Hushahu Yawanawá

In 2005, at the head of the Gregorio River in Acre, Hushahu Yawanawá, an indigenous woman of 25 years old, decided to break a taboo in her tradition and started, along with her sister, a women's revolution in their village.

Up until that moment, no woman had spent one year in isolation as a form of shamanic ritual initiation (dieta) to access the forest’s spiritual knowledge. Seeking directly the teachings of the village's past elders, Hushahu became a reference in Yawanawá spiritual and artistic knowledge, at a time when her people were undergoing processes of weakening traditional practices due to the strong missionary influence in the indigenous land and culture.

During her dieta, through contact with the forest spirits, Hushahu received different kinds of kene yawanawá and grafismos (sacred designs), and taught the other women of her village. In her immersion she also entered into the study of the making of rauti, ornaments and ritual artifacts, made of feathers, bones, and other materials, bringing strength and renewal to their tradition.

Upon returning from the dieta, she became a reference for other women from within and outside her village, bringing her work and message to far corners of the world.

Upcoming Programs by Hushahu Yawanawá

“Menla is indeed magical, a place out of time that is rich in presence. The vibrational quality of this sanctuary is palpable as well as the magnificent natural beauty. Healing, peaceful and luminous with Light, a pilgrimage to Menla evokes the proverbial Medicine Mountain, and yet it is so close to NYC. Our Ayurvedic massage and experience at Dewa Spa was transporting, regenerative and deeply nourishing. Looking forward to our next retreat here and sharing this treasure with friends.”

Sarah Drew

“Always a great stay at Menla. Staff very helpful. Programs excellent. I greatly enjoyed seeing Robert Thurman, Sharon Salzberg and Krishna Das together. A truly auspicious place. Visit and find out for yourself.”

Gary Goldberg

“The food was divine! I’m not a vegetarian and will say the meat was not missed while here. I thoroughly enjoyed my stay…. The staff was warm and courteous. Space very conducive for retreat. Great common spaces for community and plenty of space for solitude. Will return again.”

George Charlton

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