Entering into altered states of consciousness induced by meditation, breath work or plant medicine can support us in accessing deeper layers of ourselves, and potentially offer spaces of deep healing. Proper preparation before such experiences, along with readily available integration support after, can be considered as important as the experience itself.

In my years as a facilitator at two of the premier plant medicine centers in the world, Temple of the Way of Light, in Peru and Soltara Healing Center, in Costa Rica, I have witnessed deep healing and profound transformational processes. Working with plant medicine and altered states of consciousness can bring a great sense of joy, inspiration and new potential. There can however also be periods where this is accompanied by doubt, fear, uncertainty, confusion, discomfort, and disconnection, especially if proper preparation and integration support was lacking.

Preparation

Before embarking on your journey, it may be supportive to work with a guide who has both knowledge and experience of what may arise both during and after such experiences. A successful integration starts with good preparation. First of all, making sure that this experience will be a good fit for the individual in this particular time and supporting informed choices and harm reduction. This work is not for everyone, and could even be harmful to some. For this reason, most centers will do a screening as part of their intake process. As you prepare for your journey, it may be supportive to also address expectations, hopes and fears, and to clarify and refine your intentions.

Integration

The medicine does not stop working when the ceremony ends or when the retreat is over. You will have initiated a healing process that may continue to unfold for weeks, months or even years. This process can be supported by implementing the teachings and insights received by the medicine and aligning your choices and actions to the vision of your life.

I am happy and honored to walk with you on this journey, weaving wisdom of my own experiences into our sessions. I have been blessed to have worked with various plants within different healing traditions since 2014, with a focus on Amazonian traditional medicine. Additionally, I have studied, trained and facilitated within the Shipibo tradition since 2018. I am a loving student of Maestra Ynez Lopez Sanches who runs the master plant healing center Niwe Rao Xobo with her daughters and extended family outside of Pucallpa, Peru.