Psychedelics, Yoga and the Shamanic Journey Part IV: Integration

Integration with Yoga Therapy & Fasting Psychedelics, Yoga Therapy & Trauma – Integration of the Shamanic Journey: After the trauma of loss I had been through when leaving Spain, as I described in part III of this blog,  and the resulting deep subconscious work that I had done in the Yucatán with psychedelics, I could tell that I was reaching saturation point and needed space and time to integrate these experiences of trauma and psychedelics with yoga therapy.  After finishing the last Ayahuasca ceremony, I had originally planned on exploring the effects and benefits of Peyote in an overnight ceremony in the desert near Real de Catorce in San Luis Potosí. I was intrigued by this cactus for three reasons: It´s use dates back 6000 years It´s main hallucinogenic agent is mescaline rather than DMT Its cultivation and consumption is deeply associated with the pre-Hispanic culture of the Huichol. The Huichol is a culture that still exists outside of the main stream Mexican culture. Though dwindling in number, they continue to maintain their original language, art, beliefs and ceremonies that have been in existence long before the Spanish arrived and the Catholic faith took over. One of the rituals central to their belief system is a pilgrimage taken into the desert where, under the guidance of a mara’a kame – the huichol term for shaman which can also be translated to mean singer – they gather and ´hunt´ peyote. The fruits of this hunt are consumed in the desert as part of a healing ceremony and the surplus is then packed up and taken back to their village. You can learn more in the video below: It is through the ritualistic consumption of peyote that the Huichol believe that they can both heal and commune with the Gods – a divine pantheon that consists of 120 gods with Tatemari, grandfather fire, at the head. This moment of divine contact via the vehicle of peyote allows them to perceive for themselves a parallel world of colors and pulsating connection which is represented and illustrated in their beautiful fantastically intricate, spiritually significant and brilliantly colourful bead and string art known as Nierikas. In the process of this pilgrimage, offerings are left for the Huichol Gods and spirits. These offerings can be seen along the path to the desert and if you do decide to take this journey, please leave them in their place. They are sacred gifts left for another world, not for the density of three dimensional humanoids. After completing my own self-imposed fasting retreat of Yoga therapy to integrate the previously described traumas and psychedelic experiences, I had the chance to walk through the cerro (mountain) and visit one of these sacred Huichol spaces as well as speak with a Huichol family that lived there guarding the area. However, the plans for the peyote ceremony fell apart at the last minute – and probably for the best. First of all, I learned in this trip to the cerro that the Peyote Cactus is an endangered species and  and Mescaline can be found in other non-endangered species such as the fast growing San Pedro Cactus. Secondly, I do think it was the universe, or if you like, my own organizing source energy, that decided that after the integrating my psychedelic experience with my self-invented, private Yoga therapy retreat, it was time to rest and just enjoy my new grounded sense of peace and clarity. Fasting Fasting is an integral and long standing practice within the discipline of Yoga as well as its medicinal counterpart of Ayurveda. I have fasted many times throughout my Yoga trainings and use it often when I have felt low on energy, my digestion is not cooperating with me or I perceive that a cold or flu are coming on. Modern science confirms the great benefits of fasting as a way to increase resistance to stress, improve longevity and decrease the incidence of disease. It´s practice, often termed intermittent fasting, has recently become greatly popularized in the western world. Nonetheless, in all my experiences of fasting I have never exceeded more than three days. This is because the focus of these fasts was mainly to improve the functioning of the Annamaya Kosha (Physical Body), Pranamaya (Energetic Body) and Manomaya Kosha (Mind Body). In fact, Ayurveda discourages pro-longed fasting as its primary focus is living day to day life with greater ease and energy, rather than delving deep into the wisdom and bliss bodies of the Vijananmaya Kosha and Anandamaya Kosha. This is where the more austere practices of Yoga (such as long-term fasting) start to play a part. Consequently, since I wanted to explore these more subtle Koshas, especially after my previous experiences, I decided to undertake the task of a 7 day water fast. The practice of fasting to integrate and delve deeper into other worlds of perception is not exclusive to Yoga and is practiced by Muslims during Ramadan, the Jews during Passover, by various Christian sects and is a intricate part of the cleansing practices of the Peruvian Shipibo. Preparation Before undertaking this water fast I consulted with my friend Ian who had years of experience in the healing art of fasting. Ian discussed how on average, every third day I would probably experience some unpleasant detoxifying effects. To reduce these symptoms and make the fasting process more enjoyable I prepared myself for the 7 day water fast with three days of eating just fruit. More citric, watery fruits such as grapefruit and red grapes were recommended. Red grapes were a bit hard to come by where I was so I opted to substitute them for prickly pears. The Experience – Integrating the experience of Psychedelics, Trauma and Yoga Therapy The first two days of the water fast were fantastic. I felt a great surge of energy and clarity in both mind and body for the first couple days of the fast. I was amazed by the sense of great strength and space I observed in all three aspects of my Yoga practice

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Pancha Koshas in the modern age

Pancha Koshas:  A look into ancient wisdom to increase our health with Ayurveda and Yoga in a modern age – By Jill Palmer The Five Koshas (Layers) of Existence The Taittiriya Upanishad describes human beings as having five sheaths or layers of existence, each one being internal to the next which are akin to several components that make up one whole body.  Yet in this case, each component is perceived as a body or layer in and of itself.  Still, all five Koshas are interconnected and constantly interacting with one other. “To be free from bondage the wise one must practise discrimination between self and non-self. By that alone she will become full of joy, recognising herself as Being, Consciousness and Bliss.” This is verse fifty-two of Vivekachudamani (The Crest Jewel of Discrimination) by Adi Shankaracharya, discussing the Upanishad on Pancha Koshas 1200 years ago.   What is bondage? What is self? And what is non-self?  This is the subject matter of most Vedic scriptures that are 1000-3000 years old, yet are not the subject matter of general society today.  Why should we be concerned about these ancient concepts if so few are talking about them in today’s world?   To understand deeply and clearly what bondage, self and non-self mean and why that understanding is key to a life of lasting joy, health and peace – let’s look at another quote from the same book about the 5 Sheaths (Pancha Koshas) or layers of our existence: “When the five sheaths have been removed, the supreme light shines forth, pure, eternally blissful, single in essence, and within.” -verse 51 What are these layers? What are these layers or sheaths and why does removing them clarify the self?  Think of the self as that part of your existence which is eternal and never dies.  Think of the non-self as attributes of our humanness that are temporary and will not continue forever.  Think of the layers as layers of an onion.  And once we peel through and understand the functions of these different aspects of being human, we gain an overall understanding and experience of who we are as the soul.  With that experience we then  become free from fears, mistaken beliefs, delusions, projections and assumptions – or in other words – free from bondage.  These layers are called “koshas” in Sanskrit.  Each layer is denoted by an aspect of human existence.  These koshas are: Annamaya kosha –  your physical layer. Pranamaya kosha – physiological or energetic layer. Manomaya kosha – psychological or the mind layer. Vijnanamaya kosha – wisdom body or layer. Anandamaya kosha – bliss body or layer. It is not an easy contemplation to understand the Pancha Koshas.  Rishis who wrote about them long ago spent a lifetime in meditation to understand them.  So for now, let’s explore how we can make the awareness of these layers practical in the science of living life.  In Sanskrit, the word life is “Ayur” and the word science or knowledge is “Veda.”  So to make use of the teachings of  the Pancha Koshas we will look at them through the lens of Ayurveda…the science or knowledge of life which also includes Yoga, the integration of the whole.  The practices of these two allow us to create healthy balance throughout the five layers via balanced healthy diet, practices, habits and life-style. Annamaya Kosha – The Physical Layer or Body The first layer is called Annamaya Kosha. This literally means “sheath made of food, which is impermanent”.  The physical is created and sustained by food, rest, fresh air and sunshine.  Sufficient sleep and daily routine are key for sustaining the balance of the physical body.  Also, if the quality of your food and water is high, the temporary nature of the body is more easily perceived. This is why fresh and seasonal food such as fruits, nuts, seeds, whole grains, legumes and vegetables are recommended as a yogic diet. Eating fresh food increases vitality available to nurture this “food body”. When we eat overcooked food, stale food, or animals the food body then becomes devitalized and has difficulty refining the food into a fuel necessary for the needs of the second body… Pranamaya Kosha – The Energetic Body Internal to the physical body is the second layer translated as the “sheath made of Prana which is impermanent” or the vital sheath.  Prana is quite similar to electrical, magnetic, electromagnetic, photonic, ocular, thermal and mental energies layered within the physical Anamaya Kosha body.  So as you can see, these sheaths or layers are not separated from one another in physical space.  They are intrinsically woven into one another like electrical circuits and wires throughout a house or vehicle.  This subtle body’s anatomy is made of energy channels called nadis, slightly akin to nerve pathways and endings, which terminate in energy centres where the body’s most vital organs are functioning.  This more subtle sheath is also composed of our senses and emotional states. The energy flowing through these channels is sensory input from the five gross senses and the subtler senses associated with the mind. These vortices and channels are always active during our waking state seeking sensory and emotional stimulation. When we are fed beautiful sense impressions such as art, nature, music, live vibrant colorful aromatic food, fresh air, sunlight and healthy community/relationships – they can be converted into the”prana” which keeps the body healthy. The strength of the prana is also the strength of the body. If the prana is weak, the body will also be weak. The prana energises the sense organs as well. Clarity of vision, clarity of hearing, and clarity and ability of the other sense organs are also caused by the energy quantum of the prana, the vitality in us.  With negative input such as toxic relationships, violent or stress-inducing media, lack of fresh air and sunlight, and chemical food there is less vitality available to be converted to prana and less vitality for stimulating positive thought… 🙌 The 13th of

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Three Doshas of Ayurveda

Ayurveda and the three Doshas: Live self-compassion with the help of natural medicine Ayurveda gives us a deep understanding of the relationship between health, the environment, and the mind. ​ It is the traditional system of medicine from India that integrates body, mind, and spirit using a comprehensive holistic approach. Ayurveda places great emphasis on prevention and encourages the daily maintenance of health. How to create this balance of body, mind and consciousness according to one’s own individual constitution and how to make lifestyle changes to bring about and ​maintain this balance? Every individual is unique and there is no recommendation, diet or lifestyle routine that works for every single person in the same way. ​Ayurveda teaches that the ​five basic​ ​elements ​of space, air ,fire, water and earth manifest in the human body as three basic body/mind types or constitutions known as the three Doshas (Vata,Pitta and Kapha). These three govern creation,maintenance and destruction of bodily tissues as well as the assimilation and elimination. Understanding these three is the key balance and maintenance. The Doshas “Just as everyone has a unique fingerprint, each person has a particular pattern of energy—an individual combination of physical, mental and emotional characteristics—which comprises their own constitution. This constitution is determined at conception by a number of factors andremains the same throughout one’s life.” ​ ​ ​Dr. Vasant Lad, a well-known Ayurvedic physician and teacher, gives the best basic explanation of Doshas above. The Doshas are the elements that create the physical body and influence the mind. ​They determine conditions of growth, aging, health and disease​. Typically, one of the three ​doshas​ predominates and determines one’s constitution or mind-body type (dosha). Ayurveda treatments focus on alleviating doshic excesses (illness) through the improvement of general lifestyle practices, emphasizing certain foods for certain doshas, herbal remedies, breathing techniques (pranayama), meditation​, exercise, right thinking, healthy relationships​ and yoga postures. Furthermore, the doshas are unbalanced when there is excess accumulation of a Dosha, and it overflows and migrates from its original place in the body to other parts of the body creating toxicity. Vata Dosha The constitution that controls​ bodily functions associated with all movement in the body​, including breathing, circulation of the blood, blinking of the eyes and your heartbeat, is Vata Dosha. This also includes the movement of your thoughts. When Vata is in balance there is creativity and vitality and when out of balance Vata can produce anxiety and fear. Vata individuals are light, excitable, and lively, with changing moods. They are quick to learn and grasp knowledge and information, but they are also quick to forget. They are sensitive to cold temperatures, with a tendency toward cold hands and feet as well as discomfort in cold climates. Vatas tend to have irregular daily routines. They usually have a slim physique, dry skin and dry hair and don’t perspire much. They respond to stress with fear, worry, and anxiety, especially when out of balance and tend to have rapid, rambling thoughts. They often act impulsively, yet Vatas are very artistic and creative by nature. Pitta Dosha Pitta is the constitution that ​controls the body’s metabolic systems​, including digestion, absorption, nutrition, and body temperature. When in balance, Pitta creates contentment and intelligence. When out of balance Pitta can manifest as ulcers, irritability, and anger. People with a Pitta constitution are determined, of medium physique, strong, and toned in musculature. They often have fair or reddish skin and may have freckles and sunburn easily. They are often uncomfortable in the sun or heat and perspire easily. Their eyes can be sensitive to light, they have strong digestion and appetite and may become irritated if they miss or delay a meal. They tend to be sharp-minded, have good concentration and focus, are assertive, self-confident, and entrepreneurial. They are good public speakers and leaders but can become authoritarian when unbalanced. When a Pitta person’s dosha is balanced he or she is passionate, romantic and competitive. Pittas will become irritated and angry when out of balance. When under stress, they may be aggressive, demanding, and manipulative. Other signs of Pitta imbalance are early graying or loss of hair and debilitated eyesight. Common physical problems would include acne, rashes or inflammations of the skin, boils, ulcers, heartburn, acid stomach, IBS and insomnia. Kapha Dosha The energy that controls growth in the body is called Kapha. It ​supplies lubrication​ to all body parts, provides cushioning and moisture, and maintains the immune system. Kapha Dosha often has soft hair and supple skin and a tendency to have large and almond-shaped eyes and a low, soft voice. Reliable and loyal, Kapha is physically strong with a good immune system and with a sturdy and thick body frame, having the most stamina of all constitutions. They are slow of speech and reflective of thought. They can be slower to learn, but once something is learned it is never forgotten. Kaphas are down-to-earth, easygoing, relaxed, patient, affectionate and loving. They are forgiving, compassionate, nonjudgmental and good listeners. When Kapha constitutions are balanced they express love and forgiveness, stability and steadiness. Gentle and calm, Kaphas strive to maintain harmony and peace in their surroundings and within. They are not easily upset and are often a point of grounding for those around them. When out of balance, Kapha can lead to insecurity, envy, and attachment. This can manifest as weight gain, possessiveness, or depression. Kaphas don’t acclimate well to cold or damp weather. Physical issues include colds and congestion, respiratory problems, asthma, allergies, sluggish digestion, and obesity. Compassion The five elements are the cause of our physical body, the building blocks of our constitution. There are clear indications when there exists an excess of a ​Dosha.​ For example, with excess vata​, there can be mental, nervous and digestive disorders, including low energy and weakening of all body tissues. With excess ​pitta​, there is toxic blood that gives rise to inflammation and infection. With excess ​kapha,​ there is an increase in mucus, weight, edema, and lung disease, etc. To understand how your Dosha affects your body and mind you must determine

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