As I sat down with Inga for our latest episode of "Unscripted Insights," the conversation took us down a meaningful journey that both of us knew would resonate deeply with many of our listeners. The topic at hand—examining the delicate boundary between cults and communities—was not just a discussion for the sake of content but a poignant exploration into our own pasts and how those experiences shape our present-day views on belonging and personal growth.

A Glimpse into Inga’s Past

The episode began with Inga bravely opening up about her childhood experiences in a cult in New Zealand. Her story is both heart-wrenching and enlightening. It's a narrative that isn't shared lightly. Inga recalled the fear that shadowed her younger years, stemming from strict rules and the constant threat of punishment. Her vivid recounting of being beaten with a wooden stick for disobedience was chilling—a stark reminder of the control and violence that often characterize such environments.

Inga’s father fighting legally to gain custody and remove her from the cult was the turning point in her narrative, shaping her perception of what a community should be versus what it should never become. This personal history gives Inga a unique lens to differentiate between cults and communities, a difference many might not fully understand without such an intimate perspective.

Beyond My Own Walls

For me, Kati, the idea of a rigid, controlling environment wasn't entirely foreign, either. Growing up in a strict household, I, too, experienced the pressures of conforming to dictated beliefs and behaviors. This shared thread between Inga and me brought a sense of camaraderie and mutual understanding to our dialogue.

My reflection on the perception of off-grid living often paralleling cult-like isolation was another intriguing facet of our conversation. Unlike cults, where a single leader dictates and controls, the off-grid communities I’ve experienced thrive on collective decision-making and mutual respect. These small communities hold the beauty of personal connections lost in larger, more impersonal societies.

Fostering Empowerment and Individuality

Both Inga and I agree that the essence of a truly positive community lies in personal empowerment and the freedom to be oneself. The retreats and self-development workshops I have attended are the epitome of this ethos. They are spaces devoid of a singular authoritative figure, instead encouraging self-reflection and personal growth. These places are more than just temporary escapes—they are catalysts for lifelong change.

Inga’s father’s worries about her potentially joining another cult were not unfounded, but her way of discerning a community's nature—seeing if she feels good and can express herself wholeheartedly—struck a chord with me. This emphasizes the notion that positive communities should nurture our best selves, providing freedom from judgment and the liberty to grow.

Embracing the Present and Future

As we delved deeper, we discussed the concept of intentional community building. The idea of surrounding ourselves with thoughtful, conscious people who respect our journeys is paramount. From attending retreats in Ibiza to engaging in social and creative events like open mics, these are not just activities but opportunities for human connection and personal development.

Our conversation naturally flowed towards modern tools for building these connections. Inga mentioned the "Meetup" app, highlighting how technology offers platforms to find like-minded individuals and communities, whether through food tours or shared hobbies.

Reflecting on New Beginnings

We wrapped up the episode with a contemplation on the new moon and solar eclipse—symbols of new beginnings and setting intentions. Reflecting on our pasts, both Inga and I underscored the importance of using those experiences as gifts to shape our present and future. We encouraged our listeners to choose the kind of communities they wish to engage with intentionally, emphasizing personal growth, values, and genuine connections.

Our conversation was not only a deep dive into our past and present but also a hopeful look towards the future. We shared our anticipation for future unscripted episodes, focusing on transparency and open conversation. As usual, we invited our listeners to share their reflections and stories, fostering a community of mutual support and understanding.

With gratitude, we concluded the episode, eagerly looking forward to the next chance to connect with our audience on "Unscripted Insights."

Thank you for being part of this journey with us.

Kati

Episode 2: Click here

I've come to realize that this period of transition holds immense potential for growth and renewal.

Surrendering to Unexpected Changes

As I reflect on the past week and a half, I can't help but acknowledge the unexpected pressures and pains that have surfaced. It seems that many of us have been navigating similar experiences on a planetary level. If you've been feeling the weight of unforeseen challenges, physical discomfort, or emotional turmoil, know that you are not alone.

Finding Alignment Within

In the midst of these trials, I found myself surrendering to unexpected changes. Surrendering meant allowing myself to be present in that uncomfortable space and recognizing that discomfort often precedes growth. Despite feeling out of alignment initially, I challenged myself to explore the lessons and growth opportunities hidden within that discomfort. It led me to a profound realization – the importance of finding 'home' within myself, even amidst external uncertainty.

Embracing Renewal and Rebirth

After a period of introspection and surrender, I felt a profound sense of renewal and rebirth. It's as if I've emerged from the depths of the soil, experiencing a level of renewal that I hadn't anticipated. This mirrors the transformative energy of the new moon and the Chinese New Year – a reminder of the cyclical nature of life, where periods of inner 'death' lead to renewal and rebirth.

Welcoming the Energy of the New Moon and Chinese New Year

This season brings an energy of renewal, belief, and manifestation. It encourages us to immerse ourselves in introspection, tend to the seeds of intention planted within, and believe in the potential for new beginnings. I've realized the significance of sitting with my desires and beliefs, nurturing them within the depths of my being, and subsequently manifesting them into the physical realm.

Navigating the Elements of Change

In contemplating the Chinese New Year, I've been drawn to the elements of fire, water, and earth, symbolizing passion, emotional depth, and stability. Navigating these elements has been a powerful reminder of the multifaceted nature of change and the need to find balance within its dynamic forces.

As I navigate the energies of the new moon and the Chinese New Year, I am embracing the journey of surrender, renewal, and belief. This time calls for introspection, tending to our inner landscapes, and aligning with the potential for growth and transformation.

May this season of renewal bring forth a vibrant spirit of belief and manifestation, guiding us towards the fulfillment of our intentions and the embodiment of our deepest desires. I look forward to navigating this journey with you, and I hope you find inspiration and renewal in this season of change.

Many blessings,
Kati Inez Mesa, MA, CHT CAP
​Holistic Therapist, Ayurvedic Practitioner & Spiritual Mentor

The Journey began when I realized how disconnected I was to my body (2006). When I learned that life's school was in session but this time within my inner world. I became a student again, where the home work was known as self work, where the exams were known as being present during the unexpected events arising and the internship was the practice of truly living what I have realized and tended to. This has led me into shifting my core studies within the legal field straight into Holistic Studies. Beginning with holistic psychology into sacred plant medicines, Ancient studies of Ayurveda & Chinese Medicine, where it was a journey of study, self healing and wholeness.  

Within my personal healing journey and holistic studies, I have witnessed the importance of having a bridge for the spiritual, emotional, mental and physical body. Acknowledging that there wasn't just one approach that can tend to the uniqueness of a living being. Instead, life has given us an opportunity to witness how expansive we are. Where it wasn't just talk therapy or the idea of a pill that will solve it. Instead it was a journey of re-membering ones own existences.  

This journey of re-membering has brought me to our ancient ancestors, "The Elements". Re-discovering how they exist deeply within us, guiding me into the study of Elemental Theory through the lens and practice of Tibetan Ayurveda.

I learned how it provided a bridge for the elements and in witnessing the physical holding that one's healing Journey has. Through my study I was reminded to return to my roots, where I traveled throughout South America and continued my path of healing and learning in Peru. Where in 2015, I met mi Maestra Ynes, who received me as a student and deepening my relationship with Abuelita, Ayahuasca a Sacred Amazonian Medicine.

See, my Journey with Psychedelic Medicines began in 2012, where its essences slowly guided me into deeper steps within my healing, my holistic practice and study. I have attended a number of retreats, conferences and courses provided through MAPS, LAPS along with Courses within psychedelics and the body, brain & spirit. Learning and experiencing the importance of integration therapy after one's healing journey with these Power Plants. 

Throughout the years of healing and studying sacred plant medicines, in 2017 I began to deepen my understanding and study of Cannabis. Attending the core courses within Oaksterdam University (2018) and the Practitioner Program within Holistic Cannabis Academy. Which provided further research and study on how this sacred plant tends to all of the bodies, from the mental, emotional, physical and spiritual body.

In late 2018, I began to provide Sacred Journeys called "Journey with Canna". Providing the participants the opportunity to learn more of her(b), of Santa Maria. I have witnessed how many had the familiarity of the plant being a stress reliever but then also an escape from what is present. They never thought that there was more to her or even the healing properties that she provides. This was the beginning of sharing the sacredness of an ancient plant and speaking of her Spirit and why she is here with us, today. 

In 2019, I was pulled to dive in further within the properties and study of psilocybin "magic mushrooms". I have sat with mushrooms within ceremonial spaces and within solo journeys but this time she wanted me to learn more of its properties and the brain. In January of 2020, I had the opportunity to attend a program on "Psychedelic Integration in Psychotherapy" focused within psilocybin. Providing further in-depth study of a patient's experience and the importance of integration through preparation and post Journeys. 

As I continue to research, study and deepening my healing and experiences within this realm of work, I am grateful to say that this field is an on-going journey of learning, healing and embodying.

Many have asked, "What is the purpose of me studying in Peru and journeying within psychedelics." My answer every year continues to shift, because as I continue to bring myself into spaces for my personal healing, I just know that I will continue to follow what pulls me. In this moment, I am here to deepen my relationship by learning more of why these Sacred Medicines have been calling for me and for me to be with it and to see how it speaks to our Spirit and into the cells of our body. 

Therefore, I would like to share that when one begins to trail the path of healing and embodiment, this is a path that is truly unknown and I highly recommend for one to walk such path with a guide, a teacher, an elder and/or facilitator. A soul that has trailed this path for sometime, an elder within such field of healing and study. Because as we begin to walk within the depths of ourselves (our cells), we will begin to discover of why our people in the past would under go specific initiations (i.e. Rites of Passage). Rituals that will assist a soul in the transitions within their life stages. 

Recently I have completed 7 out of 8 classes within a course study of "An Integrative Appraoch to Psychedelic Therapies and Sacred Plant Medicine" taught by Medical Doctor and Author, Joseph Tafur. A dear medicine brother who is offering throughout the USA and within Latin America, speaking on the art and science of the ancestral spiritual healing and their impacts within psychedelic-assisted therapies.

​As I approach the final class of this amazing 8 week course, I am grateful for the opportunity to learn and deepen the study on how these Sacred Plant beings are here to assist us within our healing, our learning and our evolution as a whole. 

In the meantime, my Journey continues in re-discoverying my roots within Peru and Cuba, where I have been inspired to provide a holistic approach of balance throughout the US and within Latin America. Providing consultations and discussions online & within group calls (Skype/Zoom) as an option in providing talks and embodiment sessions.

Acknowledging that we are all on journey, that we all are teachers and students, here to inspire one another, and remind each other that YES, WE ALL HAVE A PURPOSE, a GIFT, and an eternal HEART. We are all here to connect with our inner sense of excitement/aliveness and to thrive as human beings and to live our lives within our Highest & Fullest selves. 

The Path into Embodiment..