I attended the first retreat at Pachamama’s new Maine location on 11 August, 2023. Every part of the experience vastly exceeded my expectations. Having never worked with a plant medicine, there was certainly a bit of trepidation as I embarked on the journey. These concerns were minimized after the pre-retreat zoom call, which allowed us to ask questions, and receive advice and experiences from a few prior attendees to the New Hampshire Sanctuary.

Derek, the team of volunteers, integration coaches, curanderos, and fellow attendees fostered a safe, supportive, and welcoming space. I was received with kindness, openness, and acceptance. The flow of the weekend allowed for rest, reflection, and peace between the periods of challenging work associated with exploring oneself via Ayahuasca and breath work. The space in which we did our work, nestled within a beautiful natural surrounding, was clean, spacious, and beautiful in and of itself. The food was nourishing, and complemented the dieta used in preparing for the weekend.

The message and teachings received from the medicine herself varies with each recipient, after all, as she shows you ‘what you need, not what you want.’ In considering this, to share my specific experiences would not add value to yours. I will simply say that the weekend spent with the Pachamama team, and with Ayahuasca, was life changing. It has provided me with an understanding and framework from which I can confidently do the work to create and live a life full of purpose and love. I am forever grateful for the serendipity that brought me to meet the wonderful souls that guided me on this journey at Pachamama.

If you feel called to delve deeper into your consciousness and to effect meaningful change in your life armed with the gift of this insight, I highly recommend Pachamama Sanctuary and the plant medicine Ayahuasca as a conduit for this challenging but rewarding work.

With warmth and love,

Joel