Integration Series Part 3. 

For us integration means alchemy. When we take those challenging lessons from our experiences and shine a light of truth on them. Having more awareness, love and compassion for ourselves so that we are able to create new outcomes in our life. Truly embodying those learnings in our everyday life. 

What does integration mean for you? 

Neil Kirwan, co-founder of Sowa Soma speaks about the afterglow of the experience having gone as we get into the mundane flow of life again. Months 1-3 (and beyond) are where those lessons learnt are put to the test. This usually comes with some mistakes and failings, but try not to be too hard on yourself. This is all part of bringing more awareness into our lives, choosing not to repeat old patterns and behaviours. 

As more and more people come to Ayahuasca, an estimated 4m people (ICEERS study) around the world have experienced the potent Amazonian brew, so too has plant medicine interest piqued.

Neil Kirwan, Ayahuascero and co-founder of Sowa Soma talks about what happens 1-2 weeks following any energetic work, including Ayahuasca ceremonies or retreats.

If you're considering drinking Ayahuasca for the first time, here are some useful things to take into consideration to help make it a safe and enjoyable experience.

How to navigate integration following an ayahuasca ceremony, retreat or master plant dieta. The do’s and the don’ts.

Screening participants before and ayahuasca ceremony is an essential part of our practice.

What happens during an ayahuasca ceremony? Knowing the general structure of how a ceremony works goes a long way to creating a sense safety for your first ayahuasca ceremony.

The what is easy, who is Ayahausca is a much harder question to answer. Many refer to her as feminine or mother like whilst others disagree

Should I drink Ayahuasca? What do we need to consider when asking this question?

Our connection with nature in the UK may not be on the same level as the tribes of the Amazon, but the plants are ready and waiting with the same vigour and healing power of their rainforest counter parts. And they have so much to say!

With my initial teaching in mind, it is clear to me that the western world is not happening to Ayahuasca. Ayahuasca is happening to the western world. It is the spirit here that has the guiding hand.

A real point of contention that will often raise red flags on both sides for more experienced drinkers is the practice of drinking Ayahuasca in your own home Vs drinking in a group with a curandero/facilitator/shaman at a retreat centre.

After many journeys to the darkness, the abyss, the void I decided to write an article about my experience, What started out as an article turned into a poem, twisting and turning, moving and flowing.

This analogue version of Ayahuasca is not Ayahuasca, it's a disservice to advertise these plants as such and misinforms retreat participants. That's not to say these plants don't have healing properties and. In many European retreat centres I see that an Analogue version of Ayahuasca is being served. This analogue version of Ayahuasca is...