Reviewed by Alisa a year ago
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Description
I was on the same retreat as the person who wrote the last review about Finland and my experience of the retreat was totally different. Funny how human mind experiences things so differently, but it's all ok :). For me there was no deeply egoistic people in the staff, no disturbing music that took me away from my progress, quite the opposite & spot on, no 'zombo programing statements' of any organization in it, no manipulating techniques, no danger or cluelessness in anyone's work, no constant interrupting (sometimes it is maybe necessary when someone is talking actual bullshit, or wanting to dictate how things & other's experiences are, but it was done nicely, not rudely). No enforcing how I should feel, think or speak, just a firm but kind reminder a few times that we should talk as 'I' about our own views instead of making them 'the truth' to everyone by using 'we', and kind reminders of some other true stuff. Help was there if needed at all times, especially during the sessions, and we were also told so, all you had to do was ask, but shouldn't maybe expect staff to be always ready on that same second if something else was necessary to deal with and I didn't get insulted if I had to purge into a plastic bag instead of a bucket. Also no 'constant selling as much as they could without respect to the medicine or participants', they told about the remedies available there, the times that they were available and the way they worked & what they were, appropiately, and I'm so very glad they did, because the Bufo experience had a profound effect on me & my life. The whole retread had that effect, everything in it, also the 'negative' ones coz they are just guides to look at my self/my reactions, and the staff made all that is needed to make me comfortable and I had all the help I needed before, during and after the retreat. Maybe to some people nothing is enough and all retreats are not for everyone, but I, and others too, healed greatly on that one, so thank you <3
Participants in ceremony: 11
Facilitators in ceremony: 3
Participants per Facilitator: 3.6666666666666665
Location
Accommodation
Facilitators
Medicine
Honesty
Secure
Preparation
Booking process
Follow up integration
Visited Thursday, July 22nd 2021
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Disturbing reports associated with Ayahuasca International
Alberto José Varela and Ayahuasca International
Ayahuasca International (originally Ayahuasca Internacional) is also known as Inner Mastery International S.L.U.
Important: Always look for motivations and many recommendations prior to choosing who to drink with!
For reports and resources concerning activities from disrespectful to unethical to downright horrible, see the following links:
- Official ICEERS statement: Cofán speaking out against Varela’s activities and they say he has had absolutely NO training through them, nor any of his facilitators with Ayahuasca International; that he forged documents and has lied about many associations, such as having any sort of blessing from this indigenous group of true Colombian shamans or their peoples.
- Sexual abuse testimony, and reported unorthodox practices with his small daughter around often; Cofán speaking out about his illegitmacy, as he claims to have been blessed and trained by these people; Varela’s own psychologist, who sounded a bit unorthodox himself, reportedly pushing for sexual exploration as well, is said to no longer be by Varela’s side due to Varela’s lack of ethics.
- Very interesting article detailing many astounding and unsafe practices of Varela, such as offering the tea to everyone without any sort of screening or preparation, has highly advertised an illegal practice for monetary gain, including discounts for children; it is questioned where he sources his brew and whether it is in fact ayahuasca; certainly Varela’s commercial efforts are terrible for sustainability of these sacred medicines.
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