Ayahuasca in Mexico, Pt. 2: What I Wish I Knew Before my 1st Ceremony

Have you been following my Aya story on Youtube? Well, here's a little bonus for you to know about what I wish I knew before my first ceremony. 

The Dieta 

The dieta is probably one of the most key parts of this whole plant-based experience. In fact, it is so important that in order to become a shaman, initiates have to undergo extensive strict dietas in isolation for long periods of time just to be able to be considered for training. I think westerners, myself included, do not consider the weight of how food can interfere with the plant medicine's ability to deliver its messages to you long-term, if after your experience you go back to putting junk into your system. Just because your diet is relatively clean, like mines was/is, doesn't mean you can't stand to tidy it up even more after you sit in ceremony.

For example, initially, my tolerance for eggs was unbearable and my body let me know it. Now that it's been a minute, I can eat them again, but knowing how my body rejected it at first, I just don't want to eat them any more if I can help it. And I know that I can help it. If I eat eggs, I'm making a choice. If I drink alcohol, that's a choice. Whatever we put in our body, like everything else in life is a choice. And I'm actively working on making better choices, because it feels right to honor my body's desire to eat as clean as possible. It's not a burden, it's just some thing I want to do. A new little aspiration of mines to see how clean I can keep my temple.

But don't just take my word for it. Here's some good reads about why the dieta is so important before and after. Also, check out some of the documentaries about Aya as a whole for a more complete picture. I created a whole overview playlist on Youtube, which you can check out here. But also, here's an audio clip from a documentary found on Gaia.com, Ayahuasca: Journey into Infinity which eloquently explains the necessity of maintaining dieta. *Excuse the background music, someone was watching TV near me and I didn't think the recording was picking all that up, lol. 

Icharos 

Icharos are the songs and chants that are performed during your ceremony with the Shaman that seem to control the tempo of the entire gathering. I've heard that after ceremony, one can listen to icharos to re-stimulate the medicine that is still within you to prolong its physical and psycho-active effects. I tried this myself, but did not feel any thing significant. Before and after ceremony, however I listened to a lot of soothing 432 hz meditation music, which I found to be extremely soothing. 

"Traditionally, sound has been used for healing in many cultures. Throughout the indigenous tribes of South America, plant songs are an integral part of the healing process. The Onanya explain that all plants have their own songs and these songs, the ikaros, are taught to the healer during [their initiation] dietas – extended periods of time in isolation adhering to strict dietary conditions designed to receive the healing energy and teachings of the plants. Each different master/teacher plant possesses songs that are given to the apprentice."
-Source

Mapacho

Tobacco, the true, pure kind is very integral to ceremony and is used throughout.

"Mapacho smoke is important both for the shaman and for the participant in any shamanic ceremony:  first, mapacho smoke is blown throughout and around the space or area in which it is to be performed in order to deter bad spirits from approaching.  The shaman will then blow mapacho smoke over the head, hands and the whole body of each participant which helps to cleanse the negative energy from his or system"
-Source

What to Bring

My Ayahuasca Integration: A Quick Day 6 IG Update

Like I explained in the video what one needs for comfort is completely up to the individual. I just know now that I'd have done well with my own blanket, a body pillow or at least some type of cushion to lie down on and something to hydrate with, like coconut water. I was sure to bring tissue, which was needed because I surely cried a river and had to blow my nose constantly. I had some natural repellent, which was absolutely needed because, hello random jungle insects & mosquitos. And a couple of my fave crystals for comfort. It would've also been nice to have some fruit or nuts to snack on in the morning, and probably my toothbrush and natural toothpaste to brush my teeth after it was all over the next day. Fortunately, for me I went straight back to the comfort of my apartment the next morning. But to be safe, just pack whatever you'd need on an overnight or weekend trip and that should cover all the bases.

Your Moon Cycle

If you're a lady who menstruates, it would be a good idea to inform your shaman or facilitator(s) that you are cycling. It's not typically a problem, but you just want people to be aware to look after you, and maybe adjust your dose if they deem it necessary.

Integration

The first few days after my ceremony were a shock to my entire system. I couldn't concentrate on external stuff very well. Everything was super cerebral and inward feeling. I could hardly stand to be outside in the sun, or absorb loud sounds from traffic, smells were repugnant, and I deeply felt all of my senses. It was almost unbearable. It passed within a few days or so, but I had to do a LOT of grounding and being in nature helped with this tremendously. Here I am talking about my experience on IG.

Final thoughts

Do your research on your shaman and group. Having a shaman and guides who are experienced is pivotal, because you never know what will come up for you emotionally during ceremony. So, having a compassionate, supportive community around you to safely guide you through is everything.  

Have you experienced any sacred ceremonies in your travels? If so, where and when? Do tell!!!

Keeping Your Natural Hair Moisturized When Travel-Sized Products Aren't Enough: Plus Other Carry-On Hacks

TSA rules are especially pesky when you have a head full of curls that demand to be well kept by an entourage of hair products, or vacation photos be damned. However, I’ll let you in on a little travel secret. If you pack one carry-on and one personal item, you’re almost guaranteed to scoot through TSA with 2 separate toiletry bags, as long as they are with their respective bag.

Now don't go stashing your expensive perfume or anything else that's super valuable to you that you'd be devastated to put in the trash at security. Be reasonable. Sephora perfume sample bottles are clearly the better choice in that case. They work well for toner as well.

Also, I never pull out my makeup bag, which is guaranteed to have additional liquid-y stuff from toner, to nail polish to face serum. Not to mention the random lotion or hand sanitizer floating around anywhere in my purse or backpack. It’s literally never been a problem, except for that one time I tried to be a do-gooder and properly package everything in those clear baggies into one carry-on. BIG MISTAKE. Ended up having to check my bag that day.

Smuggling enough hair products to go the distance is typically my struggle. Three out of my allotted carry-on toiletry items are guaranteed to be shampoo, conditioner and a small amount of gel (which I regularly get away with in a ziplock plastic baggie), and MAYBE a cream styler. Ok, so sometimes it’s 4. Typically, this is enough for 2-3 wash n gos. But more often than not I try to stick to a simple paired down routine when I can.

In any case, for trips longer than a week or if I’ll be swimming regularly, I’ll often buy some cheap conditioner that doubles as a co-wash & leave-in when I touchdown wherever. If you’re gonna spend $2 for a travel size conditioner you mine as well put another $.50 with it and get some cheap, but effective regular-sized product to co-wash & moisturize your heart out. IJS.

That way, if your don’t use it all you won’t be extra hurt about it and can probably even refill your travel size to take back home and save for the next jaunt.

While on location, here’s how I hydrate and protect my curls:

1. Dampen hair

2. Add a moisturizing conditioner, and really work it in

3. Add oil to ends and crown and work it in some more. P.S. Trader joes sells coconut oil packets, in case you need a portable travel oil solution. Freezing your oil before departing also works. It’s a solid, so it’s a go. The same for your coconut water, juice or whatever. *Remember who told you!

4. Brush hair into a ponytail and secure with a hair clip

5. Twist, braid or let your curls hang free

6. Bun the ends, if you like

7. Add a little gel to the crown, if you’re feeling slick

8. Tie a silk or satin scarf to lay down edges & voila, your hair is moisturized af!

How do you maintain your natural hair on-the-go? Leave a comment here or on social.

Best Housesitting Sites for Jetsetters Like You

So, you wanna travel and stay someplace cute while saving a coin? If you don’t mind AirBNB like accommodations, then housesitting might be for you. I’ve house sat for friends, of course, but more recently scored my first international house sit in a beautiful, spacious two bedroom, 3 bathroom home with a pool and 2 super-chill fur babies in Colima, Mexico.

I mean check it out for yourself...

So, HOW did stumble upon this good fortune, you ask? Well, I’ve been clicking around on house sitting sites for a couple of years now, but would never commit to paying the typical membership fee, no matter how small it was. After this experience, I’ll be honest— I’m definitely gonna pay up.

I happened upon this particular listing on Nomador, but because I love Mexico, and really want to move around to explore different parts, I’m going to be giving Housesit Mexico a fair shot as well.

The dope part about most sitting sites is that it’s usually free to browse. Nomador, the site where I found my current sit, offers 3 free applications after you confirm a few details, like your ID, address, and proof of an income. It’s not at all necessary, but I think it proves you are serious and not an obscure drifter just looking for a place to crash. Plus, don't you want the people you're sitting for to be vetted?? Exactly.

Anyhoo, I didn’t find the process intrusive at all. I just uploaded a few docs and they confirmed me. Easy-peasy, lemon squeezy. I mean, you’ve seen the place. TOTALLY worth it! And now that I have a reference on the site I’ve got a little cred. to refer to for future inquiries.

So, with that I give you the 5 resources that I regularly check, along with their pros and cons:

Housesittingmagazine.com

This is just an all around good resource to keep up with what’s going on in the house sitting community. The pros are it’s free. The cons, I really couldn’t find one.

Nomador.com

This site is at the top of my list because of its ease of use. I scored my first sit on my second (free) application. The pro is that the first 3 applications are FREE. The con is that many of the listings are actually in Europe. Which is great for the summer months, if you ask me. Other locations are available, but not plentiful.

Housesit Mexico

I’ve been stalking this site since I found out about it last year. Pros: They often have discount codes that you can message them on FB to ask for. The cons is that it’s limited to house sits in Mexico. Which is more of a pro, from where I sit.

Housesitting World

In the past I feel like this service was not free initially, but I guess that changed at some point. So, there’s the pro. You’ve got 9 days, so make the most of it. The big con is that some of the listings are cross-posts from other sites, like Nomador and Housesit Mexico. They are partners, apparently, so... I’m not sure why I’d pay twice for 2-3 separate sites with the same results.

House Carers (no typo)

It’s been awhile since I clicked around in this site. The pro is that their FB page is very active with listings. The con is that on the back end, the interface is not very user friendly. Plus, you’ll have to pay to play right from the beginning. Looking at the situation objectively, they do seem to have a lot of social proof with followers and engagement on posts… so the $50 fee could potentially be worth a roll of the dice.

Trusted HouseSitters

The big pro is that the site looks as though they have a wide array of sitting options as far as I can tell. Whether you prefer the mountains, the ocean or city destination, they’ve got it. Plus, this site has been featured on a number of mainstream media sites. A couple of cons, in my opinion, are that due to apparent popularity, the competition to land a great sit might be on the high side. And, at $119 per year, I’d like some kind of guarantee of at least one sit in order for it to be worth the investment risk. IJS.

Have you done any housesitting in the past on your travels? What resources did you use? How did the sit go? Leave a comment below or on social.

Ayahuasca In Mexico Pt. I: The First 24 (Hours)

It is said that if Aya calls to you, you'll know it, and that is whom the medicine is for. And the fact that you're even here and interested could be a sign that this beautiful plant medicine is reaching out to you. Or, maybe you're just curious about my experience, and that's cool too.

Either way, I definitely did my research before my first ceremony, and you ABSOLUTELY should too. The video you're about to watch is my reaction and impression 24 hours after sitting in my first ceremony. 

Plus, I've included a bonus playlist of videos that I watched before and after, which I've found extremely helpful and supportive on my journey.

If you'd like to learn more about what I wish I knew before going into ceremony you can check that out here as well.

Have you thought about or tried plant medicine? Drop a comment below or hit my line on Youtube or IG and let me know about your experience.

3-Page Checklist Download

Access in our Creative Tribe Resource Library. It's free for blog subscribers.

Intention Setting Ritual for Spring Renewal and Rebirth

Spring is a time for rebirth and regeneration of energy that has been seemingly dormant over the winter months. This new moon, we're focused on creating and setting an intention to invite our personal re-birth. To re-energize ourselves and re-emerge with a sense of renewed purpose. Notice a theme here? Re- is Latin, used with the meaning “again” or “again and again” to indicate repetition, or with the meaning to go “back”. The intention that you set now will be especially powerful, as this new moon is coming on the heels of a Mercury Retrograde-- the backwards or reverse pattern of motion that we've been in over the past 6 weeks since the retrograde began. This a powerful time for re-igniting latent dreams, lovers..

We've been in a perpetual state of revisiting, reviewing and relearning these past few weeks, and now it's time for our glorious rebirth and re-emergence into the beautiful light.  

Mercury seriously gets a bad rap for knocking everything out of alignment-- from schedules to technology, to people's behavior. For far too long, Mercury has been the fall guy for falling back in the sack with exes and many other poor decisions and words exchanged. Not any longer. We're taking our power back during this new moon as Mercury stations it self direct once again. By reflecting and examining what the universe gifts us during retrograde periods we become more self-aware and capable to grow and evolve through all of life's messiness.

Luna Dolls who are coming to our Luna Rising Retreat in Mexico at the end of the month are invited to delve deep and learn how to transmute Mercury Retrograde's potent energy during our New Moon Circle Call, which you can still reap the benefits from if you, too, are interested in how you can use Mercury as an ally. 

Say 'no more' to victimhood. It's time to be the alchemist and take conscious steps in our evolution process. And this simple candle meditation is one immediate action you can take to spark the flame of your power.   

Love our monthly rituals? Watch highlights from our community Cacao Ceremony & Sound Healing Meditation in the Riviera Maya. 

What you need

One candle-- I like white, but choose whatever color speaks to you based on what you need

Sage or Palo Santo

What you’ll do

Step 1: Clear the energy space with your sage or palo santo and light your candle. If it's at eye level to where you'll be seated, that's even better.

Step 2: Get into a comfortable seated position.

Step 3: Close your eyes and breathe in some good prana (life force, energy), and exhale any tension in the body. You can do a quick body scan from your crown, through all of your chakras, if you like. At the base of your spine, at your root, allow yourself to feel grounded to the earth.

Step 4: Once you feel settled, let you eyes flutter open to focus in on the flame from your candle.

Step 5: Allow yourself to feel the fiery energy of the flame. Hold a soft gaze for 1-3 minutes while you continue your inhalations and exhalations. 

Step 6: Ask yourself these 3 questions:
What can I do to physically, energetically and spiritually prepare for this next phase in my life?
Where do I need to create space in my life for this rebirth?
What is my intention to bring forth?

Step 7: Close your eyes and sit with the questions. Don't worry if nothing comes up immediately. Give yourself time to internalize them and let your inner awareness bring the answers to you. You can jot down anything that comes up in your journal or if you spontaneously receive an answer later when your meditation is complete, like I often do, make a note of it in your phone and put it on paper in your journal later.

That's it! You've planted an intention for great change and rebirth. If you're planning to come to Luna Rising, be sure to bring your journal or Empowered Woman Checklist with you so we can revisit these intention(s) that you set when we meet in person under the light of the full moon in the Riviera Maya Jungle.

 

Have you been looking for a sister tribe that will hold space for you and your dreams? Well, keep reading.

My Sisters in Spirit and I are teaching women like you to raise their vibration by using holistic wellness practices—including clean eating, yoga and meditation. We are sharing principles that will help you become grounded in your beliefs about your inner feminine power and capabilities so that you can manifest the life of your dreams. This is no ordinary retreat, Luna Rising is firmly rooted in holistic wellness, ceremonial reverence and sisterhood-- the pillars that modern woman are coming to realize are needed to lead a healed and fulfilled life.

Luna Rising: A Sisterhood and Jungle Healing Retreat is 2 spots away from being sold out. Take action NOW to reserve your space.

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