dmt with a shaman

this one isn't for everyone. and that's exactly why it's worth talking about.

ayahuasca ceremonies -- guided by experienced shamans using DMT-containing plant medicine -- have been practiced in south america for centuries. in the last decade, they've drawn the attention of western researchers, therapists, and thousands of people looking for something beyond what conventional approaches offer.

what actually happens

DMT (dimethyltryptamine) is one of the most powerful psychedelic compounds known. in a ceremonial setting, it's consumed as part of an ayahuasca brew under the supervision of an experienced shaman who guides the experience.

the journey typically lasts 4-6 hours and can involve vivid visions, intense emotions, confrontation with buried traumas, and experiences that participants struggle to put into words. it is often deeply uncomfortable. some people describe it as the hardest thing they've ever done.

it is not recreational. it is not fun. it is, by most accounts, profoundly transformative.

the fear factor

relinquishing control of your mind to a chemical compound is genuinely terrifying. and that terror is part of why it works. you're forced to surrender -- to the experience, to the unknown, to whatever surfaces from your subconscious.

for people who spend their lives maintaining rigid control, that surrender alone can be therapeutic. you learn that you can let go and survive. that the things you've been running from can be faced.

the evidence

clinical research from johns hopkins, imperial college london, and NYU has shown that psychedelic-assisted therapy can produce lasting reductions in depression, anxiety, PTSD, and addiction -- often after a single session. the research is still early but remarkably promising.

a word of caution

this is not something you do casually. if you're genuinely interested:

research extensively. find reputable retreat centers with experienced facilitators
understand the medical contraindications (especially with SSRIs and other medications)
prepare mentally. set clear intentions for the experience
integrate afterward. the experience means nothing without reflection and application

the question

some doors, once opened, change how you see everything. the question isn't whether you're brave enough. it's whether you're honest enough to admit you might need what's on the other side.

if this resonated, share it with someone who needs to hear it.