Early Exit EXPLORER

These days, I’m all about having a good time and enjoying the journey — but this past Sunday took the cake. I was invited to take part in an Ayahuasca ceremony, something I honestly knew nothing about. Someone told me it was basically “mushrooms ×100,” and since I’ve taken mushrooms before in Thailand, I figured it couldn’t be that bad.

After doing some research and going with a trusted friend (it was his first time too), I decided to go for it.

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What Ayahuasca Actually Is

For those who don’t know, Ayahuasca is a psychedelic brew. Psychedelics can affect all of your senses — shifting your thoughts, emotions, and sense of time. They can also cause hallucinations, where you may see or hear things that don’t exist or appear distorted.

This wasn’t something to play with, but I felt ready.

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Arriving in the Mountains

We pulled up to an amazing property somewhere deep in the mountains. If it were in the U.S., it would easily be a million-dollar home with endless land. When I realized there were about a hundred people there, my nerves kicked in. It looked like most of them were experienced — meanwhile this was my first time.

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The Ceremony Begins

We started with a prayer, and then the shaman introduced tobacco. Apparently, it’s used to open the third eye and prepare the body for Ayahuasca. We inhaled the tobacco through our nose — and let me tell you, that was an experience in itself.

Then came the shot of Ayahuasca. The taste? Absolutely terrible.

Everyone found a spot to lie down. They warn you beforehand that you’ll likely get sick because the drink forces toxins out of your body. Some people purge right away; others take longer.

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When Things Started to Hit

At first, I felt nothing… then something started building in my stomach. It crept up my throat and just got stuck there. Right as that was happening, my eyes closed on their own and the hallucinations began.

At first it was cloudy and distant, so I moved to another spot. When I closed my eyes again, things got clearer: animals, mystical creatures, and even a version of myself telling me I’m doing a good job and to keep going. That part surprised me the most.

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Round Two (Because Why Not?)

If you think that was it — nope. They offered more shots of Ayahuasca… and did I take another one?

Absolutely.

That’s when everything kicked in full force. I finally threw up everything my body wanted out, and the moment I lay down and closed my eyes, the visions were crystal clear — similar to mushrooms but deeper.

There was more to the ceremony, but I tapped out. I had seen enough for the night.

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Observing Everyone Else

While I was going through my own experience, I noticed a lot around me. Some people were crying, screaming, asking for forgiveness. One guy that with us was stuck to the ground and couldn’t move at all.

Ayahuasca affects everyone differently, but one thing was clear:

If you haven’t accepted your trauma, grief, or heavy memories, Ayahuasca brings them front and center — no hiding.

I realized I’ve accepted my past, because none of those deep emotional waves hit me the way they hit others. And honestly, I was grateful for that.

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The Next-Day Enlightenment

The next day, I felt lighter — mentally and emotionally. I realized I’m no longer letting small things or petty situations get to me.

A few days earlier, someone tried to blame me for something I didn’t do, with zero proof. Old me might’ve snapped. New me? I didn’t even argue — I just blocked them. I did care for the person but im not going to force anything especially if they not got believe me anyway.

Maybe it was the Ayahuasca, maybe it was just growth. Either way, a win is a win.

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Final Thoughts

Ayahuasca isn’t for everyone. It’s intense, unpredictable, emotional, and physical. But for me, it was a powerful experience — one I’m thankful for. I walked away with clarity, confidence, and a reminder that I’m moving in the right direction.

If you’re thinking about trying it, do your research, go somewhere safe, and most importantly… be ready for whatever your mind shows you.