SOULCENTRO

I always try to arrive without expectations, as the old saying goes, disappointment takes great planning… but - wow.

I’ve been to a lot of retreats and sat in a lot of medicine ceremonies where ‘radical transformation’ has been promised. They’ve all delivered in one way or another, but none more so than this. More often than not, it’s down to me. The work I’ve done in the build up; the preparation, intention setting and sitting down in ceremony knowing that I’m ready to surrender.

I had prepared myself before arriving at Soul Centro, but did arrive with a lot of trepidation. This was the big one. The root of Africa (in Costa Rica : ).

As soon as I arrived I was greeted by the sweetest smile and handed a chilled coconut water. I was then shown to my private air conditioned room overlooking the pool, surrounded by hammocks. My suspicions became aroused - I might have to leave some of my hardships behind…

Meeting Elizabeth for the first time is like having a warm blanket wrapped around you. Her maternal and caring energy is abundant and her piecing eyes have that knowing look that shows the wisdom behind them. Chor’s energy is more subtle at first as he sizes you up, but then his wisdom and caring energy is no less abundant, and his strength is clear to see. They’re about the safest pair of hands you could wish for and knowing they’re there allows you to go beyond the edge. (Btw, they’re also both hilarious - very important asset in my book!)

If that’s not safe enough, there’s also a doctor on site at all times and throughout ceremony who is constantly monitoring you.

I won’t say too much about ceremony as that’s for you to discover if you should choose to do this for yourself. What I will say is that is unflinchingly authentic and steeped in the traditions of the Bwiti people of Gabon. Honouring his teachers and the faith they have shown in him is something that Chor takes incredibly seriously and I found it an honour to be guided by him.

What I also really loved is that there is space around the ceremonies. There is ample time to rest and reflect, take a walk in nature (the nature!) and even a day trip to get off site for a day was organised. I was there for 10 days and it felt like a month. It was incredible.

Everyone at the centre is amazing. The food is delicious. The gentle souls that serve you and the comfortable beds that you lie on are there so you can do the work. And I couldn’t recommend anywhere better to do it.

I have been to a number of plant medicine retreats in the past, but this is my first time with Iboga and where I experienced owners who were so sincerely and mindfully attentive to my well-being and psycho-spiritual growth. Iboga is an extraordinary medicine that teaches even after you leave the retreat. Elizabeth and Chor are beautiful people who care deeply for their guests. The food was nourishing and made with love (thank you, Pali). The facilitators also approached their work with genuine attention and care. There are also numerous dogs (shoutout to Freddy) at the center which provide their own kind of special medicine. I highly recommend SoulCentro if you are looking to work with this medicine. Thank you everyone at SoulCentro. Basse.

It is clear that the staff and owners of SoulCentro are deeply devoted to spiritual, physical, emotional, and psychological healing and personal growth for all those who attend their retreats. The delicate care and attention to detail for all things created - from the meals made with pure love to the intentionality put into their traditional healing experiences, were exceptional. Most memorable is they helped you feel like family. I felt very at home and cared for, which helped me get the most from my experience.

I came to SoulCentro with questions, and I left with answers. A profoundly powerful and life-changing experience. I feel immense gratitude to Elizabeth and Chor for sharing their open hearts, wise minds and deep commitment to Bwiti at this idyllic setting. I will always cherish my time with them at a pivotal time in my life.

For me, Elizabeth and Chor were the Exact people that I needed to work with to tackle the jungle of entities I walked in with. I didn't know that going in, but my ancestors did, for a fact. Thank you for letting/helping me SURRENDER and get ugly, get cleaned up, and get ready to give this life another go.
Let go of expectations, notions around ‘retreat’ or even ‘psychedelic’ as mainstreamed in the west. This is far from a place of comfort and ease, it is ancient surgery - exactly what I needed in order to be shaken out of the burdens, lies, trauma that are not mine to pet if I sincerely want to live my life fully. Nima Gnyangou and Mbeye held me with profound groundedness, while I tantrumed and tested them in my most vulnerable state where everything I thought I knew, studied for a decade became a figment of my imagination! At one point, the only thing real, was everything I learned to hide since birth. Iboga yanked the truth out of me! By the 5th day, I was iterating a mantra I never imagined I’d say out loud w full conviction, “I love my life” Iboga yanked the truth out of me!!!
If you are a control freak in complete denial like me, seemingly well-contained, compartmentalized, aka betraying your chance at life by striving to keep up with modernity, please consider this unplug. Thank You forever, Iboga.