This week, I invite you all to join me on an epic journey to Costa Rica (and far, far beyond). I recently spent a few days at the Rythmia Life Advancement Center, a leading retreat center that infuses ancient and modern wisdom, plant medicine, and breakthrough technologies for healing. It’s a go-to destination for those seeking a spiritually awakening vacation experience, and for those seeking help with addiction. And none of this would be possible if it weren’t for today’s guests, Rythmia co-founders Brandee Lynn and Gerard Powell. Brandee brings an element of practical mysticism to the Rythmia campus, helping spiritual newcomers more easily digest the esoteric ancient wisdom that we’ve forgotten in our modern world. She assists in lifting the veil of illusion and limiting beliefs so that visitors can align to their true nature, and she believes that by connecting to your truth, synchronicity becomes an ever-present reality, every day then unfolding as its own miracle. Miracles are big here at Rythmia. Really, we’re all here because Gerard Powell (although most people just call him Gerry) experienced his own miracle: one night that helped him heal a lifetime of suffering due to addiction. Gerry first made his way to Costa Rica after a friend told him about the healing power of psychedelic plant medicine. There, under the guidance of a 10th-generation Bwiti Shaman, Gerry experienced the life-altering power of an ancient Amazonian plant-based brew. Then, during his inaugural Ayahuasca ceremony, Gerry developed a deeper understanding of his emptiness after recovering a suppressed memory of horrible childhood trauma – just one of the subconscious traumas he realized was destroying his life. So Gerry acknowledged that his life was a mess and began to work on conquering his addictions, healing his emotional and psychological wounds, and embracing himself. His spiritual awakening and radical life overhaul eventually inspired him to create Rythmia as a haven for those seeking enlightenment and renewal. It is going to be a wild ride, and this is only the first half of my trip to Rythmia! But don’t worry, you don’t have to wait. Part two is available now and it features two more of the spiritual teachers that guided me through the world of plant medicine, breathwork, and beyond.   Topics Discussed With Brandee: All of the messages from the universe that brought Luke to Rythmia Why Brandee was reluctant to try plant medicines when they first started coming into her life The difference between a plant medicine and a drug Breaking the patterns that keep us stuck – or make us think we’re stuck The shadow side of the plant medicine community Where spiritual power and intellectual understanding intersect Checking in with your inner child and showing it compassion What important lessons Brandee learned from plant medicine, and how she integrated that knowledge back into her life (a critical but often-overlooked step to the healing process) Why they only use Ayahuascha at Rythmia Finding shaman who have the right calling and intentions & recruiting a team of shaman who come from different traditions Integrating plant medicine with breathwork What happens if someone experiences a “bad trip” at Rythmia Rythmia is the only medically licensed facility using plant medicines in the world (but, hopefully, not for long)   Topics Discussed With Gerard: Why plant medicines are so effective as a form of rehab for addicts How Gerry became a self-described “world-class ass hole” before hitting rock bottom – and how plant medicine helped him change the way he experienced life The shaman who changed Gerry’s life Sometimes endless money just gives you an endless supply of things to kill yourself with Gerry’s conversations with the moon (yes, that moon) & what the moon has to teach us about healing ourselves Surrendering to the plant medicine & receiving awareness in return The spiritual mentors and thought leaders that are drawn to and endorse Rythmia Why