Going into the retreat, I was really excited about what lay in store for me, but was also filled with nervous anticipation as Ayahuasca was something I’d never done before and I didn’t know what to expect.
Let me start off by saying that Margriet and Yaron know their stuff inside out and were extremely proactive and responsive since our first contact.
But more importantly, they are wonderful human beings. The warmth, empathy, and openness that we experienced with them was matched only by their enthusiasm and passion for what they do.
We felt welcome and at ease from the moment we stepped into their premises. The retreat is located on a wonderful little boathouse in Broek in Waterland, just a few minutes north of Amsterdam. It is a secluded location with wonderful views and plenty of natural light. During the day, you can see horses grazing in the fields and birds chirping in the canals nearby. There is a wonderful garden in the back where you can spend time introspecting, journaling or just chilling out during the hours prior to the ceremony. In short, It’s the perfect location to take your mind off the daily grind and turn your attention to deep within.
The specifics of the ceremony were explained very well to us from the start, including the recommended do's and don’ts, how to prepare for the experience, the steps that it entails, what to expect during the journey, etc… I’m a curious person and had a million questions before and during the retreat, but they really took the time to allay all my doubts with the utmost patience.
The ceremony itself was a wonderful experience. The pre-ceremony rituals as well as the ambience, lights, and sounds in the room were carefully calibrated to relax you and put your mind to ease. During the ceremony itself, we were very well looked after during every step of our journey. It’s the little things they do that really touch you – such as making sure the blanket covers your feet when you turn over to the other side while lying down, or refilling your bottle and quietly placing it by your side when you're in a deep meditative trance, or holding your hand during difficult moments and assuring you that everything is all right.
Each journey can be a very different experience and invoke within you a wide array of emotions and sensations. Having the reassurance that you are in good hands, and are cared for was one of the major contributing factors to the three beautiful, eye-opening and incredibly special days that we spent with Margriet and Yaron.
Arjun