What an Ayahuasca Retreat showed me about my Life

by Amanda Brown (Jamaica)

A leap into the unknown Peru

I have always been a seeker. So after extensive research I decided that I will buy a ticket and head to Peru to an eight days Ayahuasca retreat. Ayahuasca is an ancient Amazonian hallucinogenic brew. I am an English speaking human and Peru is a Spanish speaking Latin American country; and I have never spoken the language in my life. I did not let that limitation stop me from venturing off into the unknown territories. When I got the main airport in Lima; I was excited and terrified at the same time, but I was determined to get the answers that I crave so deeply to find with this medicine that is known to bring the unknown into the known. I went into the scared valley of the second city in Peru, Cusco; high into the mountains to have this experience. There was a ceremonial tent that all the retreaters all gathered to experience this magic plant brew. After ingesting the tea/brew over the course of the eight days, I could sense that my life would never be the same again. I have delved into the darkest and hidden parts of myself that I did not know was laying dormant for my entire life. All along I did not know myself, just a version of myself that my parents, family, friends and environment have created for me to take on. The unknown that I discovered was how brave and courageous I am to have gone on this trip alone. My heart is open and filled with so much love and appreciation for everything and everyone around me. Being present and truly connecting to the humans in my life in the most authentic way possible. It has opened up a whole new way of being while I travel this earthly journey. I used to wait on my family or friends to come along with me on my trips; but after taking on this trip and having experienced the transforming beauty of my life: I realized no one can create your reality for you. I now practice being one hundred percent to be present in every interaction that I am having. I have connected to so many beautiful earthlings while on this magical trip. I used to think I was a shy person but after opening up myself to receiving the healing from this magical plant, I can say that I am not. The unknown was myself, and traveling to Peru on my own and experiencing the Ayahuasca healing has revealed that to me. It has been almost three years since that revelation and life is sweeter because of this discovery. Who knew traveling and taking leaps of faith into the unknown would bring such awesome discoveries. Having gone on hikes in the highest altitudes my heart has ever experienced and having made it through; has taught me that we can do so much as humans. We put all these limitations on our selves as to what we can and cannot do; but we will never know until you venture into the unknown. The scenery, the fresh air, the food, the people; all made this made the journey so meaningful and impactful. Body language and hand gestures got me through my shopping at the markets and even in those moments when I was afraid because I did not know the language, I smiled and said to myself “ language is really not a barrier, we are all just people”. We are all here to create our own realities and it is the venture into the unknown where these wonderful discoveries of one self comes to light. Seeing how other people live in other countries and not just living life from your own perspective does amazing things to the human psyche. It takes away the narrow-minded views of life and selfishness that we all have in us. The heart speaks the truth; the mind- if not focused will let you live in complete opposite from what the heart desires. There is so much to be appreciated and my heart is full of love to give. My eyes are open to see and experience new realities of what this wide expansive world has to offer.