Three Weeks in Peru, A Journey into Simplicity, Sound & Sacred Plants

First Impressions of Peru

When I first arrived in Lima, I immediately noticed how different life is here compared to Belgium. Everything is simpler. Yes, Peru has all the modern things you can find back home, but people here seem content with less. That instantly gave me a sense of peace. I felt I was exactly where I needed to be.

Why I Chose Peru

During the COVID years, I spent a lot of time in South America, but I couldn’t enter Peru due to the many restrictions. This country has always felt sacred to me, and now, I finally got the chance to step into it with open arms.

One of the main reasons for being here is to deepen my knowledge of the sacred plants and the ceremonial music used in rituals. These sounds deeply inspire me, and I wish to bring some of this wisdom back into my own sound journeys.

My Journey with Plant Medicine

I’ve always been drawn to nature and its healing powers. During my two years in India and Nepal, I learned so much about Ayurveda, not just what to eat according to your body type, but also how plants can heal even deep-rooted diseases.

Unlike modern medicine, which often treats the symptom, Ayurvedic science seeks the root cause and gently supports your body to heal over time. We live in a society that often wants quick fixes, but true healing requires patience, presence, and deep listening.

Here in Peru, many plants are used for healing, some with hallucinogenic properties that support physical and mental processes. I had already tasted some of these powerful medicines in Colombia and Ecuador, but now I felt the call to learn more.

My First Two Weeks: A Dieta with Bobinsana

I spent my first two weeks in Peru doing a dieta, a deep process of connecting with the spirit of a specific plant. During a dieta, all stimulating foods are removed, no sugar, no salt, no spices, no caffeine. The food becomes incredibly plain, and this simplicity reveals so much.

In the beginning, my body had a bit of a shock. I missed chocolate and my morning coffee. I experienced headaches and had trouble focusing. My mind was like a little monkey, jumping from one thought to the next. Although I had maintained a spiritual practice in Belgium, I realized it had weakened, and this dieta reminded me to return to discipline.

The Medicine of Bobinsana

The plant I dieted on is called Bobinsana, a gentle yet powerful plant. After a few days, my dreams became vivid, my creativity surged, I was singing, writing, drawing again. I felt more compassion toward myself and others. And I also saw clearly that there was still more inner work to do.

A Deep Fast and a Clear Reset

About a week into my dieta, I decided to deepen the process with a fast of 70 hours. I stopped eating completely for a few days to sharpen my focus. Yes, I became a little weak physically, but the mental clarity I experienced afterwards was incredible. It felt like my whole body had been reset. When I broke my fast, I was energized and more present than I had been in months.

Even now, a week after completing the dieta, I still feel that clarity. I haven’t gone back to caffeine or sugar, and I’m only slowly reintroducing salt and spices into my meals.

What’s Next?

I will remain here, in the heart of the Peruvian Amazon, for the next few months. Not in the Sacred Valley or Iquitos, but in a remote healing center in the jungle. I’ll be giving private and group sound sessions and breathwork to those who come here to connect more deeply with themselves and nature.

I’ll also continue to learn more about other sacred plants, the rituals that surround them, and the rhythm of life in the jungle. I truly feel at home here, surrounded by nature and the slow, grounding pulse of this magical land.

A Gentle Word of Caution

When it comes to plant medicine, it’s crucial to understand that you cannot combine it with many types of Western medication, like antidepressants, anti-anxiety medication, antibiotics, and more. Doing so can be very dangerous. If you're considering this path, always speak to a professional first.

After a plant medicine retreat, it’s also essential to keep your diet and lifestyle simple for a while. These medicines are powerful but don’t magically solve everything. You’ll need time to integrate the experience, reflect, and continue doing the inner work. If necessary, seek guidance from an experienced therapist or coach.

Thinking of Fasting? Read This First

If you feel called to try a longer fast, please ensure your body is strong enough, and seek advice from a trusted health practitioner. Fasting is powerful, but only if done with the right intention and preparation.

Make sure your schedule is clear, no work, no stress, no big social commitments. If you live with others, ask for their support and understanding. Try to avoid screens and technology.

Be in nature, in silence. Give yourself space to listen. Fasting is not just about not eating, it’s about being fully with yourself.

If you want to know more about certain plants, or have any questions about plant medicines found here in South America or Ayurveda, send me a message and I'll try to help you the best I can.

With all my love,

Marije