My experiences with Hummingbird Church have been profoundly transformational, touching my heart and spirit in ways I couldn’t have imagined. I have participated in several ceremonies and have also had the honor of serving as a facilitator in others. To clarify, as a facilitator, my role is not to serve Ayahuasca; this sacred responsibility lies exclusively with the indigenous practitioners. My purpose is to hold a safe, supportive space where participants can connect deeply with the medicine and embark on their healing journeys under the wisdom and guidance of the taitas, shamans, or teachers.
As a participant, I was deeply moved by the level of care and attention I received. The support offered both during and after the ceremonies was extraordinary and made me feel like I was exactly where I needed to be. I never felt judged, only held, which allowed me to surrender fully to the process. This opened the door for profound self-discovery and understanding—both of myself and the world around me.
The Taita’s guidance was a steady presence throughout the experience, and his answers to my questions reflected his deep wisdom and love. Before the ceremonies, I was given clear and compassionate instructions on how to prepare myself to work with the medicine. This included dietary adjustments and important information about medications that are not compatible with Ayahuasca. These preparations set a strong foundation for the work to come.
The ceremonial space was beautiful and intentional. We began with grounding practices like breathwork and an introduction from the Taita, which was thoughtfully translated by an assistant to ensure everyone felt included and connected. These moments of preparation created an atmosphere of trust and reverence, allowing the work to unfold with grace.
Several days after each ceremony, Hummingbird Church offers an integration call to help participants make sense of their experiences. These calls provide valuable tools and practices to navigate the shifts and revelations that emerge, and I still use these insights as a guide in my ongoing integration process. Additionally, the Church hosts weekly integration calls every Wednesday, offering a space for continued community support and reflection. This emphasis on integration highlights the importance of weaving the insights and transformations from the ceremonies into daily life, fostering a sense of wholeness and alignment.
One phrase that stuck with me is, “Everyone wants to do Ayahuasca, but no one wants to do the dishes.” This lighthearted yet profound reminder encapsulates the truth that while the ceremonies themselves can be deeply moving and even challenging, the real work begins afterward. It’s in the day-to-day practice of facing your shadows, acknowledging the parts of yourself that need healing, and extending love and attention to those spaces that transformation truly takes root.
I wholeheartedly recommend participating in a ceremony with Hummingbird Church. They continue to offer the opportunity to work with practitioners from different tribes across much of the United states year round. They honor different lineages and welcome all with open hearts, creating a safe and loving environment for those seeking to work with this powerful and intelligent medicine. Their dedication to supporting participants through every stage of the journey—from preparation to ceremony, and most importantly, integration—is a testament to their integrity and care.