Your physical, emotional, energetic, and spiritual safety and well-being is our highest priority. The journey to healing and awakening begins with a proper pre-ceremony preparation, both for safety and to achieve the best possible outcome during your journey.
Before joining any of our programs, there are specific indications and mandatory steps every participant has to follow to successfully prepare and ensure the right physical, emotional and mental state.
Preparation
Guidelines
Safety
Protocols
What to
Bring
Integration Guidelines
Preparation Guidelines
Signing up is just the first step. In order to be fully dedicated to this experience, it requires your commitment mentally, physically and spiritually.
Our ceremonies are based on ancient native practices, therefore an attitude of respect and sacrifice is required. Part of this sacrifice is cleansing and purifying your body to transform it into the temple that the native sacred medicines need in order to do their work in an effective way.
1. Physical Guidelines
It is necessary to show respect and commitment towards the sacred medicines by following dietary guidelines to cleanse and detoxify your body. This way you will have a deeper and smoother process during the ceremonies. This will also allow the medicines to work faster on your emotional, mental, and energetic fields.
The less toxins you have, the better your experience will be. Following a vegetarian or vegan diet is ideal for preparation. Fasting is also a great way to clear out toxins. We highly recommend light, healthy, whole foods including fresh vegetables and fruits.
A) One Week Prior:
Avoid all red meat including pork; processed foods; foods high in salt and sugar; oils and animal fat; spicy foods; peanuts; soy; and fava beans; alcohol; spices; refined sugars; dairy food; seafood; soybeans; junk food; caffeine; pickled, fermented, and smoked foods; overly ripe foods; ice cold beverages.
B) 3 Days to 24 hours Prior and After:
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Avoid excessive fasting.
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Eat as wholesome as possible, preferably a raw vegetarian diet. Avoiding meats, dairy, canned goods, fried, processed, or heavy foods.
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Avoid all over the counter and prescribed drugs, all recreational drugs and alcohol.
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Avoid supplements and herbal medicines, to give your gut a rest and avoid potential interactions.
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Refrain from sexual activity to preserve your life force energy and keep it as clear as possible.
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Reduce the amount of toxic exposure physically, mentally, energetically (people, places, things, media, music, food, etc.)
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All food containing Tyramine, because they can have an influence on the effect and interact with the native sacred medicines, possibly causing hypertensive crisis with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, sweating, increased heart rate, dilated pupils and, very infrequently, brain hemorrhage and death. Tyramine is found in alcohol as well as alcohol-free beer, yeast extracts, protein dietary supplements, L-tyrosine, Marmite and Tartex, cheese, chicken liver, salami, cervelat, sausage and other smoked meat, poultry & fish and meat extracts, soybean products, broad beans, chocolate, sauerkraut, ripe and dried fruits, yeast, caffeine, raspberry jam, nuts.
C) Day of Ceremony:
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Complete Fasting 8 hours before ceremony.
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Only drink water, however, do not over hydrate.
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No caffeine or nicotine, or anything that stimulates your heart rate 4-6 hours prior to the session.
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Alkaline water with electrolytes is best on this day. Right before ceremony you will drink 1-2 liters of regular water.
2. Medical Guidelines
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In medical terms, the use of native sacred medicines has few contraindications, but we highly advise that you consult your doctor if deciding to drink it. Specially if you use any medication continually, or if there are any medications that you must take during the Event.
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Any drugs that may interact with MAO as MAOI’s (Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors) should be avoided for at least 2 to 3 weeks prior to the Event, as these medications can be dangerous when combined with plant medicines.
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In case of a chronic illness you should consult a specialist about stopping the intake of your medication. It is recommended to always carry your medication in case of emergency.
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Antidepressants (SSRI’s) and other psychotropic drugs that boost serotonin are contraindicated when using native sacred medicines. This also goes for drugs that are metabolized by certain types of cytochromes. They should be stopped 2 to 3 weeks before the Event.
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The use of Cannabis should be avoided for at least one week in case of regular use, as it may generate blockages during ceremonies.
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We advise discontinuing most medications at least one week before the Event, including over the counter drugs. In case of not being possible due to health risks, it is imminent to consult with your doctor regarding any interactions with MAO inhibitors and specify every detail in our Medical Application Form.
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On the other hand, the following drugs and pharmaceuticals can be life threatening when combined with native sacred medicines, and should be discontinued at least 3 weeks before the Event: Other MAOIs; SSRI’s (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors); antihypertensives (high blood pressure medicine); appetite suppressants (diet pills); medicine for bronchitis; antihistamines; medicines for colds, sinus problems, hay fever, or allergies (Actifed DM, Benadryl, Benylin, Chlor-Trimeton, Compoz, Bromarest-DM or -DX, Dimetane-DX cough syrup, Dristan Cold & Flu, Phenergan with dextromethorphan, Robitussin-DM, Vicks Formula 44-D, several Tylenol cold, cough, and flu preparations); nose drops; decongestants; amphetamines; ephedrine; pseudoephedrine (fat burning pills); allergy medicines and opiates; CNS (central nervous system) depressants and/or stimulants (Xanax, Ativan, etc); vasodilators; antipsychotics; barbiturates; cocaine; amphetamines (methamphetamine); ephedrine; ecstasy; MDMA; MDEA; PM; opiates (heroin, morphine, codeine, and especially opium); mescaline (any phenethylamine), Kratom, Kava, herbal supplements, St. John’s Wort & 5-HTP; homeopathic medicines.
At Beyond your safety is paramount at all times. We are committed to our community and believe everyone should understand all the potential risks involved when taking native sacred medicines.
Through our experience, knowledge and recommendations, these risks are mitigated, ensuring you the best possible outcome throughout your journey with us.
In case of concerns, doubts, or questions regarding any health conditions during your application, please don’t hesitate in reaching out to us.
3. Psychological Guidelines
The native sacred medicines experience will bring hidden feelings and emotions to the surface. We recommend that participants who are undergoing severe emotional trauma or depression to consult with their therapist about joining the Event. In this case, please reach out to us before booking so we can analyze your personal condition.
When preparing emotionally, it is important to connect with yourself and be aware of your personal state and environment, the people you are surrounded with and the situations you are exposed to before your journey.
Therefore, we recommend you refrain from any sexual activity and avoid all heavy and low emotions, stressful settings, discussions with people and violent media for at least one week prior to your experience.
Instead, get in contact with nature, try to relax, be at ease with yourself and your loved ones. It is also recommended to spend time alone, read a book, take a walk in the park, listen to soothing music and enjoy your own company, finding your center and self-confidence.
Before your experience, it is good to identify where you currently stand in your life. Try to identify which situations trigger you, which problems you feel you need to solve and what behaviors or habits make you feel uncomfortable.
Being aware of this will help create an optimal mindset for the native sacred medicines to have easier access to those personal issues, working as a catalyst to get the best possible results.
We recommend writing down the reasons why you decided to participate in this Event. It is also advisable to try and identify what do you want to take home from this experience.
It is ideal to start your journey without expectations, just surrender and accept how the experience unfolds and what it brings to you, which may not always be what you were hoping for. These native sacred medicines rarely give you what you want, instead they give you what you need for your healing and growth process.
Safety Protocols
Our retreats are held by prepared and certified practitioners and always supported by a team of skilled and experienced assistants that know the work and are ready to handle any situation.
We ensure that every participant receives personalized attention at all times. This way you can stay at ease and and feel safe in a well protected environment.
Our safety protocols includes the following practices:
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Our Preparation Guidelines, Terms and Conditions and Application Form provide a safeguard for each guest to have a wonderful experience with us, reducing any potential risks.
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We have a thorough screening process for all participants.
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Highly experienced and skilled practitioners.
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Our venues are located close to cities with medical care available in case of emergencies.
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On site First Aid fully stocked kit available for minor injuries.
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Fire extinguishers in case of emergency.
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Cell phone network and Internet if needed.
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Alcohol and drugs are prohibited at all times.
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We provide detailed travel instructions and a ‘What to bring’ guide so you can plan your trip accordingly.
Exclusion Criteria:
Respect is mandatory among participants and will be constantly monitored. The following behaviors will not be accepted: invading personal space, swearing, judgement, insults, bullying, violent and disrespectful verbal or body language or any type of discrimination (race, religion, gender, color, culture, language). In case of infringement the participant will be asked to leave the venue temporary or permanently, to ensure the safety and comfort of the other participants.
At our core, we strive to be at your service and provide a compassionate, joyful, protected environment so you can relax and feel safe through a demanding transformational process. We are truly passionate - what we do comes from our heart and we deeply care for each one of our participants. All our energy is dedicated to making you feel at home and part of our community, allowing you to have the most beautiful, authentic and effective healing and awakening experience.
What to Bring
Please take into consideration our recommended list for your travels, which covers the things you will need to ensure your journey is as pleasurable as possible:
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Yoga mat
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Eye mask
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Water bottle (no glass)
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Blanket
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Comfortable and loose ceremony clothes
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Suitable clothes for the local weather
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Toiletries and towel
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Bathing suit
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Hair tie
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Any items that will help make your ceremony space more comfortable (cushion, small pillow, supportive mats, blanket)
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Sneakers / trekking shoes
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Slippers
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Book
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Journal and pen for your notes and insights
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Musical instruments (optional)
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Power adaptor if necessary
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Flashlight (with dimmed red light for ceremonies)
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Prescribed medications (please consult with us)
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Travel / medical insurance (optional)
Integration Guidelines
After your powerful retreat, the work is not over, actually it is just the beginning. A deep healing and awakening experience is only the start of your transformation, so it is important to have the tools, guidance and support that you will need throughout your integration process.
What is integration?
Integration is the process of bringing the transformational lessons and insights received during the retreat into your daily life. Only by understanding, accepting and embracing what you were given, will it be possible to identify what serves you and commit to take action and the necessary steps that will support a profound, conscious change in your life.
The integration process can involve change of habits and relationships. You might start viewing life from a new approach, being more conscious of your thoughts and actions, and identifying new goals and a meaningful life purpose. People, situations, and environments may remain the same back home, while you might have grown and changed through your experience. Your mind and ego will try to bring you back to your old self; only your awareness, will and determination to continue walking your transformation path, will be the cornerstone to leave behind all things that no longer serve you, ensuring a successful integration.
At Beyond we don’t want your experience to become a short story or a good memory that vanishes in time. We want to make it the starting point of a tangible change in your life. That is why we strive to help you stay connected to what you accomplished in ceremonies, and prepare you for your next chapter with easy to follow, actionable guidelines, and online community support.
Integration Guidelines
Stay away from crowds and noisy environments
After your retreat, your vibration has been affected in a positive way, it has been lifted to a higher frequency. But at the same time, it is fragile and vulnerable and it needs time and space to be rooted and replace your old vibration. This is why it is recommended to avoid crowds, since you may be negatively affected by other people’s dense energies and low vibrations. Same thing goes for noisy environments. Loud noises have a heavy, dense vibration, which is why we recommend a tranquil, soothing environment where you can feel at peace.
Don’t engage with low-energy, negative and toxic people and situations
Once back home after your process, your emotional body will be really open and vulnerable; your senses will be enhanced and you will be very sensitive. This means you have to avoid situations that can get you involved in any discussion that could end up bringing dense energies and heavy verbalizations, which will have a negative impact in your integration process. This also goes for negative, toxic people that may raise low emotions within you and will probably try to pull you back to old, unhealthy habits. Remember, you become who you walk with. It is strongly recommended to quit this type of relationships and situations.
Keep a healthy, light diet
A native traditional principle we follow before our retreats is cleansing and detoxifying the body through a light, healthy diet. This allows you to achieve an optimal condition to get the most out of your healing journey. In the same way, following this tradition, you should keep this diet for at least two weeks after the retreat. Ingesting processed, unhealthy and hard-to-digest foods, will slow down your integration process. We highly recommend eating consciously and natural whole foods in the weeks following your ceremonies, to make progress on the path to a more healthy and conscious life.
Engage in creative, uplifting activities
Deep in our core, we are essentially emotional and creative beings. We all have unique ways of expressing ourselves, unfortunately most of our day goes to analyzing and overthinking. After the retreat, your mind will be very present and will try to analyze everything that you went through. Participating in creative activities by yourself or with other people, such as dancing, playing or listening to music, writing, painting, among others is recommended. These activities will allow you to reconnect with yourself, express your thoughts and feelings, relax, nurture your spirit and keep your emotions at ease. It is also recommended to be present, in the here and now through practices like meditation, breathing techniques and yoga - even better if you engage in these activities outdoors and surrounded by nature. Finally, it is highly recommended to read self improvement books and watch motivational documentaries.
Stay alert to messages and signs for the next 6 months
The energy of the native sacred medicines will stay with you for a long time after you get back home, and most of the insights you received during the retreat will become increasingly clear and meaningful in the following months. We recommend that you stay alert for new messages and signs that may present to you in different, curious ways in your daily life. They all have a specific meaning and might come to you through dreams, situations, people, opportunities, nature, among others. Stay alert, there's no coincidences!
Develop a plan to achieve your goals
When back at home you will most likely have a long list of purposes, goals and things you want to change or improve. The best way to put your messages and insights into action is to review and assign priorities, depending on what is more important for you to achieve. Then you can develop a plan of action, and outline a specific strategy to take the necessary steps toward your goals. It is a good practice to divide them in Short, Medium and Long term goals, setting a clear and feasible timeline, which should not create stress, but only serve you as guide and reference.
Reduce negative input from news and media
Media and news are always loaded with heavy, low energy situations that can have a negative impact on your Integration process. We recommend to reduce all exposure to drama, negativity and violence coming from the outside world, it’s much better if you refrain from these. You are Here and Now, which means you have to focus on yourself and your surrounding daily environment. All the insights and messages for your healing and transformation lay within you, but they need time and space to be strongly rooted, in order to have the desired long term effect.
Don’t take any crucial decisions
During your Plant Medicine healing journeys you might be profoundly touched emotionally and wonderful feelings of love and bliss may come to you. When going back home, you might feel the urge to share your feelings with all the people around you, this is good, but should be done with awareness. You will be open and vulnerable; it is not advisable to take any crucial or important decisions related to your family, relationships, work and business, since in this first stage you may not be thinking rationally, but emotionally, which is not always the best approach for decision-making. We advise to be patient and don’t rush into any commitments nor take any life-changing decisions, at least during the first month after your experience.
Keep your experience to yourself
After your retreat, you may feel really enthusiastic, euphoric and willing to share your experience and new life approach with your family, loved ones and friends. Take into consideration that you may have grown and changed during your journey, but everyone back home will remain the same. They might not be in the right frame of mind to understand your process, which could generate judgement in regards to your choice of working with sacred medicines. This could have a negative impact in your integration process creating low emotions within you. We highly recommend to keep your experience to yourself for a while, and reach out to us if you need any support and advice.
Refrain from alcohol, medications and drugs
After your experience it’s crucial to keep your temple clean. It is important to be aware that these native medicines stay within our bodies for a while, so there is still a chance of negative interactions with the drugs and medications specified in our Medical Guidelines. It is necessary to refrain from taking drugs, medications and alcohol for at least two weeks after your Retreat or Dieta to avoid any risks and complications. After this period of time, we strongly recommend to drop any destructive habits and maintain your temple clean. Know that if you go back to alcohol and drugs you will lower your vibration, and most likely you will lose access to the incoming new insights and messages during your integration process.