Sapha from Sacred Rebels Recovery returns to the show to talk about his learnings from another year working on the land and serving people who are on a pathway to recovery from addiction. We discuss nuances of plant medicine work, specifically various difficulties and complexities that emerge when western/colonized culture, systems and values meet the ways of Shipibo/Indigenous culture. Sapha shares his reflections on the dance of deconstructing ego without unconsciously reinforcing it, working with power, and other shadow sides and limitations of an apprenticeship model.

Bio: Sapha is a practicing curandero, apprentice of Maestro Ricardo Amaringo at Nihue Rao Centro Espiritual, and founder of a permaculture project. With over 6 years of experience in ayahuasca-assisted therapy for substance use recovery and 2 years of dietas in the Shipibo Tradition including a year long dieta, Sapha offers guidance and support to individuals seeking to overcome problematic substance use. After overcoming a 16-year battle with problem substance use, Sapha shifted his focus to social work, psychedelic therapy, drug user advocacy, fitness and holistic recovery. He has been abstinent from alcohol, cocaine and opiates for 9 years.

Sapha provides various services including preparation for ayahuasca ceremonies, inpatient rehabilitative treatment programs, recovery mentorship, and personalized long term recovery support. He is currently leading the Sacred Rebels Recovery Program which has been operating for 2 years in the Peruvian Amazon. Sapha is working to expand the project by bringing it to North America in the next 12-24 months.

Links: www.sacredrebelsrecovery.com