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Our Story and Mission
Shungo Medicine Journeys offers the magic of care in all its forms while exploring the inner and outer landscape. We craft intimate journeys through Ecuador imbued with plant-based wisdom and woven into the authentic community of the land.
I have discovered through my many years of work in the realms of the heart and the spirit, that feeling our connection to something larger is what brings meaning, true joy and contentment to our lives.
The path of seeking and finding a more connected and expansive way of life can become a core orientation of our lives. When we live in higher states of care, we are able to access more love in our lives. Love for ourselves, for others and for everything we’re part of.
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At Ishpingo we offer a rare opportunity to connect with just that, in places and within cultures that live closer to that larger reality. Where the veil is thinner. We step out of the modern world, both internally and externally and connect with something truly amazing. We also get to experience the magic that is Ecuador.​
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I created this offering to help us begin to live as exactly who we are. Our group will become family as we journey together in a safe, supported, and expansive environment surrounded by the care of people who are experienced and steady in these realms.
I would be honored to accompany you on a journey through this enchanted land and into the magical world that is your own unfolding. I look forward to connecting with you.
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Matthew Blau
Founder
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About Matt
Matthew Blau has spent the last 30 years as a chef and owner of nine restaurants on two continents, winning acclaim by the revered James Beard Foundation for his culinary achievements. In his long-time role as chef and restaurateur, he has led teams of as many as 40 people while delivering exceptional experiences of both atmosphere and flavor to fully booked dining rooms. He brings wisdom and capable leadership to the deeply personal experiences of sacred medicines, while immersed in the sights, sounds and flavors of Ecuadorian culture.
Matt with his daughter near their home in Cuenca, Ecuador
Matthew holds a master’s degree in International Community Economic Development. In December of 2022, Matthew will complete his master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling, and continue incorporating his work with psychedelic medicines into a larger framework, in which they are used as part of an ongoing relationship with a therapist or spiritual teacher. Matthew is also part of the Grof Transpersonal training for Holotropic Breathwork facilitators and has worked extensively with Stanislaf Grof, Jack Kornfield, Terence McKenna and others.
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Along with his family and a large network of connections from the States, Matthew has chosen to live in Cuenca Ecuador since 2016. Born and raised on the Upper West Side of Manhattan in the 60s, Matthew moved to Southern Vermont in 1987. He and his wife Kristin still maintain a home there, while they raise their teenage daughter Lila in Ecuador.
Testimonials
Matthew's warm welcome and direct communication manner gave me confidence in trusting him as a guide. Matthew said what he would provide and did it. The boundaries, structure, and individual attention he offered made me feel safe.
- Carol A./ Career Military Veteran
Mathew is the real deal. I have been fortunate to participate in two weekends with him and both have truly been life altering. They have helped me feel more connected to nature and the universe. I have become more patient, reflective and thoughtful in my relationships and interactions with others. Matthew is a light worker who creates a safe comfortable space for one to let go. He has definitely helped me change my perspective on how I walk my walk and my ability to trust the unfolding of life. There really is more magic in the world than most people believe. I look forward to working with him again.
- John R.
I have known Matthew Blau for some time now and have always felt that he is a man who knows what he is about . My times with him have shown me that he is honest and trustworthy with a strong inner compass that guides him in the right direction . . He exudes a confidence that makes one feel at ease when in his company . He is a warm and caring individual which is shown by the care he shows to others. On several occasions I have accompanied him on forays into unknown territory and found him to be an excellent guide during these excursions. His innate sense of adventure tempered by concerns of safety made for memorable experiences and lasting memories. In short I consider Matthew (a brother) a fine fellow and one with whom I always look forward to spending time with
- Allen C. / Ship Builder
I had the pleasure of working with Matt in a 2-day group breathwork and medicine journey. Both the breathwork and the medicine journey were very powerful and transformative for me. Doing breathwork on day 1 was the perfect introduction to the work with medicine on day 2. It helped me to release a lot of anxiety and tension, and as a result, I felt more open to receive the benefits of the medicine. Before the medicine ceremony, Matt took the time to connect individually with each participant in order to understand everyone’s needs and intentions for the session. The ceremony was one of the most profound healing experiences I have ever had. The session was very challenging for me, but I felt supported at all times. Matt was there for me through the entire journey, listening to my needs and trusting my gut feeling. Towards the end of the ceremony, Matt sat next to me, held my hand, gave me a hug, brought me food, cried with me, and didn’t leave me alone until he made sure I was OK and ready to go to sleep. I am forever thankful for all the love and support I received from Matt that beautiful weekend. I believe that Matt’s facilitation is particularly beneficial for those who are beginning their journey with plant medicines and would need to be fully supported through the experience.
- Juan D. (Project Manager)
I approached Matt when I became aware of his work with journeys of self exploration and spiritual wisdom. From our initial exploratory conversations he displayed a respect for the work itself. He didn't automatically assume to know what type of work we might do together. Rather he met with me to evaluate my needs and concerns. Only then did he make a recommendation regarding the sessions themselves. During those sessions he proved himself to be beyond a competent guide into the realm that these journeys take you. It's no exaggeration to say that he is truly gifted in guiding people with the utmost care into areas that are unfamiliar.
- Phil B./Clinical Psychologist