Healing and Self-Discovery with Ayahuasca in the Amazon Jungle
A Year of Deep Connection with Plant Medicines
This past year has been a journey like no other—a complete cycle of self-discovery, healing, and rebirth through plant medicine. Over nine months, I’ve traveled through the realms of these sacred plants, each with its unique consciousness and wisdom. There’s no hierarchy among them; each plant spirit has its own way of working, guiding me to heal, grow, and reconnect with myself. The blessings I’ve received on this path are beyond words.
Finding Cacao: The Start of My Healing Path
My journey with plant medicines truly began with cacao, which entered my life in 2023. The spirit of cacao was an immediate presence—she arrived, and I instinctively knew she would be a powerful ally in my work with addiction and reconnection. In February, I deepened this bond by training with my shaman, Rebekah Shaman, who guided me to connect profoundly with cacao.
Through cacao, I began a journey of heart healing, working through layers of past trauma, self-forgiveness, and acceptance. This healing laid the foundation for everything else to come.
Mushrooms and Letting Go of Fear
After cacao, I worked with the spirit of mushrooms in two profound ceremonies. These experiences helped me shed attachments to the “3D reality”—the everyday fears and worries that often hold us back. The mushrooms taught me to trust deeply and move with the flow of life. Each step along this path seemed to naturally lead me to the Amazon jungle, where I would meet Ayahuasca.
Preparing for Ayahuasca: A Mindful Approach to Plant Medicine
As my journey led me closer to the Amazon and Ayahuasca, I supported myself through meditation, therapy, and a strong inner practice. These plant medicines are sacred, powerful, and ancient. Working with them requires utmost integrity and the guidance of a skilled shaman to ensure that both body and spirit are protected.
In the week leading up to the retreat, I felt intense nervousness. Being intuitive and sensitive, I sensed that I was on the brink of profound transformation. Despite the growth I’d experienced over the past decade, this felt like a leap off a cliff—a moment to test my wings.
Embracing the Amazon: Arriving in Iquitos
I arrived in Iquitos, a town on the edge of the Amazon, four days before the retreat. This early arrival was part of a practice I’ve developed since discovering my AuDHD. I allow myself time to settle, recover from travel, and get grounded in a new place. For the first day, I usually stay close to the hotel to rest. The second day, I explore the nearby area. By the third day, I feel ready to meet others.
This grounding practice helps me move smoothly into the retreat environment and allows my nervous system to settle before diving deep into the work.
Preparing the Body: The Ayahuasca Dieta
Preparing for Ayahuasca involves a cleansing ritual known as the “dieta.” This diet begins two weeks before the retreat and continues through the retreat, ending at least one week afterward. The dieta is meant to remove toxins from the body, allowing Ayahuasca to work at its fullest. It meant no alcohol, no smoking, no fermented foods, no red meat, no dairy, no sugar (fruit is allowed), no salt, and even reduced use of beauty products.
Surprisingly, this wasn’t difficult for me. Living a healthy lifestyle, I found joy in rediscovering the natural flavors of foods. The fruit, especially, was incredibly vibrant and juicy—it tasted like it had come alive!
Stepping Into the Jungle
Our journey to the jungle lodge took about two hours from Iquitos. After a 90-minute drive, we trekked the rest of the way with our backpacks through lush forest, arriving at the lodge where the retreat would take place.
There, we were welcomed by our shaman, who performed a cleansing ritual with Mapacho, a sacred jungle tobacco. We took time to set our intentions for the retreat, each of us ringing a large bell three times to seal these intentions.
Crossing the Threshold: A Ritual of Release
As I prepared to enter the jungle, I closed my eyes and envisioned everything I wanted to release. With arms open and heart lifted to the sky, I took my first steps across the bridge and into the jungle, mentally throwing all burdens behind me. I had arrived, ready for the next chapter in my journey of healing and transformation.
Final Thoughts: Stepping Boldly Into Healing and Rebirth
This year has been a journey of immense inner work and reconnection. With each plant medicine, I’ve gone deeper into healing my heart, releasing fears, and letting go of old attachments. The jungle, with all its mysteries and wisdom, felt like the perfect place for this rebirth.
Entering the Amazon was a step toward freedom, self-discovery, and the truest version of myself. As a healer and Cacao Practitioner, I’m grateful to be able to share this journey, and I hope it inspires others to explore their own paths to healing and reconnection.
Before you go…
Did this resonate with you?
Perhaps you're feeling called to explore your own healing journey through plant medicine, I’d love to connect.
Whether you’re curious about cacao, seeking self-discovery, or ready to start a path to freedom and healing, reach out—I’m here to help guide you on your way.
Email me and let me know.
-
Wherever you are on your journey, starting with an understanding who you are is a good foundation. Head over to the “CLASSES” menu page and join a trial class FREE!
-
Join my monthly newsletter “Soul So Wild” for the latest on events, retreats and Denny’s top tips to living a soulful life! Sign up below.👇🏼
-
Book a FREE 20 minute consultation with Denny to discuss where you are at and receive recommendations on how to get started. Head to the top of the page and click “Soul Call”.