After immersing myself in the wisdom of shamans in Peru and Costa Rica, I’ve come to realize the crucial role integration plays in making these experiences transformative and lasting. Here are the key insights I’ve gathered:

1. Making sense of the experience: The visions, images, and messages that flood in during these experiences can initially seem abstract and overwhelming. It’s essential to take time to reflect on them, connecting them to past traumas and current life experiences. This reflection allows for a deeper understanding of the messages received.
2. Applying insights to life: The insights gained from these experiences are invaluable, often leading to positive and necessary changes in how we live. They highlight recurring patterns that we may have been stuck in, prompting us to make changes for the better.
3. Processing emotions: The emotional journey can be intense, especially for those who, like me, have tended to close themselves off from their emotions. Integration offers an opportunity to fully experience and process these emotions, leading to a greater sense of emotional freedom.
4. Integrating new beliefs and values: These experiences can challenge and shift beliefs that were previously ingrained, often stemming from negative external influences. For me, it was a revelation to realize that many of the beliefs I held about myself were not truly my own.

Integration is a ongoing process. It took me months to feel like myself again after my experiences, and I continue to integrate the visions and messages I received. This ongoing integration process is part of my journey towards becoming my authentic self.

Plant medicine opens us up to new potentials and awareness about ourselves. It sheds light on our toxic patterns and shows us what needs work within ourselves. While Ayahuasca told me that the answers were within myself and I no longer needed to seek external guidance, I acknowledge that without the help and guidance of the medicine, I may never have started this inner work.

The medicine has given me a deeper appreciation for the spirit and guidance of the plant. However, it’s important to remember that the plant is only the door; we must do the walking. We must take action based on this new sense of awareness and do the work that comes with it. The journey ahead is one of continued growth, and I am grateful for the insights and gifts that have unfolded as a result of this transformative experience.