How To Be Human - Teachings From A Plant
16/06/2008

How can a plant teach us how to be human? Human beings have always had a strong and deeply interdependent relationship with the plants of the Earth. Plants have been used for everything imaginable- from the air we breathe, food, weapons, shelter, clothes, tools, homes and medicine. It is also possible that some plants have the capacity to teach us how to reconnect with the sacredness of the Earth and remind us what it is to be human.

Well this is preciously what the indigenous people of the Amazon have been using for a millennia to heal the mind, body and spirit. When the Europeans encountered the indigenous tribes of North America they rejected and overlooked the entirely detailed knowledge the Indians had of the plant world. As the native people were questioned about their plant medicines they would reply that their source of knowledge came from visions and the plants would tell them of their medicinal use. This created consistent problems for researchers from a scientific mode of thinking.

There is still often significant challenge for the rational Western mind to come to terms with teacher plants. I took that leap of faith when I first drank ayahuasca - a sacred plant medicine on a retreat in Brazil. Since I have drunk I have become unquestionable aware that a plant knows more about being human - of being present - of being alive - than i ever experienced before. On drinking this Amazonian plant it has brought me an awareness  where its understood that I am connected to everything on  Earth. It has given me an opportunity to know myself more deeply and discover my inner most tendencies, desires and intentions. It gave me a direct avenue to receiving answers to question that I couldn't find anywhere else. I am also unbelievable grateful for I was suffering from depression in my early twenties and within hours of the first time I drank ayahuasca, I've never had a recurrence again. From that moment on, there really was no question that this was my path.

Not everyone comes to this medicine with the same needs. The magic of ayahuasca rests in its ability to find, focus, diagnose, heal and transcend what is needed for each individual. Some need to deal with their emotional baggage, fears, negative thoughts and limiting self beliefs. Others have a desire to tap into their creative potential as well as physical and psychological healing. It helps people to access inner strength and personal power and has been said to be like ten years of therapy in a cup.

I am helping to organise groups of sacred healing in a beautiful private, eco-centre in Bahia, Brazil. We will be working with a licensed clinical psychologist who has trained and worked with Shamans in the Amazon and she holds a an incredibly safe, supportive and loving space.

For further information on the retreat and for information and reservations - please  visit www.aya-aya.com  or please call 07703 295 899

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