I've been following this community for awhile now but decided not to join until I actually got a chance to experience DMT so that I could make contributions to the conversation. I have never smoked DMT, but I have had Ayahausca four times in the past month. These were my first psychedelic experiences and needless to say the very first one was quite shocking... In a good way. There was definitely fear at play in this experience, but a certain part of my psyche (a higher self, maybe?) stepped forward to guide me through it. Due to the rules I cannot condone this to first time users because doing it alone like I did on my first time probably isn't always the best idea. That being said, once I worked through the fears on that first experience, my subsequent experiences had much less fear which allowed a more objective look at the insights I gained during these experiences.

I am aware that some of the settings I have drank in as well as the frequency of my intake of Ayahuasca may not be in line with the general consensus of what is right, and certainly not traditional (although my brew was traditional caapi/chacruna). I would like to make it very clear that despite my own personal ways of using the medicine, I absolutely respect the traditional ways and do not in any way negate their value. Additionally, I absolutely respect the medicine itself and never approach it with recreation or "fun" in mind. The reason I drink it as often as I have is the life changing insights I gain with each and every trip.

I also believe that having taken it several times close together, I have gotten closer to the plant itself and became more acquainted with the "world" that this medicine often takes me to. By my fourth experience, certain aspects of the trip like the "carrier wave" buzzing which I get constantly and in exactly the same form every trip have became familiar. Certain "entities" made appearances on several of these trips. I also have noticed a near-linear decline in nausea each trip, with my most recent having almost none at all. These are in my view, the benefits of taking it on a more frequent basis and why I choose to do so. I understand that an entheogen like Ayahuasca can be drastically different from person to person and what is working for me may not work for everybody.

I think that in the past month this substance has improved my life in some key areas. It inspired me to quit marijuana and helped me recognize how it held me back and that it wasn't for me. It helped me understand some of my own struggles with pride and anger. It helped bring me closer to those who matter most to me and stop procrastinating so much. Of course, Ayahuasca is not a silver bullet for all issues and I definitely had to put on work outside of my trips to improve these areas and I still have loads more of work to do.

Anyways, I look forward to participating in the discussions here and learning more. I am not a scientist or chemist but perhaps something here will inspire me to learn more in these areas
I am mathematically inclined and when I gain a passion for something I definitely pursue it to the fullest. I am also excited to get into the specifics of some of these insights and ideas I've had on Ayahuasca and sharing my experiences with you all. Thank you for taking the time to read this and nice to meet you.

Welcome ControlledChaos!

I believe ayahuasca is a gift that is meant for the mankind and it's not limited to one culture or tradition. Ayahuasca tourism has become so popular that there is a high risk of monetizing supposed authenticity in the regions where this tradition has originated.

That being said I'd love to participate in a proper ceremony one day. However, the plant has been incredibly beneficial for me when I have taken the brew just by myself.

Encapsulated lemon essential oil pretty much kills the nausea. Although some nausea may be useful in getting into the proper respectful mood.

I am grateful that so much icaro music is available through YouTube nowadays. Those are the kind of songs that connect to the spirit of Aya. We have the opportunity to draw from the age old traditions and then add something new that fits the time and culture each of us lives. Here is one of my favorite compilations: https://youtu.be/gTBcWujlcgk