LA Woman
5/5
My name is Norma, and just before the plandemic, I became deeply interested in exploring alternative ways to heal a lifetime of trauma. At the time, I was battling three autoimmune conditions and had reached the end of my rope. Then, I came across Michael Pollan’s series "How to Change Your Mind," and something in my spirit pulled me to explore further.
Living in California, I’ve learned to be cautious of the spiritual scene here. I’ve encountered unreliable individuals, self-proclaimed shamans, and had some tough experiences that taught me the importance of doing my research. This led me to join a Facebook group, where I came across an article addressing the colonization happening within plant medicine retreats. It answered many of my questions and opened my eyes to some of the issues in the space.
After being drained of my life savings by "holistic" doctors in Southern California—where it seems doctors assume everyone has Kardashian-level wealth—and seeing my work suffer a massive hit during the plandemic, I couldn’t afford the high prices of plant medicine retreats, either in California or South America. I started to question how much of that money even goes back to the tribes or the medicine itself.
Desperate for genuine help, I googled the journalist from the article I had read and found an interview where their email was listed. I reached out, and to my surprise, the journalist forwarded my email to Hummingbird Church. The very next day, Courtney contacted me and offered me a retreat.
So far, I’ve attended three retreats with Hummingbird Church, and all were life-changing. Let me be clear—this isn’t for the faint of heart or anyone unwilling to face their whole self, shadow and light. This isn’t shallow spirituality. The process is deep, challenging at times, but also profoundly liberating. Most importantly, you are fully supported, and you are SAFE.
Hummingbird conducts a thorough health questionnaire to ensure it’s safe for you to take the medicine. The price is incredibly reasonable, especially considering it includes accommodations, meals, and three full days of transformative experiences. They offer modalities like breath work, massage, and more, alongside the ceremonies. And the food? Absolutely amazing.
The music is on another level—beyond superb. It becomes a guiding force, helping you navigate the emotional waves that break down the walls around your heart and melt them away. Music is the most powerful tool, and I’m not exaggerating.
The facilitators create a judgment-free space, which is one of the main reasons I keep returning. This isn’t a one-time fix or a magical solution. We are the solution, the "silver bullet," and these retreats remind you of that truth.
Taita Pedro, the shaman, shares simple yet revolutionary wisdom. He is genuine—nothing like the self-proclaimed shamans I’ve encountered before. He is grounded in the human experience and even connected with my Argentine culture, going as far as referring me to someone he trained in Argentina for my niece to visit.
Integration is vital after these experiences, and Hummingbird supports this as well. They offer a free post-retreat Zoom call with their integration coach, Michael V., who provides practical and insightful guidance on how to navigate the “now what” after ceremony.
You won’t find a more reliable and caring group of people. I truly need a new word for "grateful." If you’re ready for a shift and willing to go deep, I can’t recommend a better or safer group.
Hummingbird Church was my saving grace. After 22 years in religion, it was this group that extended a helping hand when I needed it most—no strings attached. They also care about building community, offering free gatherings and groups on an ongoing basis.
These people were my angels in disguise, and for them, I am endlessly grateful.
