The Plants Are Calling for the Adoption Constellation with Mee Ok Icaro - Ep 171

"The plants are always turning everything upside down because our culture is upside down." -- Mee Ok Icaro

EPISODE SUMMARY:

In this episode of Unraveling Adoption, I, Beth Syverson, welcome back Mee Ok Icaro, a previous guest who has shared her profound insights on adoption and healing through plant medicine. This episode is particularly special as we recorded as we prepared for an ayahuasca retreat in Costa Rica, where I participated in my first ceremony under Mee Ok’s guidance.

We begin by discussing our feelings as the retreat approaches. I express my excitement mixed with a hint of fear, acknowledging that this experience is far outside my comfort zone. Mee Ok shares her own anticipation and the unique challenges of leading a retreat for the first time, emphasizing the importance of focusing on personal healing rather than taking on the burdens of others.

Mee Ok elaborates on the concept of leadership in the context of plant medicine, contrasting it with traditional views. She explains that true leadership often involves humility and a willingness to learn from others, rather than a desire for power or control. This perspective shifts the narrative around what it means to guide others in their healing journeys.

As we delve deeper into the preparations for the retreat, we discuss the rigorous dieta we have both been following. This dieta involves strict dietary and behavioral restrictions designed to prepare our bodies and minds for the transformative experience ahead. I share my struggles with giving up my phone and certain foods items and the impact of reducing external stimuli on my mental clarity and emotional well-being.

Mee Ok and I also touch on the broader implications of accessibility to plant medicine, particularly for marginalized communities. We discuss the challenges faced by individuals from lower-income backgrounds in accessing these healing modalities and the need for a more equitable approach as psychedelics become more mainstream.

Throughout the episode, we reflect on the importance of integration and preparation in the healing process. I share my personal journey with ketamine treatment and how it has helped me move away from antidepressants, highlighting the significance of active engagement in one's healing journey rather than passively relying on substances.

As we conclude, we express our excitement for the upcoming retreat and the potential for profound transformation. We plan to record a follow-up episode after the retreat to share our experiences and insights gained during this journey.

Join us as we explore the complexities of adoption, healing, and the transformative power of plant medicine in this thought-provoking episode.

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RESOURCES:

Mee Ok’s information:

• Connect with Mee Ok through her website: https://holdingcompassionate.space/

• Hear Mee Ok’s previous Unraveling Adoption podcast episode, “Ayahuasca for Transforming Trauma and Pain with Mee Ok Icaro”: https://directory.libsyn.com/episode/index/id/28697873

• Hear Mee Ok and Leslie Pate Mackinnon’s previous Unraveling Adoption podcast episode ”Insights from Plant Medicine for the Adoption Constellation with  Mee Ok Icaro and Leslie Pate Mackinnon”: https://directory.libsyn.com/episode/index/id/31869557

• Register for Mee Ok’s next Adoptee-Only Medicine Circle here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/medicine-circles-for-adoptees-with-mee-ok-icaro-tickets-1011041370957

Other resources mentioned in this episode:

• Soltara Healing Center (Costa Rica): https://soltara.co/\

Other Resources:

• Other Parents Like Me - http://oplm.com

• Heather Ross - Life Coaching for Parents who have a child struggling with addiction: https://heatherrosscoaching.com/

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Unraveling Adoption is produced and hosted by Beth Syverson

Music written and performed by Joseph Nakao

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TIME STAMPS

00:00:00 - Introduction to Unraveling Adoption
Welcome to the podcast and introduction of hosts Beth Syverson and Mee Ok Icaro.

00:02:00 - Preparing for Ayahuasca Retreat
Discussion about the upcoming ayahuasca retreat in Costa Rica and the preparation process.

00:03:30 - Emotional Readiness and Expectations
Beth and Mee Ok share their feelings of excitement and fear as they approach the retreat.

00:05:30 - Redefining Leadership in Healing Spaces
Mee Ok discusses her perspective on leadership and the importance of humility in guiding others.

00:09:00 - The Role of Ego in Leadership
Exploration of how ego affects leadership and the qualities of a good leader.

00:12:00 - Accountability in Healing Environments
Mee Ok emphasizes the need for accountability and trust in the retreat setting.

00:15:00 - The Importance of Preparation and Integration
Discussion on the significance of preparation and integration in the healing process.

00:20:00 - Challenges of Accessibility in Psychedelic Healing
Conversation about the barriers to accessing psychedelic treatments for various demographics.

00:23:00 - Personal Healing Journeys
Beth shares her experiences with ketamine treatment and the importance of integration.

00:27:00 - The Process of the Dieta
Mee Ok explains the dieta, its restrictions, and its role in preparing for the ayahuasca experience.

00:32:00 - Transformative Effects of Disconnecting
Beth discusses the impact of reducing phone and media usage during the dieta.

00:35:00 - Commitment to Healing Work
Mee Ok talks about the commitment required for serious healing and the importance of discipline.

00:40:00 - The Role of Tobacco in Healing
Mee Ok shares her personal journey with tobacco and its significance in the healing process.

00:45:00 - Building Relationships with Plants and Healers
Discussion on the importance of relationships with plants and healers in the dieta process.

00:49:00 - Conclusion and Future Intentions
Wrap-up of the conversation and reflections on the journey ahead.