3 Powerful Lessons From Facilitating Aya Ceremonies

It was honestly an honour of a lifetime!

In December 2025, I  facilitated Aya ceremonies for the first time in the jungle in Peru with the shamanic family that took me under their wing.

To be present for my clients, I needed to learn my own limits. 

I had to learn how much to drink of the plant medicine so I could be present and inside the process, receive guidance from Mother Aya, but not be taken away by my own experience. I was there for them, not me. 

Through this journey, I’ve learned that facilitating isn’t just about guiding others—it’s also about strengthening ourselves.

Here are three key lessons that transformed the way I hold space for healing:

LESSON 1: Confidence & Abundance are Rooted in Protection

One of the challenges I faced was how my confidence fluctuated at times. The shamans taught me that protection is essential in preventing negative energy from entering and merging with our own doubts. 

By practicing shamanic protections, I was able to stabilize my confidence, and, in turn, my ability to hold space for others grew. 

LESSON 2: Compassion Starts Within

During a powerful ceremony, I realized how easy it was to fixate on what I lacked—on the one thing I thought I did wrong rather than the immense healing that I was able to facilitate by being with the person all night and giving them love and courage to walk their difficult path. 

Mother Aya showed me that true compassion begins with embracing our own struggling parts first and bringing loving compassion to them. Only then can we extend that same loving compassion to others. 

Instead of getting stuck in self-judgment, I learned to meet myself with love, and in doing so, I could be fully present for my clients, guiding them to meet the struggling parts that were having a hard time letting go.

LESSON 3: Gratitude Shifts Energy

Dawid - the facilitator I was working with and learning from taught me that where we direct our energy determines what we attract.

If we focus on lack, we unconsciously invite more of it. But when we shift our attention to gratitude—even in difficult moments—we align ourselves with abundance. 

This shift has changed the way I meet challenges, both in ceremony and in daily life.

Facilitating this work has been one of the greatest honours of my life. I can’t even describe what it means to be there for people in this way, when they need to fall apart for a minute to rebuild completely differently and return to a whole new life. 

And yet, it has also required me to practice protection, compassion, and gratitude to a whole new level.

I share these lessons with you today in the hopes that they inspire you to reflect on your own journey:

💫 How can you protect your energy while staying open?

💫 What parts of yourself need more loving compassion?

💫 Where can you shift your focus toward gratitude and abundance?

Sending you courage and love so meet your truth and walk your path. 

If you feel called to do this work, I’m taking 10 people with me on the upcoming exclusive, transformative Ayahuasca Somatic Healing retreat to the healing center in Peru. 

If you’re feeling curious, please send me a message, or book a Complimentary exploratory call with me, and let’s explore this powerful journey together. 💗

With love, 

Chen

P.S. Here is a beautiful shamanic protection practice for you.

The Flower Bath for Protection & Renewal

One of the most powerful ways to clear energy and reinforce protection is through a shamanic flower bath. This simple yet sacred practice helps to clear negativity, strengthen energetic protection, and realign you with clarity and confidence.

Here’s how you can do it:

🌸 Take two handfuls of fresh flower petals (any kind will do).

🌿 Place them in a bucket with cold or warm water.

🍋 Squeeze in half or a full lemon and let the mixture sit for 10 minutes.

🚿 Pour it over your body with a smaller container, bit by bit covering your head, shoulders, and entire body.

⏳ Let it soak in for 30 minutes before rinsing off.

This cleansing ritual removes energetic heaviness, restores balance, and enhances protection. Try it once a week and notice how it transforms your energy and presence.