A place of true healing.
I will try to make this short although words cannot sum up what I experienced before, during and after the Sayulita Wellness Retreat. Since I was 14, I have been on SSRI's. My battles were and are depression, anxiety, eating disorder, alcoholism, sexual trauma as a child, neglectful mother, physically and mentally abusive husband, and at the age of 39- being diagnosed with complex PTSD. I am 47 now and my partner Kye and I heard about the retreat through family that have experienced it. We took a leap of faith because the treatment and therapy I was receiving was not making me better, I was existing and alive but not living. Kye came with me for support but he needed healing himself. From the moment I reached out to the retreat- I had support every step of the way. I was scared to death to try something new, go off my medications, leave the country and trust in people whom I have never met. And getting off my medication was "hell" for lack of better words to the point we did not think I would get on the plane but I did, I just focused on one goal and that was to get to them- the healers that embraced me with open arms. Travel was easy, they were there every step of the way. Not five minutes after I landed, Calleigh was texting me. We got to the retreat but I am going to refer to it as home. The minute I stepped out of the car I was embraced with love. The location and home were beautiful to say the least! I have never felt so at peace walking into an environment. I want to list everyone individually but in fear of missing out on someone I will say this- they are all beautiful, supportive, filled with love, and there to truly support you through your journey. We stayed for 7 days. Experienced two macro doses of mushrooms, MDMA, Bufo, yoga, sound therapy, hypnotherapy, somatics, ice bath, snorkeling, horseback ride on the beach, and omg- Chef Laura's food that fed our soul. I had never experience psychedelics before and my hesitation and fear was there. Stephy the shaman was there with me every step of the way, never failing me or leaving me. Along with the nurse Jessica who was by my side. I felt safe which I have not felt in a long time! And I was able to let go- of so much pain that I have carried and lived with my whole life. I was "full of capacity" when I went down there and came home with room to embrace more, the bad that life unfortunately has but all of the good that I could never take in before. The mushroom trip was hard and painful yet needed! I went through pain of my past screaming out at times and to the point I could not take it anymore but than felt a release and broke out into uncontrollable laughter and joy, letting it go. I purged all of the pain. And I was never alone, the love of people surrounded me. At the end, I opened the windows to the patio and said "i can see", and I truly could for the first time. The MDMA Kye and I did together and experienced the most beautiful love we had for each other. Talking for three hours with our defenses down and speaking from love, working thru things we thought we had worked through. Pain or hurt we have unfortunately have caused each other through our relationship, thinking we resolved it but never truly processing it. I saw the man I loved- truly and deeply, without judgement or hesitation. And Bufo- well picture this. You are seated above the ocean, cushions and pillows beneath you, Paco(a beautiful man there for your support), Stephy seated right in front of you as you sit and embrace this medicine, the Mexican sun surrounding you. Fear of the unknown and you inhale the medicine once, than twice and you completely let go and feel PEACE. Peace is my word for this experience because again it is hard to describe. Every experience is different but I saw white light, felt the warmth of the sun and love, and let go of everything I questioned....and when I took my next breath I opened my eyes and Stephy was there curled up next to me and holding my hand. Unconditional love. I than sat up and saw the ocean, the birds, the beauty with my new eyes. Eyes that I have never had before. I know if you are reading this, it may sound unimaginable but it is possible! A world, a life you may feel unattainable or unimaginable but it is there waiting for you. And Sayulita Wellness Retreat game me this gift, this gift of a new life! A family that I have now met and embraced as my own, still keeping in contact with them and the other people that were there to receive help. It is a new journey that I am on and once home, embracing it! I grew up in Minnesota and we are taught western medicine and therapy and I believe they do serve a purpose but they are not a lifestyle. There is so much more for you! I know it's scary and unknown but believe me when I say jump! Take the leap of faith as I did. You are worth it and there is a whole other life wating for you. Sayulita will love you, take care of you, walk with you in your pain, be there in your healing, embrace you every step of the way- Take the leap and I can't wait to hear where you find your true, beautiful self that deserves to be loved! My contact email is Laura.karstens78@gmail.com if you feel the need to reach out with questions, comfort , or support!
Read more
Experienced:
May, 2025