, Mar 4 - Day 3 - Breakfast, light lunch, and evening Ayahausca ceremony #1.
Tuesday, Mar 5 - Day 4 - Morning circle meeting with ayahuascero to interpret and expand on ceremony's experience followed by rest and optional programs offered by retreat center. Breakfast, light lunch. Evening Ayahausca ceremony #2
Wednesday, Mar 6 - Day 5 -
morning circle meeting with ayahuascero to interpret and expand on
ceremony's experience followed by rest and optional programs offered by
retreat center. 3 meals.
Thursday, Mar 7 -Day 6 - Breakfast, light lunch, and evening Ayahausca ceremony #3.
Friday, Mar 8 - Day 7 - Morning circle meeting with ayahuascero to interpret and
expand on ceremony's experience followed by rest and optional programs
offered by retreat center. Breakfast, light lunch. Evening Ayahausca ceremony #4
Day 8 (Saturday, Mar 9)
morning circle meeting with ayahuascero to interpret and expand on ceremony's experience followed by rest and optional programs offered by retreat center. 3 meals.
Sunday, Mar 10 - Day 9
- A day of rest and relaxation..breakfast,lunch and dinner
Monday, Mar 11 - Day 10 - Breakfast, light lunch, and evening Ayahausca ceremony #5.
Tuesday, Mar. 12 - Day 11 - Morning circle meeting with ayahuascero to interpret and
expand on ceremony's experience followed by rest and optional programs
offered by retreat center. Breakfast, light lunch. Evening Ayahausca ceremony #6
Wednesday, Mar 13 - Day 12 - morning circle meeting with ayahuascero to interpret and expand on ceremony's experience followed by rest and optional programs offered by retreat center. 3 meals.
Thursday, Mar 14 - Day 13 - breakfast at retreat center then leave for Iquitos city center. Spend the afternoon in Iquitos - lodge in Iquitos. Lunch and dinner not included
Friday, Mar. 15 - Day 14 -Breakfast provided. Return home or continue exploring Peru as you desire.
Fee: $990; includes...
transportation from Iquitos airport to hotel in city center, transportation to and from Iquitos city center and the Retreat Center
lodging in Iquitos day 1 and day 13 - March 2 and March 14
lodging at Retreat Center days 2-12 - March 3- March 13
all ceremonies
meals as noted above
instructions for remitting payment will be given upon registration
not included
transportation to Peru and on to Iquitos
meals not specified above. Please note: dinner is not served and not recommended on ceremony nights.
Passport US citizens need a current passport to travel to Peru. A visa to enter Peru is not required
Precautions
Ayahuasca ( Banisteriopsis caapi ) contains monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) in the form of harmine and harmaline. These susbstances interact with certain medications, notably serotonin selective re-uptake inhibitors or SSRIs. This class of compounds is typically used as antidepressants. The combination of Ayahuasca (MAOIs) and SSRIs can affect seratonin levels. It is important to discontinue medications with SSRIs for 30 days before taking ayahuasca.Consult your medical doctor before using ayahuasca or other MAOI's.
Also discontinue, for at
least 4 days (preferably 7 day) prior to, and following ayahuasca, such
non-prescription medicines as antihistamines, dietary aids,
amphetamines and their derivatives and herbal remedies containing
ephedrine, high levels of caffeine or other stimulants. Consult with
your herbalist regarding compatibility of herbal remedies with
ayahuasca.
Consult with your physician if you are currently taking other medications, to determine whether there may be adverse effects to their combination with ayahuasca. Please do not attend this retreat if you have had a concussion in the past year.
