Image by Okan Caliskan from Pixabay
Ayahuasca. Is it a hallucinogen? Is it medicine? Is it both? Indigenous, Amazon populations have used this 'vine of the souls' since at least the 16th century to heal and gain wisdom. So as a Westerner, would I be able to experience the magic of this plant? It's something I've wanted to find out for a while.
As most of my friends will attest to, I'm not afraid to 'lean in' to my hippy ways. Veganism, yoga and environmental awareness have been a way of life for me for a really long time now. Furthermore, for the past several years I have witnessed the power of manifestation, and I recently experienced a heart healing using sound therapy. Taking ayahuasca, therefore, seemed like a natural progression in my spiritual journey.
To the sceptics, I would say that there are many things in this universe we still don't understand, including how our consciousness works. So labelling ayahuasca as just a hallucinogen or drug or quack medicine seems short-sighted and insulting to centuries of Indigenous cultures. I'm sure that 20, 50, 100 years ago, similarly closed minded people were convinced we then knew everything there was to know. And yet, our collective knowledge continues to expand. Isn't it therefore plausible that ayahuasca can tap into our consciousness allowing us to heal traumas of the past, and offer insights into the present and future, despite Western science's inability to explain it? I like to think so.
Image by Pete Linforth from Pixabay
My ayahuasca journey started in 2013 in Ecuador. I spent two weeks at a Hari Krishna eco-farm where I met a Norwegian guy who told me about plant medicine. I was intrigued but it was not yet my time to take it. Fast forward to August 2018 and that all changed. I was watching High Carb Hannah, a YouTuber I've followed for several years, and she introduced me to Rythmia in Costa Rica.
At Rythmia you participate in four ayahuasca ceremonies during your seven-night stay. Hannah's testimonial resonated so much with me that I called up and booked the following Monday. However, much to my disappointment I could not get into a shared room until Easter 2019. Waiting eight months was excruciating given how strong the calling was. It was also a far longer wait than anyone else I met last week experienced. But, as I learnt, the timing of the universe is perfect and patience was one of the lessons that Mama Ayahuasca had in store for me during my stay. It seems she started this lesson early.
Image by @choogirl
From the moment I arrived, I began to feel the magic of Rythmia. The staff emanate such positive energy it's hard not to rise up to their frequency. No doubt this is a result of participating in ayahuasca ceremonies themselves.
The resort has everything you would expect from a high-quality facility. From the rooms to the day spa, to the pool and restaurant area, Gerry and his team have put a lot of thought and effort into this place. If you're looking for a budget option or jungle experience, this is not it.
Not long after arriving, I had my mandatory medical check. I was experiencing some minor anxiety, which I discussed with the doctor who cleared me to participate in the plant medicine ceremonies. Just knowing there were medically trained doctors onsite who also understand ayahuasca gave me comfort, even though the risk of something happening is small.
Monday evening arrived and we headed to the Maloka for the first ceremony. Most people were ayahuasca first-timers and were experiencing mixed emotions about what was to come. Our shamans this evening were two women. I didn't catch their names but their accents suggested they were German, or at least European. The Maloka was set up like it was hosting a slumber party for 50-odd people. Surprisingly comfortable mattresses were laid out for all of us, made up with crisp white sheets and pillows, and fluffy blankets. What made this slumber party unique however, was the buckets—or purge pails as my friend Ellen dubbed them—and toilet paper at the end of each bed. Vomiting and ayahuasca go together like peas in a pod.
Image by @choogirl
The ceremony started with the shamans and assistants blowing rapé—a mix of tobacco and medicinal plants—up our noses. Rapé is frequently taken prior to ayahuasca as it helps the medicine go deeper. It is also used during the ceremonies but I only took it at the start. Taking rapé was not an overly pleasant experience in my opinion, nor was listening to the endless golly hocks which result from it.
We then lined up for our first cup. I was expecting ayahuasca to taste awful but it was ok. It went down smoothly with a hint of licorice. That said, I do drink a lot of different leaf-based teas and green juices so maybe I'm more accustomed to earthy flavours than most.
We then waited in silence on our mattresses since you can only talk to the shamans and the assistants during ceremony. It seems that most people felt nothing while lying there, so we jumped at the opportunity to take a second cup when it was offered sometime later. It then wasn't long until the vomiting and probably the shitting (aka the purging) started around me. Combined with the crying (also considered purging) and people walking around, I was totally distracted. I would start to see geometric shapes but then things going on around me would pull me out of my head and back into the present. It got to the point that I had to leave the room.
Image by @choogirl
Hammocks surround the ceremonial area and mark the boundary of where we were allowed to go. I took my pillow and blanket and found the furthermost hammock from the toilets to avoid the listening to the purging noises. At this point, I felt totally sober and annoyed I couldn't leave for my bed. I pondered a third cup but my heart was beating quite fast. Before I arrived I had thought that ayahuasca would have no effect on me—like marijuana and sleeping pills don't affect me—or I'd die. There was no in-between.
Since I didn't come here to die I passed on the third cup and gave up on having an experience that evening. Instead I started people watching. One man seemed to be telling his story to one of the assistants and from his body language, it looked like he was having quite the trip. I admit, I was jealous. Then the zombies started coming out and wandering on the grass. It was just like the Walking Dead but much less violent. A few people came out and sat quietly to cry before heading back inside. Then, just as I was getting into my night of people watching, the tea lights on the steps started to move and I lay back and closed my eyes. Mama Aya had again given me another test in patience and was waiting for me to surrender to her.
Image by @choogirl
At Rythmia, they encourage you to set their three intentions and get your miracle before moving on to other intentions. The first is "show me who I've become". Deep down I think most of us know who we've become but we choose not to face those character traits that we are less than proud of. Mama Aya doesn't care about what you want though. She puts a mirror squarely in front of you and forces you to look. For me, this meant facing my dismal relationships with men. The insight and self truths I got from staring into that mirror were things I would have never seen on my own. I'm not surprised that one night on ayahuasca is like ten years of therapy.
The second intention is to "merge me back with my soul". The event that my money was on for the separation between my physical body and my soul was incorrect and that surprised me. Instead, Mama Aya took me back to my kindergarten days. Although I am a confident adult I was an extremely shy child. Mama Aya reminded me of this and I remembered I would turn inward when adults in particular, spoke to me. Although I didn't get one specific memory, I watched my child self become vulnerable and upset over and over. It was hard seeing this little girl paralysed by shyness and fear of people. After seeing this, I could reconnect with her, offering her love and protection.
Now I had the first two down, it was time to go for the trifecta. The third intention is "heal my heart". This time, Mama Aya took me right back to being a newborn. I then remembered my mother telling me that I had some heart problem soon after I was born and I would hold my breath and turn blue. She was terrified that I would die. I realised this was one of the reasons I was watched so much as a child. I then had an overwhelming urge to ask Mama Aya if I died for a few seconds when I was a baby. The answer she gave me was yes and all I saw was black, which I knew was my heart. In this regard, it had been broken all my life. I subsequently asked her if I could have a new heart and everything began turning pink. I felt an intense wave of relief and self-love come over me, unlike anything I've felt before.
I'm not sure the timeframe in which this all took place since phones are banned in ceremony and there are no clocks. I cried through the entire experience, but as this emotional purge passed, I became aware of how beautiful my immediate surroundings were. I lay there looking up at the moon filtered by delicate tree branches, which reminded me of cherry blossoms. Mama Aya then took the form of Mrs Moon, who played a pivotal role in Gerry's story and how Rythmia came into existence. She asked if she could charge my new heart with moonlight. As I watched the moonbeam shine down on me, I could feel all the pieces that were chipped away over the years being replaced making me whole again. Although I felt calm at this point, the vulnerability I had just experienced didn't leave until well into the next day. I even cried in yoga the following morning, which was a first.
Since the universe has perfect timing, the conclusion of my miracle coincided with the end of Monday night's ceremony. An assistant came out to ask me to come back inside so the shamans could close the ceremony.
In part two I will discuss the second ceremony and what became the best night of my life.
I have shared my whole story in Rythmia's Facebook Live video below. Note, it is long so night one is discussed between 5m45s and 31m20s. I will timestamp the relevant parts of the video discussing the other nights in my upcoming posts if you don't want to watch it all in one go.
Footer by @ryivhnn
Infinite blessing of peace and love to your soul for this sharing. You're an amazing woman Choo! I'm honored to call you friend.
Oh, thank you for your kind words Aggy. We are supposed to be friends. The universe says so.
Oh dear, I actually laughed out loud at the golly hocking. Now I have a word for it!
I'm not sure I could cope with the idea of the purging. You are braver than I.
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See Mama Aya always gives us what we need! I think I vomited the least out of everyone. Only once one night 4. And it was deserved. But I'll get to that story in due course.
I'm looking forward to reading more.
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Wow! That’s a side of you I’ve never seen yet... a truly wonderful and heart-opening piece.
I’ve heard some amazing stories of healing with Aya. This is definitely one of them!!!
😊🙏🏽💜🌱
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Thanks. Yes I think we should all do Aya at least once. I did 4 nights are got amazing trippy shit on the other 3 since I've cleaned out my demons over the past few years via other means. What Mama Aya showed me was really the only one I had left. At least in this life. So keep an eye out. I'll start writing night 2 today but it will take me a few days to get it out.
Kinda tried to work with her once.... but she doesn't really call me, so I don't go to her. It's not my medicine.
Fair enough.
Love it Choo choo!! Its so cool to see you on video too! I took baby hawaian woodrose seeds once which had a similar vomit effect. Also quite a life changing one. YOu had quite the experience!
Also, you would love breakfasts in my house :OD
Thank you! This isn't the first video I've posted though, I've got two steem monsters voice recording ones up. Must see what Uncle Boom has been up now that I'm back and not on drugs! He could probably do with some ayahuasca actually.
I don't think he would appreciate the glimpse into his inner self! then again.. hehe
Thank you for sharing. My wife and I first drank the medicine six years ago along with a group of 15 at a jungle retreat in Genarro Hererra, Peru. It took four hours by motorboat down the Amazon to reach the vIllage. It was no fancy resort like Rythima, there were cold showers and no doctors on standby. We helped Luco, our shaman, crush the vines and brew the tea. 10 days of village life, 5 ceremonies with Luco and his apprentices singing the Icarios. Though them, Mother Ayahuasca did some real profound work on all of us.
So did the mosquitoes, but that's the jungle keeping us real.
Two nights were really intense for me. The first night, I was shown my first life and death in Pompeii when it fell, and a river of thousands of lives since. Serious la purga, there, like a hose on full blast outta both ends. I'm far from religious, but now I know, beyond a shadow of doubt, that there's a before and an after, and that's all I needed to know. That was the night i asked about my soul.
My third night, I was so high and literally tripping out of my head. I was seeing whole layers of realities and the psychic beings, light and dark, that surround und torment our celestial selves. Addiction looks like an evil monkey with fangs that sticks to a person's back. Dude two mattresses down had several. Doubts are little snakelike shadows with teeth that slither and bite. Lady next to me was assaulted by them. Luco was a giant who shooed them away with his plant rattle, and the stars that he sprinkled on my head gave me a grip to hold on to. I couldn't see myself so I'm not sure what he helped me with, but a certain weight was lifted and the relief made me miss what happened to the monkies but that dude got his doctorate a few years ago. That was the night I asked for a glimpse beyond the Veil. It was quite humbling.
The interesting thing is that that was the only night I actually got high off of the stuff. The experience was totally different each night. In the mornings we would all trudge on down to a small river feeding into the Amazon, and swim in it to cleanse ourselves of the ceremony. It was actually required.
All in all, life changing. Highly recommended for anyone with a serious stick up their arse or genuinely searching for a connection to their true selves.
Lessons indeed. It is said that once you drink Ayahuasca it never really leaves you. Even if you never drink it again, your connected to the Mother who will continue her work with you for life and beyond life.
Wow, she took you on quite the adventure as well. I am not drawn to the jungle, however, I've found some people in Panama who practice it so maybe I will do it here down the track. I'd love to know what the shamans see with everyone during ceremony. I think that would be fascinating. They do seem to know when people need help before the people themselves realise they do.
The past life stuff really interests me. I think that's what I'd like to explore next. I'm almost positive I have a connection to the Mayan culture, as you will see from my other nights, if you read them (not that I've written them up yet).
I was told that Mother Aya knows exactly how many times you will drink the medicine and she will give the downloads you need accordingly. I kinda like that.
Check out the website just launched by my friend Meghan, https://beyondtheceremony.com - she was one of the apprentices there and does a lot of work in the field.
Thanks. I will definitely read some of those posts she's got. I just forwarded it to my Rythmia room mate, who said she'd like to be a shaman!
I am glad you had a wonderful experience on Aya. I used to have a ceremony with the Shaman from Rythmia, as I live in Costa Rica. I never went to this new place though, as I refuse to pay big money for this experience. On the other hand I think it is good that not everyone can afford it or else it would destroy the plants. My goal is to buy land in Costa Rica, grow Aya myself and create my own non-profit ceremonies for friends and family.
Yeah, that's fair. It is expensive, I'm not going to deny that. However, I feel the experience you get there (with all the other stuff) is pretty unique and for me it was totally worth the price. We had a beautiful disabled lady in our group who would never have been able to go to the jungle. In fact, I was pretty reluctant to go to the jungle even though one could claim it's more authentic.I like what you want to do though so I hope you can follow through with that. I would definitely be interested in coming there. Costa Rica is one of my favourite countries and you're just over the border so it's easy for me to get to.
Very cool! I would like to have a go :)
Look how neatly arranged the sick buckets are, how appealing!
$rewarding 50%
Where are you @rewarding? :D
Everyone should do it. I think the humanity would be so much better post aya. Lol. I hadn't actually noticed, but yes, you're right about the buckets!
Some of our world leaders are in desperate need of an Aya experience right now.
Ain't that the truth.
Post E, dmt, psilocybin... - the new (old) age drug cabinet 😁
Wow... what an experience! I've never had the guts to really even consider "herbal therapy" before, although I had a very interesting experience on marijuana once. I'm not a drinker or herbal user so that one experience was pretty wild.
I'm looking forward to reading the next parts, Anne Marie :)
Nick.
Thanks. I'm not a pot smoker or anything either, so this was all quite new for me. I'd definitely do it again though. Actually I am doing it again. I've booked in for 2 more ceremonies here in Panama.
What wonderful moments you have lived. Thank you for sharing this story, it really is very interesting and pleasant what you experienced in that place.
Thanks! And that was my sad night. The other four were actually quite trippy and fun.
You’ve been visited by @riverflows on behalf of Natural Medicine!
**Wow - I didn't know you have done aya. I'm a little scared, to be honest, but I really would love to one day. Those buckets don't tempt me though - I'm not a fan of vomiting. Amazing you got those beautiful messages from the mother - what a wonderful part of your healing journey. The plant medicine world never ceases to amaze me. Such powerful stuff. Thanks so much for sharing. Resteemed. **
50SPII100SPII200II500SPII1000SP ♡♡♡
Discord
Thanks @riverflows. This was my first ceremony. I did 3 more which I'm in the process of writing up. Amazingly, I'm still learning stuff from it, over a week later. Grammarly lost all the work I did yesterday so I will have to start again on night 2. 😠
Very interesting and obviously a powerful experience. I'm happy for you!
I think I'll read your other parts before watching your video though. I hate spoilers :p
Thanks Bugged. It really was. I wish everyone could do it. I feel like humanity would get to a much better place. I will send start on night 2 today but as you know my posts take ages so it will be a few days before it's up.
I think you might be right, surely almost all people could benefit from some Mama Aya care. What was the male/female ratio like? I imagine everyone has a whole lot of pain they could try and work through.
It all sounds terrifying and great and awesome and scary as hell... all of which equal great!
Thanks Ninj. Yes fore sure. And you're right it's a rollercoaster of emotions. I'm lucky I mostly got a bunch of awesome trippy shit since I 've cleaned out most of demons over the past few years.
Awesome story @choogirl I've had some really profound experiences with the vine too. So now I have a yard full of Psychotrais, active Acacias and cactus etc but unfortunately my vine died about 5 years ago when the guy over the back cut down the tree that was shading it. I actually cried when it died.
I know people who run Aya circles here in Oz, so the vine is only ever a phone call away. It's mostly Changa once or twice a year for me these days though.
Oh nice. Yes I'm aware it's possible to do Aya in Australia. Good to know I've got a contact. That's sad about your vine. I think I would have cried too.
Such a great post @choogirl I can’t wait to read the next instalment. I would love to do this too but maybe I should have done when I was younger. It may be dangerous if you are over 50, I’ll check it out. Thanks so much for sharing 🙏
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Thank you. And not at all. They've had people in their 80s and 90s there. Our group had people in their 60s/70s. One of the shamans at the top of the lineage of several shamans at Rythmia is 110 years old. He lives in Colombia and still takes the medicine since he says there is always more to learn in life. So 50 is not too old at all if this is something you're interested in.
Thanks for clarifying that. It’s always been something Iwas interested on but have never had the opportunity. Pretty sure it’s illegal in Australia.
It is. But you can still find it. Or Aussiehuasca. 😁
Also, are you interested in joining @teamaustralia? It's a bit slow these days (bear market) but you would still be eligible for upvotes. Let me know and I'll tell you what the criteria are.
Please tell me more.
Check out this post. https://steempeak.com/teamaustralia/@choogirl/team-australia-new-recruits-13-03-19-things-are-still-ticking-along
I need a link to your intro post, city (if you want to say), you to vote for ausbitbank, and a fun fact about yourself.
I checked out the post and will get to it as soon as I get the time. Thanks for the info🙏
You are fricken awesome! So glad I found this. I hope to have a date with mother aya myself one day :)
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Thank you! Yes I hope you do get to experience her amazingness one day.
I'm glad you had such an amazing 'trip' to Rythmia. I too have a date with DMT some time in my future, but I haven't figured out the details. I'll be looking forward to the next episode in this journey and I'm glad you're sharing it with us!
Thanks Clay. It would have been cool if you'd been able to come too. One day!
I look forward to hearing about your 'trip', be it in a post or on chat. You should try and get your hands on some rapé for it too. Opens up that 3rd eye.
Wow, I am hooked now on reading the rest of your weeks experience. I have often thought of doing a ceremony like this, now I know I can if I have an opportunity to do so. Thanks for sharing your life-changing event with us.
Thank you! I will try and not make you wait too long. Yes, Rythmia is an amazing place. Not everyone can or wants to go to the jungle. For example, we had a gorgeous lady in our group with a disability. There's no way she could go Amazon for this experience, so Rythmia made it possible for her.
That is awesome, I am so glad to hear about your experiences
This is so outside my worldview and the way you write is sensitive to that. So, for that I thank you. It’s interesting to learn about and I’m curious to read more, I’ll wait before watching the video too. PLEASE Don’t WAIT A WEEK TO WRITE PART TWO AND ON!
Haha. I will try and not make you wait Kubby, even though you got the morning after sneak peak last week, so you have an idea of what comes next. I did try a different style of writing for this one since it's what it required. I'm being more analytical and self reflective in these posts. Glad you appreciate it.
Great article and interview. Drug are bad... Mkay!
Thanks Scooter. Yeah, maybe don't read this out to the kids in assembly. Some of the parents might not appreciate it. 😁
Hello!
This post has been manually curated, resteemed
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Keep up the great work!
this story is almost as beautiful and wondrous as you. Looking forward to more.
Thank you Helpie! Who doesn't love chocolate cake? Yes, the story continues, so I will try to get Night 2 out in the next few days.
Wow, I have neen contemplating it for a long time to do this. I would be waiting to read your whole 7 day experience to understand the whole process. I am sure the experience is very liberating. For me i will need to travel to other part of the world so need to do a good planning before finalizing. The retreat looks very good in comparison to the ones I have reserached online
Rythmia is beautiful. I highly recommend it. You do 4 nights of aya and 3 nights of breath work, which is also pretty amazing. I have now posted Night 2 if you're interested in seeing what came next.
cool story @choogirl thanks for sharing ! inspired by your shift :)
Thank you for reading!
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