I’m sober today because of aya
I’ve struggled with alcohol and other substance addiction for 15ish years. In retrospect, I was numbing myself due to internalized self hatred of myself because of my sexuality, which I only recently accepted thanks to ayahuasca (I’m bi and was raised in a conservative Christian household). I didn’t think I’d ever have the monkey of addition off my back, honestly. I was also just an angry, emotionally stunted, unempathetic dude.
I will forever be grateful to ayahuasca for giving me my life back. I’ve now been sober for a year, I’m happy, I’m emotionally connected to the world, oh and I listen to music which I weirdly never did before. Aya helped me deal with the trauma and allow me to accept who I always have been. I’m now happily living an authentic life. I’m out to my friends and family. And I’m freaking sober!!! I didn’t think it was possible.
Im new to this world and didn’t have a ton of experience with psychedelics before going to LaWayra in Colombia. What was cool is they have this kinda dense pre-work video series that goes into the science, the prep, and what to expect with aya. I found the prework super helpful. Also, lots of integration circles post ceremony to help process the journey. I had never done any group therapy before, so this in and of itself was helpful and special. Oh and the facilitators were amazing. 10/10 hugs. I felt so safe.
Im definitely not done with my psychedelic journey. I know I’ll be back at some point. I really think the medicine saved my life. I was a daily blackout drinker and OD’d a couple times in my past with terrible consequences to my health. It makes me sad how broken I used to be and what I did to myself to numb the pain. Today is beautiful though and I look forward to tomorrow.
Thanks for holding space for me!