A few things to remember during your Ayahuasca ceremony

It’s essential to enter the ceremony feeling refreshed to stay awake. Many of us arrive at the retreat after long journeys, already exhausted from travel and perhaps from the stress of the unknown. If this is true for you, use your free time during the retreat to get as much rest as possible. Being well-rested helps you maintain focus during ceremony nights and better regulate your energy and reactions, enhancing your overall experience.

Remain seated for the entire ceremony if your health and physical condition allow. Lying down may signal your body that it’s time to sleep, and you wouldn’t want to miss the experience.

Breathing will help you to stay calm and collected, and even with eventual discomfort you can manage your energies with taking slow deep breathes. As you wait for the brew to take effect, breathe deeply and consciously (try: inhale for 4 counts, hold for 4, exhale for 4, hold for 4, repeat). Return to your breath whenever your mind wanders.

If the ceremony feels overwhelming, remember that it will soon pass. Keep in mind that the effects usually last a few hours but are not permanent, even if they feel prolonged. Below are some tips to help you through intense moments.

If your physical sensations, visions, or emotions become too intense, ask Mama Ayahuasca (also known as AyaMama, the spirit of the Ayahuasca plant) to decrease the intensity. Conversely, if you don’t feel much, ask AyaMama to enhance the experience.

Place your palms downward on your knees/thighs, combined with deep and slow breathing and open eyes. This can help ground you and reduce intensity. You can also look around and observe your surroundings, helping your conscious mind recognize that you are in a safe environment.

To prepare for experiencing more, place your palms upward on your knees or thighs, with deep and slow breathing and closed eyes. Repeat your intention and refine it if needed. This helps you open up to more insights and enhances your sensory experience during the journey. Be prepared for the option of taking a second cup if offered when the time comes.

Interlacing your fingers and practicing deep breathing can help balance your energies and calm you.

You are solely responsible for yourself during a ceremony. Even if a loved one struggles, refrain from intervening with the intention of calming or rescuing them. Your only role is to focus on your own process and allow the professional team and shaman to take care of the rest.

The ceremony concludes when the shaman declares it finished. A sense of completion arises as the candles are relit, and quiet whispers aim to maintain the serenity. Sometimes, participants might feel bored or frustrated during the ceremony if they haven’t received much insight and may wish to leave. If you find yourself in this situation, it’s advised to patiently wait until the ceremony is over, avoiding unnecessary noises or actions that might disturb others. Instead of leaving, a more respectful choice toward the shaman and your fellow participants is to stay until the end. Use this time to relax, meditate, or practice conscious breathing.

Sleep it out afterward, and practice conscious yawning if sleep doesn’t come easily, ensuring the brew wears off completely.

Don’t hesitate to ask for help from the shaman, facilitators, or AyaMama if needed.

Approach this journey with respect and intention, while allowing yourself to be playful and curious. Be open to change and the possibility of healing and transformation. There may be times when you feel like crying or laughing; every emotion is welcome here. Embrace them, live them, and enjoy the ride!

Ready to go even deeper?