Passionflower Dieta

I've just completed a Passionflower dieta and I am still unfolding the gifts of this process. Master plant dietas are a tradition from the tribal people of the Amazon to spend a focused amount of time with one healing plant. Traditionally, dietas are done in complete isolation; however, modern life doesn't always make room for this kind of experience, so a softer dieta option is to set aside a certain amount of time to focus on the healing plant whilst limiting as many other distractions as possible. For the 3 weeks, I followed a very limited bland diet, limited my time online and with others, and spent time in meditation each day with fresh passionflower tea. Being held in communion with a plant spirit over a certain amount of time is a deeply transformative experience.

Passionflower is a powerful nervine, helping to undo tensions and unveil the causes of stress and anxiety in order to release or transform them. My time with Passionflower wasn't easy. Being shown all the ways I hold on to stress, all the roots of my anxiety, and all the ways I need to let go of control was a deep journey into shadow work. Thoughout the process, I also felt held and supported by the gentle presence of Passionflower as well as the support of a shaman who was holding the entire experience for me and a few others around the world.

Coming out of the dieta, I feel renewed. I am grateful for all the lessons and I am taking my time to integrate what I learned. I now feel that I have a treasured friend and ally in Passionflower, a being who happens to live on my garden wall, who I always appreciated before but now know on a truly intimate level. Dietas are a gift to remind us that we never travel the journey of life alone; we are surrounded by many helpers and guides if we only take the time to connect with them and listen to their wisdom.

Sweet and delicious wild Passionfruit from an Auroville forest