It has been almost a year since I traveled to Colombia to meet the families of Call of the Jaguar. Although my loved ones are curious about my experiences, I have kept most of the details to myself. I feel that it is best to guard the specifics of the journey to keep them protected, so I cannot share them here. Anyway, sharing them may set up expectations in the minds of others, and since expectations are inherently limiting, I do not want to burden you in that way. The path to the place where Yage takes you is unique to each individual and may not be what you expect. However, in one way or another, it will be what you need.

This was my second trip to Colombia for Ayahuasca (Yage), and this time I decided to join Call of the Jaguar because I had started my journey with Leonidas a year earlier, and now his family had joined with three others to start this beautiful organization. I followed Leonidas to Call of the Jaguar because of his lifelong dedication to the medicine, unbounded strength and compassion, and the trust he earned from me when I was at my most vulnerable.

It is said that experiencing Yage (Ayahuasca) close to where it grows in the jungle is crucial. The medicine learns from the plants, animals, and spirits of the surrounding area, which shapes our experience with it. The Yage used in the ceremonies is harvested from a pristine rainforest where one can still see the tracks of the jaguar, which the community protects. It is prepared in the traditional way and given in a sacred space by a man trained in the way since he was a boy of six. In every way possible, this is the real deal.

I went for Yage, but there was so much more.  From the planned outings, healing Temescals just when I needed them, the experience with Wachuma in the jungle, and purity and restorative powers of the nearby river and falls, it all supported my personal journey.  

From the moment Camilo picked me up from the hotel and hugged me like an old friend, I knew I was where I needed to be. The warmth and acceptance of all the family members allowed me to let go of thinking, analyzing, and judging. The more I let go, the more healing took place. What I found with Call of the Jaguar was already there, just buried under layers of unnecessary "me." They helped me let it go in the most loving and supportive way imaginable. I came looking for a path and found it where I was standing. I went looking for answers, and my questions found peace. I left with less of me but somehow more - comfortable in his own skin, in this moment, just as it is.

It felt impossible to leave my family and work and go to Colombia, a place with an undeserved reputation, where I didn't speak the language and did not know anyone. However, what I found was a beautiful country three-hours from Miami that was as safe, clean, and friendly as Costa Rica, where almost everyone at COTJ speaks pretty good English, and Fernando was there as a translator for more nuanced communication. The lodging was in an amazing eco retreat by the river, incredibly comfortable, and far more than I expected. My every need was considered and accommodated. Most importantly, the people were kind and warm, with a strong sense of community, and where those called to join them are instantly considered family.

I offer this small bit of encouragement: if you feel called, then take one step toward it. The first step is the hardest, but they get easier, and you only need to take one at a time., and they are waiting for you with open arms.