From the heart of an indigenous Mexican village accessible only by boat, I'm sharing my raw, unfiltered experience facilitating shamanic healing ceremonies at the Journey Back to You retreat in Yelapa. What began as an exciting opportunity quickly became a profound test of my own medicine when I found myself facing unexpected physical limitations—130 uneven stone steps that my damaged knee protested with each climb—and primal fears in my open-air jungle room where spiders, geckos, and the unknown lurked beyond my mosquito netting.

Throughout the week, I guided participants through chakra healing, shamanic breathwork, and ocean cord-cutting ceremonies while simultaneously navigating my own journey of surrender. The universe delivered humbling lessons when I fell into the Pacific Ocean—twice!—during boat transfers, reminding me that sometimes laughter is the best medicine when ego takes a hit. The most profound healing came unexpectedly through a gifted Watsu water massage, where a local healer intuitively connected my knee pain to unresolved forgiveness issues with my grandmother and maternal lineage, triggering deep emotional release.

Participating in the Temazcal (Toltec sweat lodge) as a medicine woman in the inner circle reinforced what I've always known about healing—it happens at the edge of comfort, where surrender becomes necessary. As I prepare to lead final ceremonies focusing on throat and third-eye chakras, I'm filled with gratitude for this sacred space where women from different backgrounds came together to do the difficult, beautiful work of spiritual growth and self-discovery.

The medicine has been everywhere—in the challenging terrain, the beautiful connections formed, and the moments of vulnerability that reminded me that even shamans need healing. If you're feeling called to step into your own transformative journey but fear what might be revealed, remember that wholeness often begins where comfort ends. The path to our most authentic selves rarely follows even steps, but the view from each new elevation makes every difficult climb worthwhile.

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Naomi@joyfulshaman.com

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