It all starts with a simple discussion. The next thing you know, you're off to the Amazon rainforest in South America, drinking a tea made from a psychoactive plant and taking part in an ancient ceremony intended to heal and open the realms of consciousness. That's what happened to filmmaker Michael Wiese as he was searching for a cure after being confronted with a serious disease. Michael knew the universe was co-conspiring to aid in his mission and he, his translator and wife were off, embarking on a mysterious and deeply personal adventure.
The Shaman and Ayahuasca on GaiamTV.com follows these three on a thought-provoking journey, providing unique personal perspectives, majestic and stunning visuals of Peruvian surroundings, and wisdom from a famed shaman. It also piques the viewer's curiosity: What does this psychoactive elixir taste like? How does it feel to be whisked away to other realms and connected to the cosmos? How does it feel to return to reality? Here are a few of the most shining moments from this fascinating documentary:
The Shaman knows
Don Jose Campos, the internationally-known Shaman, graciously and sincerely walks Michael and company through his homeland, and shows just what goes into having a proper ceremony, including the blessing of the tea. Viewers can sense his passion and commitment to this sacred, ancient ritual. It's also important to note that ayahuasca should never be casually ingested and should only be taken under the care, guidance and supervision of a skilled Shaman who concocts, blesses and administers it; the brew is extremely powerful and mind-altering.
Ayahuasca in art
Speaking of mind-altering, legendary painter Pablo Amaringo is also featured. It's worth watching this documentary if only to catch a glimpse of this man's awe-inspiring works that express on canvas some of the many visions and worlds he entered while drinking ayahuasca everyday for 10 years.
Courage and confidence
Shaman Don shared the most important lesson that his teacher, Don Solon, passed on to him - the true definition of confidence: "A deep sense of trust in oneself, faith in the process of being present and being courageous and optimistic." Not only is it a lovely definition of the word, but it's the overall message of the documentary; confidence is applied and interwoven so deeply and on so many levels. One needs confidence to be open to learning about this spiritual sojourn. One needs confidence to go through with the experience. One needs confidence to expect the unexpected during this highly unpredictable journey.
Wanderlust starring Jennifer Aniston and her ayahuasca trip it is not, The Shaman and Ayahuasca offers viewers intense magical clarity into every component of this unique ritual. Delve into a world of deep spiritual development with The Shaman and Ayahuasca on GaiamTV.com.
GaiamTV.com Ambassador Alyson Charles is an AM and FM radio host and television producer. She lends her passions, inspirations, and self-help knowledge to her readers on www.InAWEwithALY.com, supplying you with all the tips and secrets for creating your most magical life!