What is an intention when starting Plant Medicine Work and how do I know what mine is?

Working with an intention for an ayahuasca journey or Master Plant Dieta is less about creating a perfect sentence and more about tuning yourself to a direction that resonates deeply within your being. This process of setting an intention can be viewed as a sacred act of self-reflection and mindfulness. Think of an intention as a gentle compass rather than a rigid goal, guiding you through the intricate landscape of your inner world. It serves as a beacon that illuminates the path ahead, helping to orient your mind and heart toward the experiences and insights that may arise during the journey. An intention is not about imposing strict expectations or outcomes upon the ayahuasca experience; rather, it is about cultivating an openness to whatever may unfold. This approach encourages a state of receptivity, allowing you to engage with the medicine in a way that is authentic and aligned with your true self. It invites you to explore the depths of your consciousness while remaining flexible and adaptable, acknowledging that the journey may take unexpected turns. Moreover, it’s essential to recognize that ayahuasca has its own intelligence, a wisdom that transcends our limited understanding. The intentions we set are not commands but rather invitations—gentle requests that encourage the medicine to meet you where you are in your life’s journey. This dynamic interplay between your intention and the plant medicine creates a co-creative space, where both you and the ayahuasca can work together to unveil the layers of healing, insight, and transformation that may be needed at that moment. In this light, the process of setting an intention becomes a profound practice in surrender and trust. It asks you to let go of the need for control and to embrace the unknown, allowing the experience to unfold organically. As you immerse yourself in the journey, your intention can serve as a guiding thread, helping you to navigate through the rich tapestry of visions, emotions, and revelations that arise. Ultimately, the beauty of working with intention lies in its ability to foster a deep connection with yourself and the sacred medicine, creating a space where healing and growth can flourish.

What an Intention Is (and Isn’t)

An intention isn’t a demand, a plan, or a checklist. It’s not: “Show me X,” or “Fix this now.”It is: an open-hearted question, a curiosity, or a willingness to explore something meaningful.

An intention is essentially you saying:“Here’s what I’m ready to look at, learn about, or begin to heal.”

Why Intentions Matter

Ayahuasca can bring up deep emotions, memories, or insights. Having an intention

helps you:

• stay grounded when things feel overwhelming,

• return to something familiar if the experience gets confusing,

• and honor why you chose to drink at all.

It’s a supportive anchor—not a steering wheel.

Examples of Gentle, Supportive Intentions

Here are a few across a wide spectrum, from broad curiosity to deeper personal healing:

Curiosity & Exploration

“I want to know more about myself.” “I’m open to understanding my patterns more clearly.”

“I want to reconnect with my intuition.” “I’d like to see what I’ve been overlooking in my life.”

These intentions welcome insight without pushing for anything specific.

Emotional Healing

“I want to begin healing from depression and anxiety.” • “I’m ready to release some of the emotional heaviness I’ve been carrying.”

“I want clarity on the roots of my sadness or fear.”  • “Help me open to more self-compassion.”

These are especially helpful when you know something hurts but don’t quite know why.

Relationships & Inner Conflicts

“I want to understand my relationships more clearly.” • “I want to soften my defenses and learn to trust again.” • “I want to heal old wounds that still influence how I connect with others.”

Ayahuasca often brings relational insights—how you love, how you protect yourself, how you react to others.

Life Direction & Purpose

“I want clarity on my path.” • “I’m seeking guidance on the next steps in my life.”

“Help me see what’s out of alignment.”

These intentions can bring perspective or highlight what you’ve been avoiding or yearning for.

Surrender & Openness

Some people prefer a simple, open intention:

“Show me what I need, not necessarily what I want.”

“I surrender to the experience.”

“I’m open to healing in whatever way is right for me.”

This is powerful when you’re unsure what to ask or when you want to trust the medicine completely.