My name is Jared Fekete. I’m a lifelong wrestler, a competitive submission grappler, and a former officer in the United States Marine Corps. For most of my life I’ve been drawn to disciplines that test the limits of the human body and mind—whether through combat sports, military service, or deep personal work. Today I continue that exploration not only as an athlete, but also as a student of Jungian depth psychology, where my focus is on understanding the subconscious mind and the untapped potential within it.

Like many athletes and veterans, I’ve carried wounds that aren’t always visible on the surface. The competitive and warrior mindset teaches you how to push forward, endure pain, and perform under pressure—but it doesn’t always teach you how to process grief, trauma, or the patterns of behavior that can quietly take hold beneath the surface.

My experience at the LaWayra Ayahuasca retreat was profoundly transformative. The ceremonies created a space where I was able to confront and process layers of grief that I had been carrying for many years—particularly around themes of addiction and compulsive patterns that I recognized were holding me back from my highest potential.

Through the process, I experienced a powerful sense of emotional release and clarity. What stood out to me most was how the work allowed me to approach these difficult parts of my life not with shame or avoidance, but with understanding and compassion. From a Jungian perspective, it felt like a deep encounter with aspects of the subconscious that had been waiting to be seen and integrated.

What was equally powerful was witnessing the impact of the experience on the entire group. Everyone in the container seemed to go through a similarly meaningful process of reflection, release, and renewal. By the end of the retreat, there was a palpable sense that we had all become stronger individually, but also more united collectively in our mission to grow, heal, and support one another. The bond that formed through that shared work was something I will carry forward long after the retreat.

For athletes—especially those dealing with traumatic brain injuries, long careers of physical strain, or the psychological intensity of competition—this kind of work can be incredibly meaningful. The retreat environment was supportive, intentional, and grounded in respect for the medicine and the process. I left with a renewed sense of alignment, purpose, and a deeper understanding of myself.

I’m grateful to organizations like Athletes Journey Home for creating pathways where athletes can safely explore healing and personal transformation. Experiences like this remind us that true strength isn’t only about physical resilience—it’s also about the courage to face ourselves honestly and grow from it.

— Jared

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LaWayra Ayahuasca Retreat