Ayahuasca Intention: How to find your heart-centered intention for your profound Ayahuasca ceremony
The Importance of Ayahuasca Intention Before drinking Ayahuasca, it’s important to think about why you want to drink Ayahuasca. Having a clear intention can help you stay focused and centered during the journey, especially in case it gets difficult. Take some time to reflect on your goals and wishes of your soul, so you have a guiding force to rely on when working with Ayahuasca. Ayahuasca intention setting is when you decide what you want to achieve during a ceremony. This helps you to receive healing on a specific (or broad) topic and can involve things like gaining clarity on a problem, connecting with a higher power, forgiving somebody or growing personally. By setting clear intentions, you can guide your experience and give it purpose. But why are intentions so important? Well, without clear intentions, your experience with the medication may lack direction or meaning. On the other hand, when you set specific intentions, you give yourself something to focus on during the ceremony. This can help you stay grounded and present even when things get tough. I always remember the word Taita Miguel shared: “The clearer your intention, the clearer the messages in your Ayahuasca ceremony” – Taita Miguel So let’s answer the question on how to set a powerful intention for your ceremony Key takeaways: Ayahuasca is a powerful medicine that can have a profound impact on your life. It is not something you do for recreative purposes. Therefore, it is important that there is a deeper reason why you drink Ayahuasca, your intention. You can have a specific intention for Ayahuasca when there is an area of life where you want to focus on, or that is in disharmony. When there are multiple things in your life that require your attention it is good to go with an open intention like “healing” or “growth”. An intention is different to an expectation. You set your intention in what you want to dive deeper but you are open for the Ayahuasca to take you in different directions. Maybe your intention will develop differently than anticipated and be open to that. Do not restrict the experience. Table of Contents Setting Ayahuasca Intention: Examples and Tips Questions to find your Ayahuasca Intention To discover your intention for an ayahuasca ceremony, there are several questions you can ask yourself: What is the wish of your soul? What do you want to let go of? What unresolved issue are you carrying with you? What keeps you up at night? Who/what is triggering you? What area of your life do you want to tidy up? With whom or what do you want to make peace? What do you feel like you need? What would you tell your 8-year-old self? What do you wish for yourself in 5/10 years? What feelings/situations are you running away from? As what kind of person do I want to show up as in my work/friendships/romantic relationships? And what’s holding me back? Asking these questions before an Ayahuasca retreat can help uncover areas of your life that need attention. It can also help you gain clarity on what you want to achieve in your life. If you prefer to watch a video on this topic you are more than welcome to: Additional questions to ask yourself for setting your intention for your Ayahuasca ceremony Reflect on your current state: Take some time to sit quietly and reflect on what’s going on in your life right now. What challenges are you facing? What emotions are present? What areas of your life do you want to improve by taking steps towards change? How does your environment affect your beliefs? Identify your goals: Based on your beliefs and reflection, identify specific goal(s) that you want to work on during the ceremony. Consider how these goals can contribute to positive change in yourself and your environment, taking into account your personal values and priorities. Write down your intentions: Once you have identified your beliefs and goals, write them down in a clear and concise statement using positive language. For example: “I intend to release my limiting beliefs about abundance,” “I intend to connect with my inner child and transform my negative self-talk beliefs,” “I intend to heal my relationship with my mother by releasing old beliefs that no longer serve me.” Repeat your intentions and beliefs: Before drinking ayahuasca, take some time to repeat your intentions and beliefs silently. Visualize yourself achieving them and feel the emotions associated with their fulfillment. Is Your Intention Coming from the Heart? One of the most important questions to ask yourself when setting an intention for an ayahuasca ceremony is whether it’s coming from the heart. Your intention should be something that resonates with you on a deep level and feels authentic. If your intention is head-centered, it may not be as effective. Take some time to reflect on your intention and make sure it’s aligned with your true self. Examples for an intention for your Ayahuasca ceremony: Feeling love Feeling worthy Becoming more compassionate healing the relationship with somebody Forgiving somebody (or oneself) processing a strong emotional event in our life Leave behind mental health struggles break through an internal barrier Seeing one’s blind spots become more courageous / overcome fear Understanding oneself better Gaining clarity Connecting with one’s intuition Personal growth And many more Hearing the “Call of Ayahuasca” There’s a certain inexplicable whisper that resonates within your soul, often referred to as the ‘call’ for Ayahuasca. It’s difficult to articulate. This call doesn’t stem from logic or reason; it feels more like an innate yearning, an intangible thread pulling you towards a journey of profound self-discovery. It could be a wish for healing, or something that keeps pointing you towards Ayahuasca and you cannot explain it. But something in you tells you there is something to take a deeper look at. It may seem daunting, maybe even irrational to some, but this spiritual call can be a potent compass guiding your way. This quiet but persistent whisper is your intuition, your inner
Are you afraid to drink Ayahuasca? Confronting the fear of the unknown
Ayahuasca is one of the most powerful plant medicines in the world, and understandably, many people who consider trying it ask themselves, “Am I really ready for this?” or “I am afraid of this experience.” To answer this question, let’s take a closer look at Ayahuasca and the fears surrounding it. Key takeaways: Ayahuasca’s reputation of having to face your deepest fears, confront your darkest trauma etc. has people understandably afraid of Ayahuasca. However, the nature of Ayahuasca is a lot more loving that people give her credit for. In the end the healing always comes through the love, light, understanding, compassion, acceptance and forgiveness, which is also the path of Ayahuasca It takes a lot of courage to look within. Ask yourself honestly how long you hae been struggling with whatever you are facing at the moment, how well your methods of dealing with it have worked, how much longer you are willing to stay in that situation and if you are ready to change. Table of Contents The Personal Decision: Is Ayahuasca Right for You? It’s vital to recognize that Ayahuasca isn’t the right choice for everyone. While some individuals may be drawn to the plant medicine’s potential for healing and self-discovery, others might instinctively feel that it’s not suited for them. In the end, the decision to embark on an Ayahuasca journey is a deeply personal one, and each person must carefully weigh the pros and cons before making that choice. To be clear, the intention here is not to persuade or dissuade anyone from trying Ayahuasca. For every reason not to drink the brew, there may be a compelling counter-argument as to why it might be beneficial. Ultimately, it’s up to each individual to determine whether this powerful experience aligns with their personal path and objectives. There are those who, upon hearing about Ayahuasca, quickly and decisively determine that it’s not for them. They may have no desire to engage in such an intense, introspective experience, and their decision is evident. It’s essential to respect these individuals’ choices and understand that plant medicine isn’t the only means of personal growth and healing. However, there are also those who find themselves on the fence, intrigued by the possibilities but apprehensive about the unknown. This group may be grappling with mixed emotions: part of them yearns to explore the healing potential of Ayahuasca, while another part fears the unknown, worrying about potential adverse reactions or discomfort. It’s for these individuals that a thoughtful consideration of the pros and cons becomes especially crucial. Ayahuasca’s Reputation generally scares people Ayahuasca has gained a reputation for making people face their deepest and darkest fears, confront their inner demons, and relive their most traumatic memories. Some stories even describe it as an intense journey to hell and back, with a myriad of terrifying experiences and visions. Of course, one would naturally be afraid of an experience like this. But we have to take into consideration that these stories are the ones that go viral on the internet, creating an overwhelming impression of the Ayahuasca experience as solely fear-inducing and nightmarish. However, it’s essential to recognize that the healing power of Ayahuasca comes from a diverse range of experiences, not just the dramatic and terrifying ones. In the end, healing always comes through love, light, understanding, compassion, and forgiveness. And this is also the way of Ayahuasca. Only these aspects of Ayahuasca do not garner as many views, but they are so much more common than the terrifying ones. In many cases, the healing we seek comes not from a swift kick in the back, forcing us to confront our fears, but from the gentle embrace of love and understanding that Ayahuasca can provide. This nurturing aspect of plant medicine is often overlooked, as sensationalized stories of fear and terror take center stage. It’s important to remember that watching these fear-based stories can impact our subconscious, potentially shaping our own Ayahuasca experiences and perpetuating a cycle of fear. Ayahuasca: The Master Plant’s Deep Intelligence and Guidance Ayahuasca, often referred to as the master plan, possesses deep intelligence that seems to understand us better than we understand ourselves. It provides us with what we need and can handle. Sometimes offering a harsh look in the mirror of our lives. Yet, this introspective journey is often precisely what we require for growth and healing. By trusting in Ayahuasca’s inherent wisdom, we can embark on a journey guided gently and effectively by the plant’s profound insight. The master plan’s ability to tailor the experience to our individual needs and readiness is nothing short of remarkable. For instance, a friend who has been working with Ayahuasca for about five years only began processing the memory of childhood sexual abuse in the fourth or fifth year of his journey. This crucial aspect of his healing didn’t surface earlier because he most likely wasn’t prepared to face it at that point in his journey. Similarly, if I had some of the intense / difficult ceremonies that I experienced later in my Ayahuasca journey in the very beginning, it would have possibly stopped my journey with Ayahuasca. As we progress in our personal journeys with Ayahuasca, the plant seems to know what we’re ready for. Ayahuasca’s deeper intelligence allows it to guide us through our healing process with a remarkable level of care and understanding. By trusting in this wisdom and setting intentions for a gentle experience, we often find that the plant medicine responds accordingly, providing us with the right balance of challenge and nurturing that we need for growth and transformation. In conclusion, embracing the deep intelligence of Ayahuasca as the master plan helps us navigate our journey with trust and confidence. By understanding that the plant knows what we need and can handle, we can open ourselves up to the powerful, transformative experiences that it has to offer. Also, it is important that you prepare for your Ayahuasca ceremony. I wrote a blog specifically
Ayahuasca and Depression: Can this really be the solution?
Introduction: Depression is one of the most debilitating diseases in our society, affecting millions of people worldwide, with more than an estimated 21 million adults in the US having experienced at least one major depressive episode. Traditional Western medicine primarily treats it with antidepressants, which may alleviate symptoms but often fail to address the underlying issues that give rise to depression. This approach can lead to a numbing of emotions and a sense of disconnection from the self, perpetuating the cycle of suffering. In your search for alternative treatments, you may have stumbled upon Ayahuasca and wondered if it could help you conquer depression. In this article, we will explore the potential of Ayahuasca for healing depression and how it differs from conventional treatments. Let’s dive into the world of Ayahuasca and its potential for healing. Key takeaways: Ayahuasca can help you deliver an emotional impact which can get you out of the rut that you are in. There is a reason why you are depressed and Ayahuasca can show you the root cause of your depression. It will be up to you to start doing your homework to improve on the things that are causing your depression. Table of Contents https://youtu.be/RKTiH_nzdkQ The way Ayahuasca works Ayahuasca works in a fundamentally different way than Western medicine. Instead of numbing and suppressing emotions, it brings them to the surface, offering a deep and reflective look into one’s life. This profound self-examination can reveal the roots of your suffering and provide insights into areas where you may be struggling, such as unresolved traumas, negative thought patterns, or harmful relationships. The healing potential of Ayahuasca has helped many people overcome depression, addiction, and trauma by facilitating deep psychological and emotional cleansing. This powerful plant medicine can offer transformative experiences and lasting change as it encourages self-awareness, personal growth, and spiritual awakening. Also, it is important that you prepare for your Ayahuasca ceremony. Find out more about it in this blog: Ayahuasca Preparation: How to prepare for your Ayahuasca ceremony But I want to slow down a bit. It cannot be this easy to just drink Ayahuasca and overcome depression. You may have heard incredible stories of people whose lives were transformed by Ayahuasca and wonder if there is a catch. Is it as simple as attending an Ayahuasca retreat and having your depression vanish? While Ayahuasca can be a catalyst for change, the journey is often more complex. Healing from depression and achieving lasting change requires dedication, self-exploration, and a commitment to personal growth. Ayahuasca is not a magic pill, and it is essential to approach the experience with realistic expectations. The plant medicine may provide profound insights, but it is up to you to integrate these insights into your daily life and make the necessary changes to overcome depression. Let’s look at the video of a participant who came to drink Ayahuasca with us who was suffering from depression: In this video, Andrew shares his experience with Ayahuasca and its impact on his depression. His story illustrates the profound emotional and psychological shifts that can occur during an Ayahuasca ceremony, leading to a newfound sense of purpose, self-compassion, and emotional resilience. Must read Blog: Ayahuasca ceremony: What to expect Delivering an emotional impact through Ayahuasca Ayahuasca can help you process deep emotions and break free from self-imposed limitations. Many people are trapped in their own victim narratives, repeating the same patterns and feeling stuck in a loop. This sense of entrapment can contribute to depression, leaving individuals feeling helpless and disconnected. Ayahuasca provides a strong emotional impact that can plant a seed for change and be the catalyst you need in your life. It can shatter old belief systems, release suppressed emotions, and reveal the subconscious obstacles that have been holding you back. By providing a new perspective and a deeper understanding of the self, Ayahuasca can empower you to break free from the cycle of depression and embrace a more fulfilling life. Are you looking for the emotional impact that Ayahuasca can facilitate? Feel free to consider our Ayahuasca Retreat Center in Colombia. There is a reason why you are depressed Ayahuasca can help uncover the subconscious roots of your depression, shining a light on the underlying causes of your suffering. These may include unresolved traumas, repressed emotions, destructive thought patterns, or unmet emotional needs. Once these hidden aspects of your psyche are brought to the surface, the real work begins after the retreat. It’s essential to examine how much you genuinely want to change and to recognize that healing is an ongoing process. You’ll need to confront your ego, learn to let go of unhealthy attachments, apologize to those you have hurt, and forgive yourself and others. In many cases, overcoming depression with Ayahuasca involves developing a spiritual practice that fosters self-awareness, compassion, and inner peace. Must read Blog: Ayahuasca Integration, how to maintain the magic of Ayahuasca Embarking on this journey requires courage, dedication, and perseverance. It’s about reaching a point where you are tired of being the person you used to be and are ready to embrace a new way of living, one that aligns with your deepest values and desires. There are different steps to overcome your depression; Ayahuasca might be the catalyst. Healing from depression with Ayahuasca involves multiple steps, each of which plays a crucial role in the overall process. The first step is realizing the source of your depression, which may involve confronting past traumas, acknowledging unhealthy patterns, and recognizing the ways in which your thoughts and beliefs contribute to your suffering. The next step is making an emotional shift, which often occurs during the Ayahuasca ceremony itself. This shift can involve releasing pent-up emotions, forgiving yourself and others, and experiencing a profound sense of love and interconnectedness. These experiences can provide the foundation for lasting change, as they help you develop a new perspective on your life and your struggles. Following the emotional shift, it’s important to focus on rebuilding
Ayahuasca Ceremony What to expect in your Ayahuasca ceremony
Ayahuasca is not what you expect So you probably read multiple stories on the Internet about Ayahuasca, watched countless videos on it and you are really excited, nervous, afraid, hopeful and much more for your Ayahuasca ceremony. You are starting to develop a lot of expectations toward your ceremony. Starting to have a preconceived idea on how it will be like. And then, it is completely different. Maybe to a degree that you are even asking yourself, did it actually work for me…? The answer is yes, the Ayahuasca just works in a lot of different ways. So this Blog will help answer a lot of questions you have around your Ayahuasca ceremony, the timeline of the ceremony, what happens on the outside, and how your perceived experience might be like. Also, you will learn about the mental attitudes for your Ayahuasca ceremony and how those will assist you in your journey. At the same times there are certain rules and recommendations in an Ayahuasca ceremony and you will also learn about certain tips on how to go deeper in your journey. Key takeaways – what to expect in an Ayahuasca ceremony: An Ayahuasca ceremony has different elements like silence, music, smokes, incenses etc. Your Ayahuasca ceremony will be an introspective journey. In a way it is a mirror to your soul and you will receive the message that is necessary for you at this moment of your life. You might encounter repressed emotions. Also your Ayahuasca vision is not just what you see with your eyes (open or closed) but also about the understandings that come to you and what you feel in your heart. Table of Contents https://youtu.be/vnBUghnF4yE?si=xauly1mNU59YAtD0 Timeline for the ceremony: What happens on the outside Every tribe has their own way of doing the ceremony. The cofan tribe is generally known for a very strict way of conducint ceremony. Whereas the ceremonies of Yawanawa tribe from Brazil are filled with a lot of dancing and singing. It does not mean one way is better than the other, just that their tradition of working with the medicine is different. In the upcoming paragraphs I want to share the way we do our ceremonies which comes from the Kamsa Biya tribe. Before the ceremony the shaman blesses the Ayahuasca, he says his prayers. This prayers are the shamans way of connect with the great spirit. However, it is not about Dogma that this belief system is better than the other and is inclusive towards all religion. The smoke of copal is blown on each participant to neutralize and harmonize the energy before the ceremony as well. Each person drinks the Ayahuasca, also the shaman and his helpers. After that we sit down and meditate. You do want to keep in the Ayahuasca for at least 15 – 20 minutes. In case you do lose a track of time, withstand the first (and maybe second) urge to vomit. Usually the first effects of the medicine are noticeable after 45 minutes, however at times it can happen sooner or later. In the beginning of the ceremony we work a lot with silence but do start to accompany the ceremony with different instruments to also maintain a certain level of rhythm in the ceremony as well. In the tradition of the Kamsa Biya it is recommended to sit as much as possible. But especially before you have vomited. When you lay down, your body is accustomed to going to sleep and then the effects of the medicine will go down as well. Then after about 2 – 3 hours the time comes for a possible second cup, and even later some feel the calling for a third cup and they can do that as well. During the ceremony we move the energy with different smokes, incenses, tobacco, the Waira, music, various instruments as well as other tools in our repetoire. Generally you can say the ceremonies varies between silence and rhythms of the musics. What happens on the inside So, once you drink the Ayahuasca you sit down and basically wait for the medicine to take effect. The Ayahausca might be heavy on your body, some parts of you might also want to vomit it out right away. Breathe slowly and ask the Ayahuasca to stay in. Ideally you meditate on your intention. However, what I noticed in me (especially when I started drinking) that my thoughts used to be very loud and scattered. It’s basically the last resistance of the mind, ego to stay in control. It knows that something is coming that will challenge the mind / ego. Knowing this helps, do not put too much attention to it. We prepared a separate blog specifically about vomiting and the significance of purging in an Ayahuasca ceremony: Must read: Ayahuasca vomit explained: Why you vomit on Ayahuasca https://youtu.be/vNPdiAoRA74?si=zhw9ciOukgAdO5mk The effect of the Ayahuasca can start very subtle and build up, maybe it will be triggered by the music or other things happening throughout the ceremony. Or it just takes full effect right away. This is really individual. Mind chatter During the ceremony you might be thinking, how will I explain this to my friends and family, you might be thinking about what to share in the integration circle the next day. All of that is not important right now. You are distracting yourself with thoughts instead of feeling. Whenever you are encountering something, you really do want to stay as present with the feeling as possible. What you feel you can heal. You might also notice how you are even escaping from yourself in ceremony. That you put your attention on random things instead of really going to the core of things. It is ok, it is a process to be as fully present as possible. I just want to bring awareness to you that this might happen. Do not beat yourself about it, when this happens, just return to your breath and focus on yourself. What to do
