Consider before taking an ayahuasca retreat
A therapeutic work with ayahuasca begins with a good anticipation, with the objective of minimizing potential dangers and maximizing advantages. There are three levels in which one can prepare for this type of experience: mental, social and physical. Obviously, each individual must find their way of preparation. Here we offer some ideas that can be useful:
Psychological preparation
If one takes ayahuasca with a therapeutic or personal development intention, such as adjusting attitudes, improving meaningful interpersonal relationships or deactivating emotional blocks, it is important to be aware of one’s state. It is convenient to evaluate the past, present and future prospects in relation to what one wants to work with, and also the relationship with the environment. Reflecting on topics such as where one is at the moment in life, what challenges or patterns of behavior are recurrent that one cannot solve or adjust, how external elements of life affect one (interpersonal relationships), and how one’s own behavior affects one’s environment, and vice versa. The more one has meditated on these aspects before having the experience, the more ayahuasca can serve as a catalyst for this process. Preferably, a professional can provide a neutral mirror to facilitate this process, or even simply the assistance of close people from your environment, or the simple fact of reflecting on all these aspects by yourself can make you aware of many of them so that the experience with ayahuasca is as productive as possible.
It is very important not to have expectations of the taking. Asking specific things like «show me the solution to my compulsive behavior problems» conditions and can hinder the experience. Once you are aware of where you are in your life and what prevents your natural growth and wellbeing, you must enter the experience without expectations, simply letting yourself be carried away by the session. It is about trusting that what happens during the session is what really suits us for our growth and health.
Since the experience with ayahuasca can be very agitated and disrupt the ego (the mental construction of oneself), confront oneself with death or with one’s fears, or generate a terrifying feeling of absence of control, one must be well prepared to allow the experience to flow and to rely on one’s own security, on the facilitator of the session and on the work with the plant. The better prepared one is in these aspects when entering a session, the easier it will be to let oneself be carried away by the experience. Sometimes a real battle between fear and confidence can occur, in which case it can be very useful to be aware of one’s own breathing. Focusing on slow and deep breathing from the lower lungs, with long exhalations and releasing tensions in the body is a very good technique to relax and let go. During the preparation prior to the experience it can also be useful to sit and breathe, train in breathing and thus gain security for the encounter you will have with this plant.
In any case, it is common to go through numerous stages during the experience, some of which can pose a real challenge, others can be very pleasant, full of meaning and vital satisfaction. Just as we recommend preparing for the difficulties, we encourage you to enjoy the satisfying states that ayahuasca can provide, which are sometimes many. States endowed with a profound meaning that can be revealing and that are sometimes accompanied by an ineffable pleasure and beauty.
Social preparation
In cases where one wants to regulate one’s relationships with family, partner or friends, or work problems that involve other people, it is advisable to open a dialogue with these people during the preparation period: explain to these people your firm intentions to solve the problems that exist between you. If you are doing therapy prior to use, you can request this person to be involved in this therapeutic process if you consider it appropriate. If you trust in explaining that you will participate in a therapeutic session in which you will take an ethnobotanical tool (ayahuasca), it can be useful to share your intentions and expectations and listen to their opinion about it. Establishing a bond of trust and support is beneficial for all parties.
Physical Preparation
In traditional cultures, especially in Peru, there is a wealth of knowledge related to «diets». For days, weeks or even months, people consume green plantain with white rice, without salt, sugar or oil. These diets involve the daily consumption of a single plant, abstaining from sexual relations and living in complete solitude in a cabin in the jungle. Often, they begin with a purge of plants such as tobacco and yawarpanga (Aristolochia didyma). The cleansing and sensitization of the body and psyche are achieved in order to obtain greater benefits from the plant being consumed. These diets have a curative focus and are part of the learnings of healers. Each person decides to what extent to make diets, fasting, isolate themselves from the everyday environment and practice exercise or meditation before taking ayahuasca in western environments. Some people maintain their normal diet up to the time of the taking, while others stop taking salt and sugar for a few days or weeks, and others fast the days prior.
In general, a healthy and light diet is recommended, as well as good physical condition so that an experience with ayahuasca is easy and safe. These diets can also be a way of connecting with the body and with the blocks that are felt and gaining awareness and preparing for the session. It is advised that the days prior to the taking include many vegetables and fruits, have a light breakfast and a meal rich in carbohydrates on the day of the taking, and fast 4-6 hours before the taking. If you take any medication that is contraindicated with ayahuasca, such as antidepressants, stop taking it two weeks before the taking. This should be done under the supervision of a specialist, as discontinuing psychiatric medication can cause more problems than benefits. Avoid consuming alcohol, stimulants, opiates and other drugs in the days or weeks prior to the taking. Keep your body hydrated and go to the ceremony rested.