Some wounds run so deep that they change us. They shape how we see the world, how we connect with others, and even how we show up for ourselves. For Jessika Lagarde, grief was one of those wounds—but it was also her catalyst for transformation.
In this episode of Inhabit Yourself, Jessika shares her journey of healing through grief, reconnecting with her roots, and using psychedelics as a tool for deep transformation. Her story is one of courage, advocacy, and the power of creating safe spaces where healing can thrive.
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Take a deep breath, place your hand over your heart, and imagine stepping into a space where you can fully honor your grief, your story, and your power. This is your invitation to begin.
How Grief Becomes a Portal for Healing
Jessika’s story begins with profound loss—losing both of her parents at a young age. She shares how grief shaped her sense of self and her relationships, creating layers of trauma and resilience.
Her Reflection:
“Grief doesn’t go away—it changes form. But when we allow ourselves to feel it fully, it becomes a portal for healing.”
Through intentional practices, including her work with psychedelics, Jessika began to reframe her grief. She realized that by leaning into her emotions rather than avoiding them, she could find a deeper connection to herself.
Reflection Prompt:
- How has grief shaped your journey?
- What emotions or stories are you ready to explore more deeply?
Healing the Mother Wound
Jessika opens up about her relationship with her mother, who struggled with addiction. This “mother wound” deeply impacted her self-worth and how she connected with other women. Healing it became central to her journey.
She describes how sisterhood and creating safe spaces for women allowed her to rebuild trust and connection. Through her work, Jessika now helps women navigate similar wounds, emphasizing the power of community in the healing process.
Takeaway:
- Healing doesn’t happen in isolation. Surrounding yourself with people who see, value, and support you is essential.
Reflection Prompt:
- What wounds are you carrying that impact how you connect with others? How might community play a role in your healing?
Psychedelics as Tools for Transformation
Jessika’s work as a trauma-informed plant medicine practitioner is rooted in helping people access deeper parts of themselves. She shares how psychedelics can be a powerful tool for healing, particularly for women navigating grief and trauma.
Her Insight:
“Psychedelics don’t heal you—they show you what needs healing. The work happens when you integrate what you’ve learned.”
Jessika also emphasizes the importance of safety and education, ensuring that psychedelic work empowers rather than harms.
Practice:
- If you’re curious about psychedelics, start by educating yourself. Seek out trauma-informed practitioners and focus on preparation and integration as part of the process.
Reclaiming Ancestral Wisdom
For Jessika, reconnecting with her Brazilian roots and the indigenous name for Brazil, Pindorama, was a powerful act of reclaiming identity. She described how honoring her ancestry has brought depth and purpose to her work, particularly in the realm of psychedelics and education.
Her Reflection:
“Reconnecting with my roots reminded me that healing isn’t just about me—it’s about honoring where I come from and creating a better future.”
Reflection Prompt:
- How can reconnecting with your ancestry bring healing and purpose into your life?
Advocacy and Education
As the co-founder of Women on Psychedelics, Jessika is passionate about amplifying women’s voices in the psychedelic space and providing education on both the potential and risks of psychedelic healing.
She highlights the challenges of navigating a purpose-driven organization, from social media censorship to redefining success in ways that prioritize impact over metrics.
Her Insight:
“Success isn’t about numbers—it’s about staying true to your mission and the people you serve.”
Takeaway:
- Aligning your work with your values creates sustainable and meaningful impact, even in the face of challenges.
Key Takeaways from Jessika’s Story
- Grief, when fully felt, becomes a powerful portal for healing.
- Healing the mother wound and building sisterhood are essential for rebuilding trust and connection.
- Psychedelics can be transformative tools for self-awareness and healing when approached with safety and intention.
- Reconnecting with ancestral wisdom grounds you in your purpose and identity.
- Advocacy and education amplify the potential for collective healing, especially for women.
Your Invitation: Reflect and Heal
Take a moment to reflect:
- How has grief shaped your journey, and what lessons has it taught you?
- What societal narratives about mental health or addiction are you ready to release?
- How can you reconnect with your ancestry to bring healing into your life?
I’d love to hear your reflections. Share them in the comments or on social media using #InhabitYourself. And if Jessika’s story resonates with you, listen to this episode for even more insights.
A Blessing for Your Journey
“May you honor the grief that has shaped you.
May you find healing in connection—with yourself, your community, and your roots.
And may you step into your power with courage, intention, and grace.”
Thank you, Jessika, for sharing your wisdom and reminding us of the transformative power of grief and connection. And to you, dear reader, thank you for joining us on this journey.
Ready to dive deeper? Listen to Episode 4 of Inhabit Yourself now.
About Jessika Lagarde
Jessika Lagarde is a trauma-informed plant medicine practitioner, microdosing coach, and co-founder of Women On Psychedelics (WOOP). Originally from Brazil and now based in the Netherlands, Jessika’s work blends her personal journey with extensive training in psychedelic-assisted medicine and somatic plant medicine integration. Through WOOP, she aims to dismantle stigma around mental health and drug use, advocating for accessible education, harm reduction, and the transformation of inner healing into collective action.
Connect with Us
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