Lotus Vine Journeys

If you are thinking of attending an Ayahuasca retreat, I implore you to consider Lotus Vine Journeys. The 360 holistic approach that combines Ayahuasca, Yoga, Meditation and Buddhist teachings is the perfect mind, body, spirit combination when embarking on such deep soul and subconscious work. I spent many months researching the different Ayahuasca centres, (of which there are many, some more reputable than others) and after having spent time at LVJ there are x3 exceptionally important areas to consider when undertaking such an important decision.

1. Setting
It seems that many centres are purpose built Ayhuasca centres. They have rudimental facilities for sleeping, cooking, rest and relaxation…..some more comfortable than others. I have known individuals to have turned up in rat and cockroach infested centres, with extremely basic food and facilities.
Lotus Vine Journeys take place in a stunningly beautiful Jungle Eco Lodge, nestling on the edge of the Amazonian basin. The Puma Rinri Lodge is situated on the banks of the Huallaga River, which is a tributary of the Amazon. Surrounded by forests, rivers and streams, three ecosystems of very different characteristics converge at the lodge: dry tropical forest, high mountain jungle and low jungle of the Amazon Basin. It is a stunning slice of Heaven, the brainchild and vision of a man from Barcelona who would drive past the site for many years whilst working with sustainable cacao farmers further along the valley. He manifested his vision of a luxury eco lodge, where people can come and experience the beauty and grandeur of the jungle, whilst surrounded with every comfort one could require. Comfortable rooms, amazingly healthy food (including their own fish farms for the freshest fish), swimming pool, hammocks to while away the afternoons, and 60 hectares of jungle and riverbank to explore. The owner is a delightful man who is totally attuned to the vision of Lotus Vine Journeys and has created a purpose built Moloko on the property so the LVJ ceremonies have a unique and sacred space to work in.

2. The Shamen and his medicine.
This is probably the most crucial element of any retreat. There are many shamen out there, some who are truly gifted and some who ‘purport’ to know and understand the medicine. The Maestro at LVJ, Diogenes, is a truly wonderful being! His mission to heal resulted from a healer curing his supposedly incurable son from a life threatening disease. Learning from his curandero uncle, Diogenes is a deeply gifted and caring Maestro, with humility and humour. His preparation of the medicine is exacting and perfectly executed. There were a couple of people of the retreat who had both taken Ayahuasca over 50 times each….they both said that Diogenes’ medicine was the purest and most powerful they had ever taken. I have worked with many shamen from lots of traditions, but I have to say that Diogenes created, held, and worked a sacred space with absolute power and presence. Trust in the Maestro is crucial when undertaking such deeply transformative work, and the trust in Diogenes is second to none.

3. Facilitators.
Again, such an important part of the retreat and journey. I cannot praise the Lotus Vine Team of Spring, Janeth and Yugo enough…..words are a poor substitute to explain how deeply professional, caring, understanding and supportive the LVJ team are. I was able to peel away my psychological and soul layers as I progressed in the work of the retreat, safe that I was held in a safe and sacred space by the LVJ team.
There are those in life who follow the altruistic path because they think it somehow makes them a better person, or it is an identity for their ‘alternative’ lifestyle. Spring Washam is not one of those people. She is an experienced teacher with many years training behind her. But her inspiration, her drive and her passion is to hold and help those who have come to share there innermost fears, and lay their souls bare…..and she does this through love, and uses love as the powerful tool for transformation that it actually is. She is a true teacher, and her contribution to the sacred journey is infinite and immeasurable. Her meditations and Dharma sessions complemented the sacred work, and the combination of Spring and Diogenes with the Buddhist and Shipibo intertwining of teachings was an incredibly powerful combination.
The rest of the team, Janeth and Hugo, are both trained horticulturalists. So not only do they assist and help guide and execute the retreat with humour and professionalism, but the knowledge of the living jungle around us is vast and passionate. What a delightful team to have partaken such a journey….I hope to see them again one day!

The LVJ journey is a deep one, and at times tough. Eight ceremonies in two weeks can feel relentless at times. But if you really want to delve into yourself and enact deep healing, then you must put in the work. The group of people who I met on the first day, from all different walks of life, and countries of the world, were a caring, cohesive whole by the end of our collective journey. We deeply understood that our greatest teacher is our pain, and by unlocking and unleashing that pain, so we could treat ourselves and those around us with compassion, forgiveness, and most important of all…..love.

I will never forget my two weeks with Lotus Vine Journeys, and I know that I have made friends for life with every person who undertook that journey with me. But if you are thinking of and looking for an Ayahuasca retreat, I cannot recommend LVJ enough…..and I know that you will be writing a similar testimony as myself on your return. Thank you LVJ, don’t stop doing what you do, because you do it so well!!

Love and Light…..

Irakoo!!!!!