Tawai II: Ayahuasca
In the main feature, Tawai, I set out to discover why we have created the kinds of societies we live in today. Along the way we learn that practices such as meditation may have developed over time to bring us back to a way of being that reflected our more connected and empathic hunter-gatherer origins.
In this featurette I invite my brother Duncan to share with me another practice that can lead somewhere similar, one I first came across while making documentaries for the BBC: the Amazonian medicinal brew, ayahuasca.
But as we shall see, if we want to begin the kind of self-reflection and healing I believe the world needs today, it also matters to know that the journey, while ultimately beneficial, is seldom an easy one.
About ayahuasca
From the ICEERS website: ayahuasca is a decoction of different botanical species originating from the Amazon region. For centuries, the indigenous populations have utilised this botanical mixture in their rituals for healing and divination. Today, ayahuasca is used all over the world for religious, therapeutic and personal growth purposes. More information about ayahuasca.
If you're interested in taking ayahuasca, please read the following.
The use of ayahuasca is expanding increasingly in occidental society. References to ayahuasca appear more and more frequently on the Internet and other media. However, it is difficult to find objective information about the potential risks and benefits associated with its use, and what you can expect when choosing to participate in a session. ICEERS offers information aimed to help you make responsible decisions, reduce risks and maximise potential benefits. Read more before taking ayahuasca.