Genesis

 

The inspiration for the Initiative came during an Ayahuasca retreat in 1919.  Our CEO, Keith, got talking to the owner of the retreat in the aftermath of a ceremony and found that the land bordering the retreat was up for sale and the owner was worried about who the purchaser might be and what effect any operations undertaken by the new owner may have on the retreat itself.

 

The land, about three hundred acres, was of particular interest to the owner, not just because it had formed part of the original retreat site, but because it also was home to the Medicinal Gardens originally belonging to the retreat which, though now much overgrown, he had enjoyed visiting in the past and which he was eager to see restored to their former glory. 

 

During the conversation, under the benign influence of the shared Ayahuasca, Keith was moved to give serious thought to the idea that he should buy the land and undertake the task of, not just restoring the garden, but also using the land to the mutual benefit of the retreat and the wider world.

 

It has to be said that buying a large chunk of rainforest had not, previous to this night, been part of Keith’s future plans, but the Universe is in the habit of presenting us with challenging and intriguing opportunities. Keith was, fortunately, in a position to take advantage of this one, and, by the end of the intense eight hour conversation, had decided that it was what he would do, that, in fact, it was what he was destined to do. His experiences during two subsequent Ayahuasca ceremonies made it clear to him that this, indeed, was what the universe wanted him to do, and gave him some insight into the aims which the undertaking would aspire to achieve.

 

The timing of this was, to say the least, inauspicious; this was 2019 and the world was heading for some seismic changes. The purchase was agreed in the October and, after three months of endless palaver with an uninterested bureaucracy and an interestingly intense elderly lady vendor, completed in January 2020, leaving Keith just enough time to escape Peru and the draconian lockdowns which came into force four days after he left. It was to be two years before he could return.

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Why is the Ra Initiative different?

 

​Our aims are many and various; they embrace much more than just the provision of Ayahuasca experiences for those who feel the need to benefit from Ayahuasca, and many of them will take time to achieve. To give you some idea of our intentions, our overarching objective is to establish a self sufficient community, the existence of which benefits the nearby village, the local area in general and, hopefully, the wider world.  The community will consist of local people, together with visitors who will stay as long as they wish or are able to, in order to achieve their individual aims, but who will also contribute to the spiritual and physical growth and sustenance of the community. 

 

We are hoping to attract people who have, or wish to develop, a philosophy and way of life which brings together the best of modern benefits with the wisdom, science and world view of all ancient civilisations, in order that ideas may be developed and spread to the wider population, helping to move the world to a better place.

 

On a practical note, we also intend to work to conserve the rainforest by preventing logging, preserving existing rare and endangered specimens we find and endeavouring to increase the stock with a programme of planting.  

 

We will be using and encouraging natural, sustainable farming and the enrichment of the local soil.  Our chicken programme is looking at producing a hybrid which combines good egg laying with an increased ability to forage and survive in the environment.

 

We are looking to produce, use, and foster the investigation of the medicinal plants and honey, and hope to engage with top level institutions to combine modern medicine with traditional to provide the best possible help to those who need it, in a healing and supportive environment.

 

We will be looking to engage the local children in all of our activities in order to encourage them to preserve their spiritual and physical heritage.
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Who are we looking to attract?

 

We are hoping to attract people who have, or wish to develop, a philosophy and way of life which brings together the best of modern benefits with the wisdom, science and world view of all ancient civilisations, in order that ideas may be developed and spread to the wider population, helping to move the world to a better place.

 

Those who are looking to start or advance their spiritual journey and wish to take time to step back from their daily life and seek a wider perspective in the company of those of a similar outlook.

 

Those who are looking for complimentary treatments for their, possibly longstanding, medical problems.

 

Those who are fighting an addiction to alcohol, nicotine, sugar, food, or any of the many substances or behaviours which can blight our modern lives, like smart phones (see our smart phone policy).

 

Those coping with some trauma, long past or recent, who need help to move on.

 

Those wishing to use their skills or knowledge to assist others whilst enjoying the benefits of living in the community, and those interested in pursuing research into any of the many aspects of our work.

 

There is also, of course, the opportunity to observe the local flora and fauna and photograph,  (paint?), them in their natural surroundings. 

And you could always use your time here to complete that magnum opus which you have been working on.

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What do we offer?

 

​​The therapeutic part:

Alongside Ayahuasca retreats we offer Kambo, (detoxification using the medicinal qualities of our very own frogs), and bespoke services for those with specific needs, with prices reduced for those who require a long stay and even further reductions for those willing to combine some work on the project with their therapeutic requirements.

 

Our approach will be holistic, using the principles of synergy to combine multiple treatments including Ayahuasca, Kambo, Nutraceuticals, (foods or parts of foods intended to provide medical or health benefits), Plant Medicine, Crystal Medicine (basic) and Sacred Geometry.

 

In the future  we will be looking to offer other forms of therapy including Psychology, Meditation(s), Advanced Crystals,  Cymatherapy, (treatment using sound waves), Colour Therapy, Therapeutic Massage, Breath work, Specific Yogic Practices, Homeopathy and Traditional Chinese Medicines and Therapies such as Acupuncture.   

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(We must at this point make it clear that we make no promises to cure any condition, especially with 4th stage cancers. As a general rule, the longer a condition has been suffered from, the more advanced it will be and the the longer it will take to treat.  Please note; we absolutely do not claim to cure, nor do we recommend the abandonment of conventional medicine in favour of our treatments.)

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Activities

 

Treks into the rainforest will be organised to see some of the magnificent trees on the site.

 

Boat trips to the local villages and along the river, with the possibility of seeing (perhaps swimming with) the Amazon dolphins.

 

The opportunity to learn about the growing and making of Ayahuasca.

 

Volunteer work - see the Volunteers page

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The Team

I'm proud to say, that despite the fact that The RA Initiative is still being built and only a few years in the making, after a problematic start (Covid ) we have developed into a close knit community with a genuine commitment from all.

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