The Art of Honest Dialogue is a twofold act of receiving authenticity through listening, and giving in authentic self expression. It begins with our relationship with ourself and expands outwards into our relationships with others. It is an essential skill and key component in the toolset of all facilitators, healers, space holders, lovers, family members, community members, and honest humans on the path of authentic connection and relating. Non Violent Communication or NVC for short, is a system of communication that fosters understanding and supports people to hear beyond judgements and differences. NVC is the process of re-organising the mind to see and express underlying essence, revealing our loving and generous shared true nature instead of remaining fixed on the learned and tragic patterns of relating that cloud our shared humanity. Through the principles and processes of NVC we learn to navigate with greater ease things like guilt, shame, anger, criticism, saying no, recognising and asking for what we want, being compassionate when torn between seemingly conflicting parts, beneficial regret, non coercive collaboration, mourning and more. Mastering these is an adventure with great rewards. Both for ourselves, our loved ones, our extended community, co-workers and clients. The world becomes an increasingly happy place filled with moments of connection in unexpected places. Fears of speaking out truthfully are replaced with trust and joy as we gain evidence that we can hold ourselves and others through all the experiences of life. And even when rupture happens, we find we have the skills to repair and reconnect. Life just gets easier and better for us. And as we use our skills to connect to and uplift the whole, the world becomes kinder for everyone and ever-closer to the more beautiful world our hearts know is possible.

Are you interested in learning more about psychoactive plants, animals and fungi? Watch this recording of a Free Online Masterclass on Naturally Occurring Psychotropics, in the lead up to our 9 week course! Learn more about this course here: https://www.psychedelicsociety.co.za/challenge-page/75c173c1-bcaf-49d3-9056-8b642dec08c3?programId=75c173c1-bcaf-49d3-9056-8b642dec08c3

This talk delves into the rich traditions and profound knowledge of indigenous communities from around the world, exploring their use of psychotropic plants, animals and fungi. Discussing their effects on the brain and body, their phytochemistry, and their potential therapeutic applications. Discover the fascinating intersection of traditional wisdom and modern science, and learn about the importance of safe facilitation practice.

The echoes of trauma can ripple across generations, an inheritance carried in ways we are only beginning to comprehend. Epigenetics—a field now beginning to uncover the mysteries of how profound experiences can leave their mark on our DNA—suggests that even our ancestors' pain and resilience might be woven into our biological fabric, sometimes passing down to shape our own lives. Carlos Hernandez, a dedicated psychotherapist and vibrational healer from Mexico now based in South Africa, brings a profound commitment to understanding the multidimensional aspects of human existence. Carlos is a healer with a background in Amazonian traditional medicine, Western psychedelic-assisted therapy, transpersonal psychotherapy, certified Holotropic Breathwork facilitator, and biomagnetism, among many other holistic practices. Carlos’s deepest calling is to find holistic solutions in the psycho-spiritual realms to uncover the root causes of imbalance and illness. Watch as we explore transpersonal and shamanic perspectives on transgenerational trauma and the healing possibilities that lie within psychedelic-assisted therapy. To learn more about Carlos's work, visit www.theintegrationproject.co.za

General talk on Psychedelics as to which psychedelic might be most appropriate at different stages of our own personal spiritual journey. Covers substances such as psilocybin containing mushrooms, iboga, San Pedro, Changa, 5meo-dmt (bufo) and more.

•Vibrational Alchemy and how we can shift ourselves, our timelines and our health using frequency medicine. •Flower spirits and how the flower contains the highest vibration of the plant •What we can learn from the flower queendom •Overview of the Chakra system and how it affects our lives •Making vibrational oils }} This is the first half of Mishka’s talk done at Retreat Yourself 2024, Vibrational Alchemy & Flower Spirits

Sananga is an Amazonian plant medicine derived from the Tabernaemontana undulata plant. When applied as eye drops, it causes temporary intense stinging and burning. It is used for both physical and spiritual healing purposes. Spiritually, Sananga is said to facilitate clearing our inner sight, emotional release, decalcifying and opening the third eye, and clearing energetic blockages. It is commonly used in ceremonial contexts, where it can clear the way for clarity, heightened perception, and profound insight. Used occasionally, it assists in clearing out energetic parasites from our auric body and clears buildup in our energetic pathways/meridians. Sananga is particularly useful before and after doing energy or plant medicine work. Used continuously (30-day daily dieta), Sananga can also help reconfigure and rewire our relationship to Pain, help expand our nervous systems ability to handle stress, and open our awareness to new layers of existence.

A talk by Dr Johan Van Der Walt, specialist Anaesthetist with further education in the field of chronic pain. 18 Aug 2024. Johan has published in the field of chronic pain and psychedelics. He has spoken in the medical community on the importance of engaging with the unfolding field of psychedelic assisted therapies and promotes an evidence based and intuitive approach to incorporating these modalities into modern medicine. Johan acknowledges that he stands on the shoulders of those who came before him and is a humble participant in the conversations around health, well-being and collective existence.