Freedom Through Forgiveness: Healing & Personal Growth with Plant Medicine Ceremonies

Can a 31-year-old forgive their alcoholic mother for 17 years of hell?

Yes! It happened during our most recent life-transforming retreat.Yes, the individual also met with their mother and talked everything through a few days after the ceremony.

My Own Journey to Forgiveness and Freedom

As a child, I was beaten many times by my father. When I was 14, I was severely beaten once again.

For me, forgiveness means being able to breathe freely. It means accepting what happened as part of my life and experiences. It means letting go of the anger and hatred I felt toward my father, mother, and sister. I feel love now.

When I began deep inner journeys with an experienced guide—my husband Jacob—nearly 24 years ago, it required numerous sessions, both with and without medicine. It wasn’t easy at all. I pounded mattresses with my bare hands and feet countless times. I screamed and screamed, hit and hit.

Eventually, I made it through the process, and my life changed completely. After many deep inner journeys, I traveled back to Moldova and spoke with my parents and sister about what had happened.

I forgave them, myself, and the situations. I felt immensely liberated. Our relationships transformed. There was love and understanding. We became a new family.

Today, I serve as a guide, supporting others in forgiving those closest to them. In doing so, they can breathe freely and create the life they desire.

What Is Forgiveness?

Forgiveness is an inner process where we consciously choose to let go of pain, anger, guilt, and feelings of vengeance. It’s a decision to no longer let past actions or experiences define who we are and how we live our lives.

It’s not an act for the person being forgiven—it’s a gift we give ourselves.

Types of Forgiveness

1. Forgiving Others: Forgiving someone who has wronged us doesn’t mean condoning their actions. It’s about releasing ourselves from the burden of negative emotions that keep us trapped in the past.

2. Self-Forgiveness: Forgiving ourselves for the mistakes we’ve made is equally important. It requires self-reflection, accountability, and a willingness to learn and grow.

3. Forgiveness Without Reconciliation: Sometimes, forgiveness can occur without re-establishing a relationship. This may be necessary if it’s not healthy or safe to reconnect.

4. 
   

Why Is Forgiveness Important?

• For Health: Research shows that forgiveness can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and improve both mental and physical health.

• For Relationships: Forgiveness can restore trust and create deeper understanding and connection.

• For Inner Freedom: Holding onto anger and bitterness can limit our ability to live fully. Forgiving allows us to release the weight of the past, making room for joy and peace.

• 
  

Forgiveness Is Not...

• Approving or justifying harmful actions.

• Allowing someone to repeat their behavior. Forgiveness can coexist with boundaries and accountability.

• Forgetting what happened. Memories may remain, but they no longer need to control our emotions or actions.

  
  

---

If this story resonates with you and you feel called to begin your own journey of healing and transformation, we invite you to explore our retreats at The Magic Garden. Each retreat offers a deep dive into self-understanding, emotional release, and personal development, supported by sacred plant medicine, music, and a loving community.

If you're curious and want to experience The Magic Garden and meet us in person, you're welcome to join one of our Full Moon Concerts. It’s a wonderful opportunity to feel the energy in the room, experience the healing vibrations, and get a sense of the transformation taking place here.

You can also join our Full Moon Concerts and plant medicine ceremonies (where we play live for 6 hours) online through our Online Temple - The Magic Garden Tribe.This is a wonderful way to be with us and feel the same energy and transformation, even if you're far away.

We look forward to meeting you and supporting you on your journey.