Preparing adequately for pre and post retreat shall take your healing experience to an effortless and productive level
Adequately prepare mind, body and spirit for change
Shape your intensions to support your transformation
Allow a change of state change to become a change of trait and bathe in life- long everlasting change
Maximizing the benefits of an Ayahuasca retreat requires thoughtful preparation, both pre-retreat and post-retreat. This attention to readiness can profoundly influence the quality of your experience. We encourage you to begin nurturing your mind, body, and spirit well in advance. It’s essential to recognize that all skills are transferrable to the work with medicine; there truly is no novice in this realm.
Consider Mokan, for instance—a professional who spent years in engineering. His background became invaluable for its emphasis on analytical thinking, problem-solving, and developing systematic maintenance practices—all contributing to maintaining his personal equilibrium. We urge you to reflect on your own repertoire of knowledge, skills, and pastimes that might serve as pillars during your preparation, transformative journey, and integration with plant medicine work.
Approach your preparations with a spirit of excitement, fun, and passion—following the path of least resistance. There are no constraints on how you should prepare or navigate your journey with the medicine; discard the notions of a ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ way. Embrace and utilize all the gifts that are inherent to you.
Here are a few prompts to ignite your creativity as you tailor your preparations:
Reflect on past roles or hobbies that required meticulous attention to detail—how might these practices enhance your focus and intentionality for the retreat?
Consider activities that bring you joy or relaxation; how can they be incorporated into your routine as you ready yourself for this spiritual undertaking?
Identify personal strengths or talents that can be channeled into self-care practices both before and after the retreat.
Let these ideas catalyze a personalized approach that aligns seamlessly with your essence, as you step onto this path of discovery and growth.
Investing in self-transformation is an unparalleled commitment with ripples of positive impact extending to all facets of your life and to those around you. When you consider the monetary aspect of investing in a retreat, it’s wise to enrich this investment by initiating your preparations 30 days prior to the retreat. This isn’t about imposing strict rules upon yourself; rather, it’s about gently easing into and building a solid preparation practice.
While these preparations are merely guidelines and not compulsory—the completion of our medical screening process remains the sole prerequisite—it’s crucial to note their significance, especially for our Dieta retreats. To resonate on a level akin to what the Shipibo-Conibo Curanderos achieve through their Dieta, adherence to these guidelines is essential.
Traditionally, a Dieta spans a minimum of three months, with an initial period of 2-3 weeks typically needed to break through and truly open up to what the plants are ready to impart. By following this preparatory path, you position yourself to be receptive and in tune with the plants’ wisdom from the very first day of the retreat. Embracing this preparatory phase can significantly enhance your ability to receive and integrate the profound teachings of plant medicine.
Initiating a detox from caffeine, sugars, alcohol, and the like a full 30 days pre-retreat is a strategic move to ensure your body is primed to fully embrace the healing powers of the medicine. It’s a well-documented scientific fact that when the body is relieved from the burdens of processing foods or detoxifying, its innate capacity for healing is magnified—some individuals have even seen remission of cancerous growths through fasting alone.
The nutritional regimen on our retreats and courses adheres to a stringent protocol that excludes sugar, salt, oil, spices, and similar ingredients. Arriving at the retreat without the need to detox from caffeine and sugar spares you unnecessary distractions, allowing you to delve deeper into your transformative journey.
We’ve discovered that a diet inducing ketosis creates an ideal condition for engaging with a plant Dieta; it appears that the unresolved aspects of our psyche—sometimes referred to as the “shadow”—draw energy from carbohydrates and sugars. By adopting a low-carb or ketogenic diet, you essentially weaken internal resistances and distractions, fostering a more focused and receptive state for healing and connecting with the plant teachers.
For an informative deep dive into the benefits of fasting, consider perusing Dr. Steven Harold Buhner’s book on the subject—it comes highly recommended. To optimize your experience during our Dieta retreats, we suggest all participants aim to arrive already in a state of ketosis. This mirrors the traditional practices of the Shipibo-Conibo Curanderos who sustain themselves on merely one meal per day without experiencing hunger pangs. Should students opt not to be in ketosis upon arrival, they may find themselves grappling with the discomforts of detox, which can be an unwelcome distraction from their spiritual work.
In tandem with these dietary considerations, incorporating exercise into your routine can significantly augment your physical readiness:
Hitting the gym or going for a swim
Practicing yoga
Engaging in regular walking
These activities harmonize seamlessly with practices aimed at unifying mind, body, and spirit—preparing you holistically for the journey ahead.
In the quest for self-improvement and dieting, the mind often does not receive the attention it rightly deserves. Our thoughts are powerful architects of our reality and manifestations. The universe operates without judgment, generously bestowing upon us the essence of our focus, indifferent to our labels of positive or negative. It is paramount to seek the higher perspective and consciously reframe any limiting or negative thought patterns we may harbor.
When it comes to exercise:
Engage in a Dopamine Detox—set aside high dopamine activities to become more attuned to life’s simpler tasks, which may appear mundane yet are crucial for nurturing your flow, inspiration, and motivation. This detox extends to your preparation practices. Recognize that platforms like social media are engineered to provide instant gratification, steering us away from pursuits that truly enrich our lives. This detoxification should also be applied to dietary choices and substances like alcohol that affect your body’s state.
Consider replacing time spent on TV, movies, and news with mind-expanding books, documentaries, and podcasts focused on healing, Ayahuasca, and meditation practices to enrich your spiritual journey.
For those who find traditional meditation challenging, explore the plethora of guided meditations and journeys available on platforms like YouTube.
Embrace time spent in nature and solitude, distancing yourself from the frenetic pace of modern life. It’s an invaluable practice for grounding and reconnecting with your inner self.
Foster connections with individuals who share a positive outlook and similar aspirations; conversely, limit interactions with those mired in negativity. The company you keep can have a profound impact on your mental space and overall readiness for transformative experiences.
Carve out time each day to connect with your inner wisdom—an invaluable practice for personal growth and spiritual exploration.
Exercise:
Cultivate daily grounding and alignment practices to maintain focus and fortify your bond with that quiet, guiding voice within. These rituals are instrumental in fostering a serene mental environment, which aids in clear decision-making and heightens your intuition.
Embrace the transformative practice of maintaining a Dream Journal. Set a clear intention to invite Ayahuasca or the plant you will be working with during your Dieta into your dreamscape, allowing the teachings to unfold even before the retreat begins. Document every dream with precision as it is presented to you. Upon waking, capture the raw imagery first, then distill its essence through a summary. This process is akin to automatic writing and is an excellent method to sharpen your skills in interpreting spiritual communications.
Understand that plant spirits often convey lessons through metaphors, intricately tailored to our individual belief systems. While there are overarching themes that resonate collectively, the metaphors are uniquely personal—making it challenging for others to interpret them without imposing their own belief-tinted perspectives.
This exercise is heartily encouraged as it serves as a primer in learning the nuanced language of spirit within the dream realm. Not only does it enhance ceremonial experiences, but it also enriches meditative and journey-based communications. For many embarking on a plant Dieta, it has been observed that the dream world is a vibrant conduit for spiritual teachings, often more so than any other mode of learning.
The power of your intention is the veritable magic wand in the garden of inner healing; your deepest desires command the attention and response of the plants. The art of intention setting is a critical component to this alchemical process—what you project is precisely what you attract. To ask is to initiate the process of receiving.
Incorporating intention setting into your daily life, beyond the boundaries of a retreat, can catalyze monumental shifts. It stands as one of the most potent practices within your arsenal for personal transformation. While it may be tempting to view events as random occurrences that either buoy or besiege us, this practice reminds us that we are active participants in our journey, not mere bystanders. Setting intentions equips us with the agency to outline our aspirations and dictate the texture of our life experiences.
We are each the author of our own epic tale—the masterful architects of our existence. Intention setting is akin to holding the pen that scripts this masterwork, guiding the narrative with deliberation and purpose.
Your intention should be a reflection—a mirror, if you will—of your innermost thoughts, values, and your unique perspective on life. It can manifest as a crystalline wish painted in the boldest of strokes, or it might emerge as something more ethereal: a single word or a whisper of a phrase that you yearn to embody. Consider intentions like “open your mind and heart,” “love,” “vulnerability,” “strength,” “kindness for myself and others,” “peace,” or “freedom.”
In setting your intention, it’s crucial to steep it in positivity. Opt for affirmative language that fosters growth and empowerment. Instead of framing intentions negatively, such as “stop being a coward” or “spend less time alone,” pivot towards the constructive—”be courageous” or embrace “community.”
Intentions thrive when they are nurtured by personal challenges and the ongoing refinement of the messages we send out into the universe. Like a gardener tends to each plant with care, so should you cultivate your intentions with deliberate thought and action to support the reality you wish to see blossom.
Setting an intention is a way to bring your heart and mind into alignment.
Identify Your Desire:
Get Clear on Who You Want to Be:
Decide Specific Action Steps:
Shift Any Limiting Beliefs:
Seek out existing proof of your desires manifesting in life, and recall past successes to bolster confidence in your capabilities.
Reinforce Intentions Daily:
Surrender and Lean Into Faith:
Intentions Are Adaptable:
Self-Exploration:
Create Long-Term Goals and Intentions:
Retreat Practices and Spiritual Guidance:
Immersing yourself in the tranquil sanctuary of a retreat, far from the relentless pulse of the modern world, amidst a fellowship of like-minded individuals, has its own profound charm. The shared experiences—bearing witness to each other’s significant healings and deep-seated revelations of inner truth—create a collective tapestry of transformation that can render the transition back to the everyday world somewhat daunting.
Yet, the very preparation practices that served as your compass leading into the retreat can be your anchor afterward, helping you to weave the tapestry of your new insights—your downloads and teachings—into the fabric of your daily existence. These practices are not merely preludes to the retreat; they are lifelong companions, assisting in the steadfast integration of newfound wisdom.
At each juncture of our retreats, we impart a spectrum of integration practices, tailored to fortify and accompany our students. These are not ephemeral lessons, but the groundwork for everlasting change, meticulously designed to stand as pillars in your continuous journey of growth and self-discovery.
Post-Retreat Challenges:
Preparation Practices for Post-Retreat:
Integration Practices:
Dietary and Social Guidelines:
Reflection Period:
Post-Retreat Support Network:
Life’s Tests
The Shipibo Conibo Curanderos share ancient wisdom about the plant spirits’ role in testing the integration of teachings—a notion that mirrors life’s inherent inclination to present us with challenges when we embark on the path of change. In this delicate time of assimilating profound shifts, it is often wise to exercise discretion in whom you share your experiences with.
We recommend a period of refraining from discussing your journey with those who may not resonate on the same wavelength. This is not a journey of solitude, but rather, it’s a protective measure to give yourself the necessary space to fully digest your new revelations. In the nascent stages of embracing your newfound truths, it’s crucial to shield them from the potential erosion that can come from the limiting beliefs of others. Your truths are like seeds; they require fertile soil free from adverse elements to take root and flourish.
A trigger might be likened to a test or a challenge—an opportunity dressed in the garb of difficulty. When faced with a trigger, one can choose to see it through the lens of adversity—akin to staring down the barrel of a gun, where the trigger becomes the metaphorical ammunition or projectile that could potentially feed the shadows of trauma or fuel one’s limiting beliefs amidst the journey of transcendence.
Yet, crucially, encountering a trigger does not mandate a reactionary stance. Instead, it presents a choice in how one elects to engage with this particular teaching. The path of response is not preordained; it is crafted by deliberate decision-making, weaving wisdom into action.
The unfolding of transformations and healings—while they may be ignited within the sacred space of an Ayahuasca or Dieta retreat—continue to ripple outward into the broader expanse of one’s life. This is where one can anchor such transformative experiences with consistent practices, meticulously put into place to nurture ongoing healing and seamless integration. These practices serve as the scaffolding upon which one can construct a resilient and enlightened life architecture.
During the serene interlude of a retreat, one may peel away many layers of self, yet it is not uncommon for new layers to emerge in time. A trigger, or any facet of life, can unfurl as a gift—a hidden blessing with the potential for profound impact, depending entirely on one’s perception. Seeking a higher meaning, one that aligns with and propels your evolution, can greatly aid you in navigating this intricate earth school of integration.
When you find yourself in the throes of being triggered by someone else, it’s worth considering the possibility that they are reflecting an unhealed aspect within you—a concept often summarized by the phrase, “you spot it, you got it.” Discomfort stirred by another person’s actions or words might indeed be shining a light on something within yourself—perhaps an aspect that has been buried or suppressed through past trauma.
Feeling the palpable vibration of a trigger is an indication that a limiting belief may be bubbling to the surface, eager for recognition and ripe for transformation. It’s these moments that invite us to step into a more empowered version of ourselves, using the trigger as a compass pointing toward the areas within us that are asking for attention and healing.
When two individuals engage in the intricate dance of limiting beliefs, they often cling to them as if their very lives depend on it, which can ignite arguments and sow the seeds of disharmony. On an energetic level, their shadow energies seem to engage in a relentless rally, lobbing intrusive energy back and forth, much like a tennis match fueled by a lifetime’s accumulation of negative emotions such as resentment. As previously noted, these energies do nothing but nourish the shadows lurking within.
Life, it appears, is a delicate act of balance in one’s personal evolution, sometimes feeling akin to taking three steps forward only to be followed by two steps back in any growth process. Much depends on how one holds their space and with whom one chooses to share that space. Nevertheless, the reflection provided by others has time and again proven its value, particularly when one chooses to take ownership of their experiences and step away from victimhood.
With the rise of higher awareness and the potential for change, it becomes challenging not to be grateful for the other party — for highlighting the very shadows that are primed for transformation. In the heat of the moment, this gratitude may be elusive; yet with time, understanding, and the transmutation of these teachings into wisdom, one cannot help but develop a deeper sense of compassion for others. This transformation often blossoms into an overwhelming sense of gratitude for their unwitting role in supporting one’s journey through teaching and transformative experiences.
A challenge is similar to a trigger and can certainly be perceived as a test however one may not feel the same level of disharmony within. In these moments other may be searching for their inner truth, they could be on the brink of letting go of a limiting belief. In these moments one can choose to be of service, it can quite commonly be met with resistance however if one is not in the process of letting go of a belief it should not bother one, one can choose to let it go or support them to find their inner truth, the ego mind does not like to be told what to do, so its best met with asking questions to guide other to the answers or sharing personal stories, through identification to ones stories this bypasses the ego mind so other can find their new truth. With challenge it seems one is a vibrational key the challenger is searching for to unlock that which no longer serves them. One must trust the process on both sides of the challenge teaching. One or other may not get it the first time however a seed has been planted which will guide one or other to the next teaching to support transformation. A challenge may come to test a new way of being quite commonly one may act out with the old belief system but will be aware of the new way of being typically by the third test they act with the new way of being commonly tears of gratitude surface for the gifts of our teachers and plants and those residual tears wash away the last vibrational aspect of that limiting belief and integration is set.
A challenge, akin to a trigger, indeed presents itself as a test, yet it may not necessarily provoke the same intensity of disharmony within. In such moments, others may be actively seeking their own inner truth, perched on the precipice of releasing a limiting belief. This presents an opportunity for one to step into a role of service, although it’s not uncommon to encounter resistance.
However, if you are not in the throes of shedding a belief yourself, such resistance should scarcely perturb you. You’re presented with a choice: to simply let it be or to assist them in discovering their own truth. The ego mind tends to rebuff direct instruction, preferring instead the subtlety of questions that gently guide others toward enlightenment or the sharing of personal stories that resonate on a deeper level. Through the power of identification with another’s experiences, one can effectively circumvent the ego, paving the way for others to embrace a new perspective.
Within every challenge lies a vibrational key that the challenged seeks to unlock and discard what no longer serves them. Trusting this process is essential from both ends of this challenge-teaching dynamic. One or both parties may not grasp the lesson at first, but rest assured, a seed has been sown—it will eventually germinate and guide them to their subsequent lessons and support their ongoing transformation.
A challenge may also arrive to test one’s adherence to a new way of being. Initially, one might revert to familiar patterns dictated by old belief systems. Yet, with awareness and typically by the third test, one begins to respond in alignment with this new mode of being. It’s at this juncture where tears of gratitude often well up—tears that are an homage to the wisdom imparted by our mentors, nature’s flora, and the very challenges themselves. These residual tears serve as cleansing waters, washing away the last vestiges of limiting beliefs and cementing the process of integration.
Humanity possesses immense potential—as children, we soak up knowledge with the ease of a sponge absorbing water. Yet, in the same breath, we find ourselves exceedingly vulnerable to conditioning. Over the years, we inherit a myriad of beliefs from our parents and the sweeping tides of society, many of which may no longer serve us in the contemporary world. It’s as though we’ve become inadvertent ‘belief thieves,’ unwittingly making off with ideologies that aren’t necessarily aligned with our true selves.
Now stands before us a crucial juncture—a time to rise above, to sift through this patchwork quilt of inherited convictions. It’s time to transcend these absorbed beliefs and to reclaim our innate potential, fashioning it into a vessel for growth that truly reflects who we are meant to be in this ever-evolving narrative called life.
As one embarks on the journey of evolution, peeling back the layers of an existing belief system, new beliefs—or revelations—often emerge, seemingly bestowed by spirit. However, it’s imperative to discern that these insights may not necessarily represent an intrinsic truth.
It appears that spirit tailors these new beliefs to align with and support one’s growth according to their current vibrational level. These revelations are not the final destination but rather serve as stepping stones—tools that aid in further delayering as one delves deeper in the quest for intrinsic truth, a truth that resonates with the universal truth of the collective consciousness. Each belief, each revelation, thus becomes part of a larger tapestry, weaving together personal growth with the evolution of all.
I trust that these insights have added some value to your understanding of the integration process. Should you choose to embark on a retreat with Meraya, be prepared to dive into a comprehensive and in-depth study guide, meticulously crafted to enhance your journey.
To bolster your integration in the immediate, I invite you to explore the following tips, designed to facilitate a seamless melding of your retreat experiences with the ebb and flow of everyday life.
Withhold experiences: For those with a closed mindset you choose to connect with, it is wise to withhold sharing your retreat experiences for 1 month to foster your personal revelations.
Communication: If a conversation escalates, take responsibility for the situation and seek a time-out. Use this space to meditate and reconnect with your truth before resuming dialogue.
Family and Loved Ones: Recognize that processes may arise involving loved ones or family members; inform them you may need space, solitude, and silence post-retreat.
Decision-Making: Post-retreat, refrain from making any major life decisions. Allow yourself the necessary space and time for contemplation.
Significant Changes: Exercise caution and thorough consideration before making life-altering decisions; avoid drastic actions like selling your business, ending relationships, or radically altering your lifestyle immediately after transformative experiences.
Find Your Tribe: Seek out a community of like-minded individuals. A supportive tribe can enhance your process; sharing yields power and fresh insights as we evolve daily. Look for a close, trusted group that can support this journey.
Nature and Self-Care: Immerse yourself in nature, indulge in mind-expanding literature, practice meditation, eat healthily, and remain vigilant of distractions that could derail you from your path and the true gift of your essence.
We’ve established a supportive group for all our participants to aid one another, coupled with numerous teachings on integration that we offer during our retreats to assist in your ongoing process.
Packing Guide: Refer to the guide below for tailored advice on what to bring for each of our unique retreat offerings.
Jungle Stays: Embrace simplicity; there’s no need to overpack. Essentials suffice as we are nestled in nature’s abundance.
Laundry: Rest assured, all laundry will be tended to weekly, yet facilities are available for more frequent washing should the need arise.
And receive our newsletter packed with advanced practices and ancient wisdom. We are also offering 1 free space for all our retreats picked from our subscription list.
This following style mattress is super comfortable
This following style mattress is great for transportation
It is very important to note, that any prolonged stay in the Amazon can wreak havoc on your electronics. While the high humidity can leave your clothes feeling a little damp and mouldy, your camera, or mobile phone might short circuit eventually. We highly recommend you bring some zip lock bags and silica gel.