What is ayahuasca? Patricia’s story

tThere are countless interventions here for emotional and mental illnesses and distress. Some are evidence-based and others are, shall we say, interesting. For example, using ayahuasca. Let’s look at Patricia’s story.

I’ve been looking for long-time Chipur reader and associate Patricia to submit a guest post for some time now.

Imagine, out of nowhere, I received an email from him a few days ago, article included.

A quick notice

Since Patricia’s story features ayahuasca, I should mention a few things. As you may know, ayahuaska is a hallucinogenic tea (or occasionally, snuff) that is made by boiling a mixture of plants. Its main active chemical substance is dimethyltryptamine (DMT).

Ayahuasca is traditionally used by the population of the Amazon River basin. Prepared by a shaman or healer, it has a spiritual and religious meaning.

If you are thinking about trying ayahuasca, there is a wealth of information you should consider. For the record, Chipur does not endorse or encourage its use.

The word is yours, Patricia…

“I’m a tough guy.”

Every year on my birthday, I challenge myself to face a fear. When I turned 60, I did something no one thought I would ever do: I jumped out of a plane.

Despite being attached to an experienced skydiver, every fiber of my being was sure he wouldn’t survive. I was leaping into oblivion, a testament to the depth of my fear of heights.

Three minutes later, back on dry land, I was overcome with joy and shouted to anyone who would listen, “I’m a tough guy.” And indeed, it was.

Pushing boundaries with ayahuasca

I have endured loss (more than some, less than others) with pain and trauma as my constant, unwanted companions. They remain uninvited guests, consuming space that could be filled with joy and plenitude, if only they would deign to visit.

Determined to get my life back, I began creating my own stories, pushing the limits of my comfort zone. This resolution led me to my 61st birthday, where I embraced ayahuasca.

My interest in psychedelics was not a nod to my upbringing in the ’70s; I had left recreational use behind. I was drawn to the promise of neuroplasticity and the hope of healing from within.

Guided by an experienced counselor, I had made significant progress, but repeatedly hit the walls of depression and anxiety. He needed a tool to dig deeper into these barriers, understand their origins, and dismantle them.

Psychedelics seemed like the key, but legality and access were major obstacles. Then, a chance invitation from a friend in another state opened the door. I felt like the medicine was calling me.

The ayahuasca experience

My first experience was within a generous and deeply experienced medicine circle, led by an Amazonian shaman. The cultural lineage and support of the group provided a safe environment for this profound journey.

I can’t detail everything I experienced; It was a deeply personal odyssey, guided by an intelligence that gave me what I needed, not what I wanted. It was terrifying, uncomfortable, enlightening, and ultimately compassionate. I met spiritual animals and felt the love that permeates the universe.

Ayahuasca revealed new channels within me, which required training and counseling to integrate. Unlike Amazonian cultures, where such integration is woven into daily life, I needed guidance to navigate this new awareness.

Fortunately, a facilitator supported me after the trip, helping me tap into the neuroplasticity Mother Aya gifted me.

Transformative experiences and advice

Transformative experiences inevitably lead to uncomfortable and scary places. They change your paradigm but leave old patterns that you must address. Embracing medicine is a commitment to personal renewal that requires careful consideration.

The effects on my life have been profound and ongoing. Although I continue to process my traumas and patterns, I am no longer seriously depressed or anxious. The shadows are now illuminated.

I felt called to medicine and prepared my body and mind for the experience, taking it seriously. Until I feel the call again, I will not sit down and drink ayahuasca.

My advice

This is my advice to anyone looking for information on this powerful plant mix.

If you feel the calling, approach it with the utmost seriousness. You will gain from it what you invest in it. Consult your mental health facilitator and ensure safe travel, both during and after the experience.

Tie yourself to an experienced facilitator and a reputable medical circle, and jump. You’re a badass.

Coming out of the box

Emotionally honest, informative and well written. Thanks Patricia.

Have you ever resorted to an “interesting” intervention for your emotional and mental distress or illness? Would you do it?

I get it, sometimes we need to go off the beaten path to ensure comfort, but like Patricia, let’s make sure we have a reasonable solution for where we’re headed. Good?

Lots more information about Chipur and inspirational articles where this came from. Choose one.

Bill White is not a doctor and provides this information for educational purposes only. Always contact your doctor if he has questions, advice or recommendations.

After a decades-long battle with panic, generalized anxiety, mood swings and alcohol dependence; Bill finally found his passion and life’s work: lending a hand to those in the same boat. At age 49 he entered graduate school and earned his counseling credentials. And he continues his service through Chipur and other projects.