I first met Yasha and Ania through the Gratitude Circle in Medellin. I was curious about Ayahuasca, but I had never been involved in anything spiritual before.After reading their book, something inside me clicked, I felt a deep pull to experience the medicine for myself. My intention was clear: I wanted to understand the root of my depression. The first ceremony was intense. I felt an overwhelming sadness, and I cried more than I ever had before. But instead of feeling broken, I felt like I was finally releasing something heavy that I had been carrying for so long. It was painful, but it was also freeing. By the end of the night, I could feel a huge weight lifting off my chest. We had two more ceremonies after that, each one bringing me deeper into my own truth. In the end, I realized that my depression wasn’t because something was wrong with me, it was because I had spent my life ignoring my heart, trying to live in a way that made others happy instead of listening to what I truly wanted. That realization hit me hard, but it also gave me hope. The ceremonies themselves were beautiful. The first one started off gentle, almost like the medicine was getting to know me. By the last ceremony, it felt like a celebration, like I had come full circle. The music was beyond words; the medicine musicians played the most beautiful songs I had ever heard, and they touched something deep in my soul. After the closing ceremony, the shaman offered me a tobacco and protection ritual. Even though I don’t speak Spanish, I could feel his kindness and wisdom in the way he carried himself. When I learned that he had his first Ayahuasca experience at just six months old, I understood why he felt so deeply connected to this work. Meeting his family was just as powerful. They were simple, humble people, yet they radiated happiness in a way that made me realize how much I had been complicating my own life. That moment alone changed my perspective. I left with a newfound appreciation for the simple things. Now, I’m working with Yasha to integrate everything I experienced. This retreat was more than just a journey with Ayahuasca. it was a journey back to myself. I feel like I found not just healing, but a new family and a new way of living. I already know I’ll be coming back. I want to see what Ayahuasca has to show me next. One unexpected gift from this experience was my roommate. I shared a room with a brother from Germany, and I never imagined I could connect with someone so easily. It reminded me how powerful it is to share space with people who are on a similar path. I’m deeply grateful for everything Yasha and Ania are doing. The way they offer this medicine is truly special. As Ania said, I feel heard, seen, and complete. Ahooo!