Peru Retreat Reflection
Traveling to Peru was more than a journey—it was a deep homecoming to my soul. Nestled in the Sacred Valley, surrounded by ancient mountains and the quiet wisdom of the Andes, I stepped into a space of deep healing, transformation, and awakening.
Working with Wachuma (San Pedro) opened my heart in ways I never expected. It felt like being gently peeled back to my essence—with every breath, I was reminded of the beauty, simplicity, and sacredness of life. I felt connected to nature, to others, and most importantly, to myself. There was clarity, calm, and a profound sense of peace.
Ayahuasca, in contrast, was like being held in the arms of a powerful teacher—intense, humbling, and deeply illuminating. It brought me face to face with old wounds, limiting beliefs, and buried emotions. But through surrender, I was shown how to release, to forgive, and to begin anew. It was not always easy, but it was honest—and it left me lighter, more aligned, and more alive.
This retreat changed me. I return with a softened heart, a clearer mind, and a renewed connection to spirit. It’s hard to put into words—but I feel different. More grounded. More open. More me.
I was dressed for altitude..
But wasn’t ready for what Peru would elevate in me.
From glam to grounded ..
From curated to cracked open..
Not just a trip.. A return to essence ..
Jaya Ratnani
Sripriya Menon
This trip was truly about getting comfortable with the uncomfortable, knowing a little bit more about myself, developing an appreciation and understanding of the mysteries of nature and the world we live in. About questioning long-held beliefs of myself – the human, of the world, and of the expansiveness of living. Are there realms beyond the human experience? How can I, with my scientific temper, be open to surrendering myself to plant spirits and native “voodoo”, to altered states of consciousness, enquired my egoic self. Am I scared of this journey? Do I risk a loss of rational thinking? Why am I judging myself for undertaking this journey? These were some of my questions, going into this journey.
In the magical environs of Sacred Valley, once I let my guard down, Grandpa Huachuma gently surfaced for me long buried, uncomfortable emotions. Emotions I’d forgotten or hadn’t acknowledged but were deeply engrained in my being. The foolish assumption being that if I did not think about them, they simply wouldn’t exist. Sitting in these feelings long enough, along with the expert guidance of Rayan, and in the sanctity of the safe space held by Shradha, not only helped me process and release them, but also to understand the interconnectedness of discrete blockages and patterns.
Grandma Aya in the Amazon, was also gentle with me. I requested her to be so. And she was. She knew I was a bit scared and skeptical and perhaps consequently didn’t show me her full splendor. At least not this time. The energies I felt of loved ones and others were, no doubt, real!
There is a seminal shift …in compassion towards me and towards others. And a certain excitement too, in waiting to observe the butterfly effect of this compassion unfolds.
A Journey That Changed Everything❤
Stepping into Peru, I carried the weight of healing and the hope for transformation. What unfolded was beyond anything I imagined… a soul deep shift held with grace, love, gratitude, empathy and strength.
Shradha’s presence through Lions Heart Journeys was truly sacred. She didn’t just facilitate she held space with such love, patience and quiet power that each of us felt safe to unfold, break through and bloom in our own rhythm.
This wasn’t just one area of transformation.. it was a holistic awakening. The way I see myself, the world and everything around me has softened, opened and beautifully realigned.
I am deeply grateful to Shraddha, the Sacred Valley, the Amazon, Ryan and David. Yes, the medicine was powerful but it was Shradha’s grounded connection to it that gave me the strength to surrender and trust the process completely.
I began this journey with fear. I return from it open, filled with love, trust and inner resources I didn’t know I had.
I came to Peru seeking healing but what I found was far more profound.
Shraddha held space with such grace, empathy and quiet strength that I felt safe enough to truly transform.
Her presence, her connection to the medicine and the way she guided us through the Sacred Valley and the Amazon… it all led to a deep inner shift.
I returned with an open heart, renewed trust and inner resources I didn’t even know existed.
Grateful beyond words.
I feel like my perspective has completely shifted.. especially in how I see myself.
I carried so many limiting beliefs and self-doubt and through this journey, I found answers I didn’t even know I was seeking.
It truly felt like I gained my power back.
There’s something deeply beautiful I’ve come to realise..
When I say I’m sorry, when I ask for forgiveness.. whether I’ve hurt someone knowingly or unknowingly… it doesn’t make me weak. It makes me powerful.
In that moment, I feel like I reclaim a part of myself I had given away.
It’s as if by taking responsibility, I take my power back.. not over anyone else but back into my own heart.
And in that space of stillness, I see something clearly–
Outside, I am nothing.
Inside, I am everything.
It’s all a matter of perception. But today, I found my perception beautiful.“True strength is born the moment you bow with sincerity. In surrender, you rise. In softness, you reclaim your power.”
Thank you, Shraddha. With all my heart.
Shweta Kedia
