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 sits on an energy vortex that is said to be the oldest known meteor crater in the world, and you can feel it. Maybe it’s electromagnetic, or maybe it’s the amazing energy of the people here, but Menla is a powerful and nurturing place that draws you like a giant magnet…. Menla is a deeply spiritual, restorative place, where you can reconnect with your higher self, ponder life’s true meaning.”

Rona Berg, Organic Spa

“Homerun. One of the best retreats I’ve ever attended. Was an incredible treat especially to have so much access to Krishna Das, and I will never forget the Robert Thurman’s hysterical and insightful words. Incredibly inspiring and powerful weekend!”

Susan W.

“I spent the week in a yoga and meditation retreat. What a beautiful place! High in the Catskills mountains, where you can see the stars at night, and the trees are as high as the sky. The accommodations aren’t luxury, but they were perfect. Everybody is so kind and nice. We got to practice different kinds of yoga, and went to a couple of hikes. I felt happy and relaxed. They also have an amazing spa. How have I never heard of this place before? Now I can not wait to go again!”

Diana R.

View All Testimonials