If you haven’t heard, Ayahuasca is a potent plant medicine. With wellness retreats, like Vipassana and Yoga, gaining popularity, there are now opportunities to experience Ayahuasca as well.
Ayahuasca has gained popularity for its profound spiritual and psychological effects, but it can also provide radical experiences. Given the mind-altering nature of this plant, it’s crucial to prepare safely before heading off on a retreat. With that in mind, here are five essential tips.
Choose a Reputable Retreat
Selecting a trustworthy shaman or facilitator is perhaps the most important aspect of going to a retreat. These are the people you’re trusting when you’re going to be at your most vulnerable. Look for solid reviews and a strong reputation. They should provide comprehensive information beforehand, including preparation guidelines and what to expect. For instance, Avalon’s Ayahuasca retreats offer detailed insights about the team and environment before you commit to payment.
Research and Understand Ayahuasca
Ayahuasca is an Amazonian drink made from a blend of vines and leaves. Historically, it was discovered for its healing and psychedelic properties and has been used for centuries in shamanic rituals, primarily in South America.
It’s all well and good explaining the effects – such as intense geometric visions, hallucinations, and introspection – but you need to really read up on what the stuff does, and whether you’re ready for it. Having an informed mindset will remove the element of surprise, which sets a safe foundation.
Prepare Mentally and Emotionally
Approaching the ceremony with the right mindset is essential. You may get more out of the retreat if you’re already familiar with basic meditation techniques and journaling,and setting clear intentions as these help align your thoughts and emotions.
Reflect on why you are seeking the Ayahuasca experience to begin with, and what you hope to gain from it.
Follow the Recommended Diet
Adhering to the recommended dietary restrictions is crucial for both the safety and efficacy of the Ayahuasca trip. Typically, this includes avoiding alcohol, caffeine, processed foods, and certain medications for at least two weeks before the ceremony. But, your retreat should give you this information (and if they don’t, this is a red flag).
This cleansing process helps purify the body and prepare it for the intense experience. Eating light is going to be important, and drinking plenty of water can also support your physical readiness. Some retreats prefer participants not to eat for some time upon arrival.
Be Open to the Experience
Enter the ceremony without rigid expectations, or else you may either be disappointed or try and force something that isn’t happening. Ayahuasca can bring unexpected insights and challenges, so to some extent, you want to be prepared for what could happen, but not set out on unrealistic expectations.
Ultimately, you want to have an open mind and understand that each person’s experience is unique. Post-ceremony, there will be time to share your experience with others – don’t worry if it feels you got less out of it, and always seek support if needed.
Conclusion
An Ayahuasca experience may sound like something you surrender to entirely, but that doesn’t mean we should roll the dice before making that leap. We need to be sure we understand it and choose a reputable provider in order to reduce risks, all while having an open mind heading into the experience.