How awesome is it that I was able to experience my very first aya 4-day ceremony just 30 minutes away from my house?! We did a private ceremony the Wednesday prior to the 3-day open ceremony for me and my beautiful bridesmaids. We were all very excited and nervous at the same time, not knowing what to expect. Najib and Andrea were there to guide and protect us the entire way.

Then the next 3 days roll around and wow, I have never experienced confronting and coming to terms with all of my traumas in such a short period of time to bring me closer and closer to pure alignment. I suffered from suicidal depression for over 20 years, and as if the first and second ceremony didn’t convince me to never want to kill myself again, during the third ceremony I literally died and became reborn again, all thanks to my ancestors, the plant medicine, and the amazing community that make up the 963 Tribe. When I was able to get over most of my traumas, Mother Aya showed me what my truest passion was, which was to become a singer, songwriter, and artist – a passion that I buried as a little kid, because my parents told me that I couldn’t do it. Mother Aya emboldened me to break through all of my limiting beliefs and to go for it. Right after ceremony, I automatically wrote a song in 2 minutes and now I am getting it produced. What a wonderful world.

I have to give my hats off to the entire 963 Tribe, they played some bangers with the live tribal instruments and I could not help but dance while laying down and feel all the feels of euphoria, happiness, bliss, and security. I will be sitting with them again in a few months and with my partner this time. While I will let my bridesmaids give their own testimonials, I have to say it was such a beautiful bonding activity and we were all able to work through our traumas, give empathy to those who needed it, and to break through our fears and moments of sadness. I will never forget my first time sitting with aya and the 963 Tribe. They are truly a unique community that I have never experienced before. I’ve heard about other churches being highly commercialized, and this one just gives you such an amazing, familial, and welcoming vibe.

The integration portion has been phenomenal so far, there are group chats and monthly potlucks to keep you accountable for your growth. I am honestly so happy I met these people. Legit all I wanna do is hang out with them and spread the love, and even be involved in the process to help grow the church. I highly recommend sitting with them, especially if you’re a local or nearby. That way you’re a lot more comfortable before doing it in the forest in South America or something LOL.