Walkthrough a Retreat
Mind, body and soul
Preperation
To prepare for a transformative ayahuasca ceremony at Heart Sanctuary Retreats, participants must follow specific guidelines for physical, mental, and spiritual readiness. This includes obtaining a clean bill of health, particularly concerning heart issues and SSRIs, and excludes individuals with schizophrenia or those under 24 with a close relative suffering from schizophrenia. Dietary preparation involves eliminating red meat, pork, aged cheeses, fermented foods, dairy, caffeine, alcohol, and refined sugars two weeks before the ceremony.
Mental and emotional preparation includes setting clear, heart-centered intentions, engaging in mindfulness practices like meditation, yoga, and journaling, and minimizing exposure to violent media and overstimulating content to create a calm mental environment. This comprehensive preparation helps participants arrive open and ready for a profound and transformative experience.
Welcome Ceremony
Day 1
Upon arrival at the retreat, participants will be assigned their rooms, providing a private or shared space to settle in. The afternoon is dedicated to introductions and community building, allowing everyone to get to know each other and form connections. This is followed by a sacred opening ceremony focused on the element of Air, where participants will express their gratitude and articulate their intentions for the retreat.
Most retreats commence with a sacred rapé (sacred tobacco snuff) ceremony, an ancient practice used to clear the mind, ground the body, and open spiritual channels. This ceremonial practice sets a reflective tone for the journey ahead. After the rapé ceremony, a nourishing dinner is served, offering participants a chance to share a meal and further bond in a relaxed atmosphere. The evening concludes with ample time for rest, ensuring everyone is well-prepared for the transformative experiences to come.
First Ayahuasca Ceremony (Air)
Day 2
The next day begins with a movement practice, such as yoga or stretching, to energize the body and promote physical well-being. Following this, participants will enjoy a nutritious breakfast and a very light lunch. The afternoon typically includes a breathwork session, continuing to connect with the element of Air and deepening the participants' state of mindfulness and relaxation.
The highlight of the day is the first ayahuasca ceremony in the evening. This powerful and sacred ritual is conducted under the guidance of Nacho and his team of experienced facilitators, creating a safe and supportive environment for participants to embark on their profound spiritual and emotional journey.
Rest and Water Ceremony
Day 3
We will start the day a little later to ensure our bodies are fully rested after the previous night's journey. A nourishing breakfast will be served, providing energy and grounding for the day ahead. Following breakfast, we will gather for a group integration session where participants can share their experiences, insights, and emotions from the ayahuasca ceremony. This collective sharing fosters a sense of community and support.
In addition to the group session, each participant will have a one-on-one integration session with Nacho. Meeting one-on-one with the Shaman after each ceremony is unique to Heart Sanctuary. These private sessions are designed to help individuals process their unique experiences more deeply, offering personalized guidance and support to fully begin the integration process.
In the afternoon, we will hold a ceremony dedicated to the element of Water. This ceremony will focus on honoring our emotional bodies.
We will begin the day with a movement practice, which might include yoga, Tai Chi, or another form of mindful physical activity to help awaken and energize the body while fostering a connection to our inner selves. Following this, we will enjoy a nutritious breakfast, designed to be light yet nourishing, providing the energy needed for the day's activities.
Later, a very light lunch will be served, ensuring that participants remain comfortable and prepared for the evening's ceremony.
The day will culminate in the second ayahuasca ceremony that evening. This ceremony will build on the experiences and insights gained from the first, offering another opportunity for profound personal and spiritual exploration in a supportive and sacred environment
Second Ayahuasca Ceremony (Water)
Day 4
Rest and Earth Ceremony
Day 5
We will begin the day a little later to ensure everyone has ample time to rest and recuperate fully. A nutritious breakfast will be served, providing the necessary energy to start the day on a balanced note. Following breakfast, we will convene for a second group integration session, fostering a supportive environment where insights and emotions can be expressed and understood collectively. In addition to the group session, each participant will have their second one-on-one integration session with Nacho.
At some point during the day, we will conduct a ceremony centered around the element of Earth. Activities may include working with natural materials, meditative walks in nature, or rituals that honor the Earth's energy and our connection to it.
The day will conclude with a wholesome dinner, offering time for participants to nourish their bodies and reflect on the day's activities.
We will begin the day with a movement practice, such as yoga, tai chi, or stretching exercises. These activities are designed to energize the body, promote flexibility, and prepare participants for the day's events. Following this invigorating start, a nutritious breakfast will be served, offering a balanced meal to fuel the morning.
The highlight of the day will be the third and final ayahuasca ceremony in the evening. This third and final ayahuasca journey is incredibly joyful and serves as the culmination of all the previous work. It is designed to celebrate the transformative journey, bringing together all the insights, healing, and personal growth experienced throughout the retreat. The atmosphere will be one of joy and gratitude, as participants reflect on their progress and the profound connections they have made.
Third Ayahuasca Ceremony (Earth)
Day 6
Wachuma Ceremony (Fire)
Day 7
Day seven is pivotal and eventful, filled with activities that bring the retreat experience to a meaningful close. The day begins with a nourishing breakfast, providing participants with the energy needed for the day's events. Following breakfast, we will gather for a third group integration session and each participant with benefit from their final one-on-one integration session with Nacho.
The highlight of the day will be a Wachuma (San Pedro) ceremony led by the Casa Inkani Coca family. This ceremony, dedicated to the element of Fire, will provide a transformative experience centered around purification, renewal, and empowerment. The Fire element symbolizes passion, transformation, and the burning away of old patterns, making this ceremony a powerful culmination of the retreat's themes.
Day 8
Goodbye
We will start our final day with a hearty breakfast, nourishing our bodies as we prepare for the journey home. This meal serves as a grounding ritual, helping us to internalize the experiences of the retreat and solidify our newfound insights. Following breakfast, we will gather our belongings and prepare to return to our everyday lives, carrying with us the lessons and transformations we have undergone.
The transition back home is framed as the most important ceremony of all: the ceremony of our lives. Armed with newfound awareness and compassion, we are now ready to spread the seeds of transformation to everyone we encounter. This means living with greater mindfulness, kindness, and understanding, and integrating the profound spiritual insights gained during the retreat into our daily interactions and relationships. By doing so, we not only continue our personal growth but also positively impact our communities, fostering a ripple effect of transformation and healing. This final stage is a reminder that the true work of the retreat extends beyond its boundaries, inviting us to live each day with intention and heart-centered awareness.