VARIOUS RETREAT ACTIVITIES
TEMAZCALI/SWEAT LODGE
Temazcal is a word from the ancient indigenous language known as Nahuatl. It’s a combination of two words: temaz (steam, sweat) and cali (house). The term refers to both the process and the structure where the process takes place. A temazcal is considered both ritual and therapy: a ceremony and a healing process.
Translated as “house of heat,” the ancient ceremony led by a shaman or temazcalero/a, originated with the pre-Hispanic Indigenous peoples of Mesoamerica to purify the body and mind, heal the sick, or provide a spiritual haven for women to give birth. The heat and steam provokes copious sweating: on a physical level, this precipitates the release of tension, pain and emotions. On an energetic level, it promotes a connection between body and spirit.
As we hold our space within the heat and steam, we connect with our essence and spirit within. Ancestral wisdom holds that a Temazcal takes us back to the moment we were conceived in order to give birth to a new self. It is a place of purification and renewal, it’s the act of being reborn.
The structure where the Temazcal takes place represents the womb of Mother Earth and is designed to look and feel as such. A variety of materials may be used to build a Temazcal but it’s always a rounded, vault-like edifice that is covered or sealed in order to hold the heat and steam within. There is a circular pit at the center where heated rocks are placed to produce the heat; the healing steam is created by sprinkling scented water onto the rocks.
The rocks are volcanic in origin and believed to carry codes and wisdom from Mother Earth. The rocks are perceived as wise “beings” and referred to with affection and respect as abuelitas (little grandmothers).
RAPÈ (rap-PAY)
As part of the ceremonial experience, we offer Rapé (rap-PAY) at the start of every ceremony and it’s available to you throughout the ceremony per your request. Rapé is a medicine made from natural organic tobacco and other medicinal plants. It is blown up the nose in a ritualistic fashion. It’s an optional form of medicine that you do not have to partake in if you decide not to. The effects are individual dependent.
Rapé can help you in the following ways:
- Helps focus and sharpen the mind.
- Clears a person or space of distracting, bad energies in preparation for intention setting.
- Detoxes both body and mind and clears your energetic field. Because of this, rapé is often used in conjunction with ayahuasca ceremonies.
- Clears sinuses of mucus and bacteria, thereby helping to combat colds and respiratory ailments.
- Provides a calming, grounding effect on the emotions that lasts much longer than the initial sensation.
- Can be used in conjunction with other treatments for addiction and mental illness.
Rapé is a cleansing medicine, so after taking it, you may experience side effects such as vomiting, sweating, or diarrhea. This does not happen to everyone. Although this can be an admittedly uncomfortable part of the experience, some people say the pain is an integral part of the spiritual and physical cleansing process—by purging deep-seated toxins, you come out the other side of the experience feeling calmer, more focused, and more in line with your true self.
*The effects vary per individual
SOMATIC RELEASE BREATHWORK™
Somatic Release Breathwork™ s a deep and powerful process that helps to connect to the subconscious mind and bring awareness and insights not typically uncovered during traditional therapy. The breathwork utilizes a circular breathing pattern, rhythmic music, and light touch to help open blocked energy centers within the body.
When these stressors are released, it helps to free up space within the body. This helps to promote relaxation, clarity and helps to bring about a greater sense of joy and presence. Many people report feelings of euphoria and out-of-body experiences during the session, followed by elevated states of emotion such as gratitude and bliss upon completion.
Somatic Breathwork utilizes a two-part pranayama (breathing practice) to bring the nervous system into an altered state of consciousness. From this state, frozen or stuck energies and emotions thaw and come into play. It employs circular connected breathing coupled with rhythmic music to produce a cathartic emotional release.
This release may be in the form of moving, shaking, yelling, crying, or laughing. Using the breath, you will engage your innate ability to heal and sweep out any defenses, blockages, restrictions, or pains that hold you back from who you are and how you want to show up in this world.
SRBW™ utilizes:
* Emotional Release Breathwork
* N.L.P. Verbal Communication
* Trauma-Informed Touch Techniques
To help people release the stressors and overwhelm that have laid dormant within the body from our fast-paced modern lifestyle.
Somatic Release Breathwork™ is at the forefront of helping people clear out the stress and suppressed emotions in their body to regain clarity in their mind, mission, and life.
**It is intended as a personal growth experience and should not be looked upon as a substitute for psychotherapy.
SACRED WATER BLESSING (CENOTE)
A sacred water blessing in the cenote is a profound and transformative experience that connects you to the healing and purifying energy of water. This ceremony honors the cenote as a sacred portal, revered by ancient traditions as a place of renewal, clarity, and connection to the divine. Surrounded by the natural beauty of the cenote, participants are guided to release what no longer serves them, offering their intentions and prayers to the water. As you immerse yourself in the cool, clear depths, you are invited to cleanse your spirit, ground your energy, and embrace the healing power of this sacred element.
The water blessing creates a space for deep reflection and connection, fostering a sense of unity with the natural world and your inner self. Through guided rituals, such as water offerings, meditation, and intention-setting, participants are reminded of the cyclical nature of life and the importance of flow and surrender. The cenote, with its tranquil energy and ancient wisdom, supports a profound transformation, leaving you feeling renewed, aligned, and deeply connected to your personal journey. This sacred ceremony is a highlight of the retreat, offering a powerful opportunity to honor your growth and emerge with a fresh sense of clarity and purpose.
Experiencing Plant Medicine is only 50% of the Journey,
the other 50% is Integrating it and Taking Action.
1 HOUR RELAXING MASSAGE
Besides the muscles, glands, and nerves, the human body has a magnetic field that directs the systems and maintains energy balance. A massage can work to access the magnetic current and its movement patterns, to release energy blocks.
Over time, the energy currents that naturally flow through the body can build up an accumulation of energy, or blockage at various points. These “energy blocks” interrupt the smooth flow of energy throughout the body causing pain, discomfort, disease, or whatever problems that may require healing.
Massage can also help reduce stress, improve circulation, eliminate toxins, improve flexibility, improve sleep, and alleviate depression and anxiety.
TRANSFORMATIONAL ACTIVITIES
Transformational activities, such as somatic practices and nervous system regulation techniques, play a vital role in supporting the integration of an Ayahuasca experience. Somatic practices, including mindful movement, body awareness exercises, and trauma-release techniques, help you reconnect with your body and process emotions that may arise during or after the journey. These activities provide a safe container for releasing stored tension and navigating intense emotional states, allowing you to access deeper levels of healing and insight. By fostering a sense of safety within your body, somatic work enables you to anchor the wisdom and clarity gained from Ayahuasca into your everyday life.
Nervous system regulation practices, such as breathwork, grounding techniques, and vagus nerve activation, are equally essential in maintaining balance during the integration process. These practices help soothe the body’s stress response, cultivate emotional resilience, and create a foundation for lasting transformation. Breathwork can assist in processing difficult emotions, while grounding exercises—like connecting with nature or using sensory tools—help you stay present in the moment. Together, these transformational tools support your ability to integrate the profound lessons of Ayahuasca, empowering you to live with greater awareness, purpose, and harmony.
CACAO CEREMONY
A Cacao Ceremony is a sacred ancient ritual to honor the elements and spirits of Nature, to create a harmonious matrix with all living beings and express gratitude for Life itself.
A Ceremony is a way of the heart and reflects humanity’s sacred connection and relationship with the land and the (un)seen worlds. Cacao Ceremonies respond to an increasing longing for connection, ritual and ceremony in an urban environment.
When offered with integrity you may feel love and experience yourself beyond cultural, religious and political agenda as a child of Earth. The Cacao Tribe is growing; people gather in Circle, with kindness, to drink a cup of Chocolate together and celebrate the life’s ceremony.
SACRED FOOD FOR BODY, SOUL, SPIRIT & HEART
- The Cacao Spirit activates the sacred Fire within assisting you in burning away old and dense energies. Cacao renews our sacred connection with Spirit and where we come from.
- Cacao offers a loving embrace for the Soul. This may feel like somebody is holding you, supporting your back.
- Cacao acts on the physical body, offering nutrients, minerals and feeling-good hormones. Blood circulation is accelerated up to 40%.
- Mama Cacao speaks to the emotional body and the inner child. Her energy can be very gentle, very (grand)motherly, tender, and loving.
- Cacao empowers the human heart. Cacao invites us to come back to a natural state of feeling (rather than over-thinking). You may feel a deep connection to the world around you. Sharing circles are supported when connected with the Heart (and voice).