The Third Ceremony: Sunset

Continued Self-Improvement Journey

A few months had passed since my last ceremony, and I continued my self-improvement journey. Time seemed to be flying by as I settled back into my daily routine. I still had a lot to process from those initial ceremonies, and while I had gained valuable insights, I wasn't entirely sure how to integrate them into my everyday life.

A Serendipitous Encounter

One morning, as I was driving to work on a highway near my somewhat random job location in Miami, I came across a minor accident. It appeared that a car had bumped into a man riding a bicycle. To my surprise, the man who had been bumped was the same person who had introduced me to Gina and breathwork a few months earlier, along with his wife.

Seeing this as a direct sign from the universe, I decided to attend a session with Gina. Before the traffic light turned green, I quickly pulled out my phone, found Gina's Instagram page, and checked her schedule. Another serendipity: she was hosting a group ceremony that very night. I booked a spot immediately.

Preparation for the Ceremony

I spent the entire day excited about the upcoming ceremony. It just felt right. After work, I rushed home, changed into comfortable pajamas, and packed the necessary items. I then hopped into my car and made my way to the yoga studio where the event was taking place.

Initially, I got a bit lost, but I started noticing groups of people entering a building, carrying pillows and eye covers. I followed one of these groups into the secluded back area of the Upper Buena Vista mall, where I found a small yoga studio called Modern Om. After giving them my name, I removed my shoes, grabbed a yoga mat, and entered the room.

Gina's Breathwork Session

As the room began to fill up, Gina arrived. My first impression of her was that she was deeply knowledgeable and spiritually grounded. Her presence exuded calmness and wisdom. She took her seat in front of us and led a short meditation. Lighting some palo santo, she introduced herself and delivered a speech similar to what I had heard from my previous shamans, focusing on the intention of the breathwork ceremony.

Gina explained the breathing technique we would use, known as cyclical breathing – inhaling fully and exhaling immediately without pauses. With the ringing of a bell, she initiated a brief meditation to set the stage. Then, she asked us to lie down and cover our eyes with the provided eye covers. Loud music filled the room, and we began the rhythmic cycle of deep inhales and exhales in unison.

Physical Sensations and Spiritual Awakening

After a few minutes, I started to feel a peculiar energy in my hands and toes, causing them to curl up and lock them into place. Gina reassured us that this was a normal part of breathwork, and that the energy was simply releasing from our bodies.

The sensation intensified, and I found my hands raised and locked in the air as I continued to breathe. Gina had prepared us for this moment: "You'll start to feel itchy, and your mind will try to slow you down, but all you need to do when it gets hard is to simply keep breathing... the breath is what got you there, and the breath is what will get you through it." This lesson left a profound impact on my life.

Vision of a Parade and a Meeting with My Father

As I continued breathing, I reached a point that Gina had mentioned – a challenging moment where I had to remind myself not to think, just to keep breathing. Beyond this obstacle, I entered a crystal-clear vision. I found myself in a vast blue tunnel, where a parade was taking place. I was on the left side of the parade and pushed my way to the front of the spectators to see who was marching.

To my astonishment, I saw God in the form of a giant leading the parade, guiding someone while the crowd cheered. What surprised me even more was that the person being led by God was my father. Behind them were several significant souls, chatting and clapping.

Emotional Farewell and Celestial Vision

The spectators had bodies but no distinct faces. I hurriedly walked toward my father and called out to him, sensing that this was what the transition to the afterlife looked like. I waved and yelled, and my father, wearing a broad smile, ran over to greet me. "Eli!? What are you doing here?" he exclaimed in excitement. I told him I wasn't sure, but I was happy to see him. As I spoke, a deep sadness overcame me because I knew he was leaving and passing on to the next world. I began to cry, tears flowing as I buried my face in his chest.

He picked me up, reassuring me not to cry because he was so happy. He expressed his deep love for me and told me the greatest gift I could give him was grandchildren. We hugged tightly, and I continued to express my love and longing for him. In his embrace, I noticed that the parade was progressing and nearing the exit of the blue tunnel.

I told my father it was time for him to go, that they were leaving without him. He held my hand and said, "I don't care; I'll stay here with you as long as you need me to." I cried and hugged him, telling him I loved him and that it was okay for him to go. We exchanged heartfelt goodbyes, and I watched him run up, with God placing His arm behind him, leading the way into the tunnel.

A Profound Encounter with God

I closed my eyes and wept intensely. After a few minutes, I opened my eyes and found myself in a dark room, seated in a specific position. I heard footsteps, and I saw God approaching me. This time, God looked exactly like me and settled into my body. "Eli, watch this," said God as He lifted me into space and presented me before the sun.

I was utterly mesmerized by the sun's beauty, power, and energy, watching the sun flares explode into space. Looking down at my body, I realized I was producing those same solar flares, feeling the energy coursing through me. The magnificence left me in awe, but amidst it all, I couldn't suppress the lingering sadness.

A Question Unanswered

I summoned the courage to voice my question to God. "This is all so beautiful... but I'm still sad. I attend these ceremonies and experience such incredible beauty, but once it's over, the beauty fades, and I'm left with the pain and struggles of everyday life. This is all so beautiful, God. Thank you for showing this to me... but what about me?" My words came from a deep place within me.

"Ahhhh... you asked a great question, Eli..." echoed into my mind, and suddenly, the entire vision ceased. I awoke back in the yoga studio. I didn't need God to say more. Something inside me understood that my question would be answered at my next ceremony. It was time for me to embark on a fourth journey.

Looking to integrate your plant medicine experience? Discover practical steps and insights on processing and applying the lessons learned from your ceremony in our comprehensive guide. Read this post.