Harvey Saks III Welcome to My World

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Harvey Saks III Welcome to My World

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Day One

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October 2, 1999

New York

My trip has begun, much anticipated I wing my way to Ecuador to meet the Shaman of South America.  More of a vision quest than a vacation, I continue to seek knowledge and a relationship with the spiritual world.  On this trip I look forward to the opportunities to participate in healing sessions with a Shaman from the Shuar and other indigenous tribes of native Americans.  The Shuar, native Americans indigenous to the jungles of Ecuador, known as fierce warriors are the only tribe in the Americas whom in their history have not been conquered.  During the time of the invasion of the Conquistadors, the brave warriors managed to fight off all  invaders and prevail.  Also known as Head Hunters (see Leonard Nimoys in Search of Ancient Headhunters) the Shuar are a people living in harmony with the world around them, gracious, warm, strong, and proud people.

Of course living life at either side of the technological pendulum, I started my trip by purchasing the latest in high tech gear to travel to the low tech jungle. I have no previous experience in traveling to the jungle and followed the directions of my trip facilitators in packing gear.

A new twist was added to the trip as Quito the capital of Ecuador and my landing point was shaken by earthquakes leading up to an anticipated explosion of Pichincha, a volcano dormant for over 300 years.  The status of Pichincha turned from yellow to orange (the next step red meaning, it's going to blow) two days before my departure.  Ensuring the trip was still on, I prepared myself for and explosive adventure.  What will this week bring and will I survive its challenges.

Miami

Arriving in Miami my first stop was the exchange to ensure I had cash in the local currency.  Suffice to say that I emptied the bank (literally) as my $145 returned massive amounts of Suchres the standard Ecuadorian currency.  I walked away with over 1,300,000 Suchres in 20,000 denomination bills.  Finally I made my first million.  Quickly sitting down I stuffed vast numbers of bills into safe places, aware that I was in an airport and conspicuous.

Feeling wealthy and secure I made my way to the departure gate and the next leg of my journey.  It was easy to spot my tour group as they were the people all sitting in a circle.  Having taken many such workshops I have come to look at the circle as the beginning and ending points of most events.  The group seemed to be made up of the usual cast of characters, the woman folk out numbering the men folk by a 3 to 1 margin, comprising all age groups over 18, in all body shapes, sizes and accents.  Once aboard  the plane my exit row seat (preferred by frequent travelers) situated by the coach lavatory ensured that I had the opportunity to meet and talk to many of my fellow travelers.

Quito Ecuador

Our groups passage through immigration was uneventful as was our loading of the bus.  Once underway another set of introduction done, our fearless facilitator John Perkins began to speak.  The talk contained the usual information and warnings.  We were made aware that most of us would be challenged facing our own road blocks.  How we confront and over come these barriers will mark the accomplishments we make on the trip.

John and Juan another of our guides proceeded to open up a bottle of Trago purchased at an all night liquor store along with water.  While bottles were being opened John began to explain the purpose and method of Kamaying. 

Kamaying a right of purification analogous to sending pure clean energy from the heart of the Kamayer to the Kamyaee.  There are many purification rituals that I have participated in but by far this is my favorite.  Once a mouthful of Trago (a high alcoholic substance) is gathered in ones mouth it is mixed with air as it is sent spewing from the lips covering the Kamayee with sticky alcohol and good energy.  A good waste of high grade alcohol, but I did forget to mention our pre Kamay toast.

A better bottle of Trago was opened mixed with a lemon flavor and cups were passed around the bus as toasts to the mountains and volcanoes commenced.  Pichincha, Illoniesa, and Cotopaxi mixed with toasts to our new amigos were downed with quickening frequency.  Of course all toasts of the downed jet fuel left a little in the cup which was thrown on the floor as we celebrated Pachamama, Mother Earth, filling her bosom with the warm strong flavored liquor.  Once downed most of us let out an exclamation as the burning liquid moved into our systems and we all acknowledged this as muy bueno.

My adventure started many weeks before beginning this trip.  I could feel the changes in my life with a new job, a hectic travel schedule, and a new sense of confidence and energy.  So when Patsy Kline began playing on the buses sound system and as Eve another of our facilitators began singing into the microphone, I out of character moved to the front of the bus and joined her in singing.  We were not  bad, and had the support of our fellow travelers to continue.  Of course another few glasses of Trago helped remove my inhibitions.  Now late in the evening our bus pulled into a beautiful 16th century hacienda.

 

My awareness of my personal power grew as rather than lurking in the background I pushed past the fears that usually hang with me.  I found little to fear, the old petty anxieties not achieving any stature.  Our trip mostly made up of women (I never before could imagine how much noise a woman can make at night asleep).  As I get to know the people on the trip I find the older woman to be warmer, the men to be reserved and even stand offish.  I picked a roommate as we shared rooms.  Quite and reserved we did not interact all that much as we fell asleep.

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This Page was last Updated on 01/29/2013

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