Imagine transforming mental health struggles into profound self-discovery through the depths of Mexico's cenotes. In this episode, Rodo Escalante, co-founder of the Alchemy movement and author of Deep Dive Within, reveals how yoga and diving into these ancient caves helped him navigate autism and depression without traditional medicine. Join Harvest Series host Rose Claverie as Rodo shares his unique journey and the powerful insights he's gained from the deep, dark waters of self-healing.
[3:28] - Introduction with a quote from Rodo's book. What happens when Rodo is diving in the Mexican cenotes? When you are centred is when you are truly present, and that happens when you deep dive.
[5:50] - How long can Rodo hold his breath without equipment in the Mexican caves?
[7:05] - How is it to have an altered state in the water? In the presence of death, things are faster. You will integrate your true power. When you don't have any exchange of gas, everything you thought was pain becomes a pleasure.
[10:13] - What are the elements of analogy with birth? You let your body do its function.
[10:51] - What's the craziest thing Rodo has ever done in those caves?
[12:30] - What's the importance of excitement in the process?
[14:32] - Rodo is reconnecting with the Mayan culture. How did the Mayans look at the caves? You can only look at those caves when you're at peace.
[19:20] - Rodo brought some people in Kaplankaya, during Harvest event, to the Aegean Sea, for some practice. Feedbacks.
[22:17] - Rodo suffered from autism, depression, ADHD, anger... What was the most difficult time for him? The chronology of his diagnosis and when he started yoga.
[28:00] - What didn't help Rodo? Alcohol, medicines...
[29:46] - Rodo's links with Scientists.
[31:00] - Rodo is explaining his methodology. What is the secret to mental stability, and how, thanks to breath hold, can we wire and force our brain to create the hormones and neurotransmitters we don't have? BUT Rodo doesn't want hyperventilation. He prefers the ventilation technique inspired by pranayama. How to access the psychotic states, in control.
[40:15] - Harvest of the Day : if something easy or simple would make the world a better place, what would it be for him?
In two weeks, we will release Thomas Ermacora's episode. Thomas is a brilliant mind, an architect and a futurist. He is very much focused on communities and is the co-curator of Harvest sixth season. Don't miss the episode!
You can follow us on Instagram at @HarvestSeries or @rose.claverie for updates.
Watch our podcast episodes and speaker sessions on YouTube: Harvest Series.
Credits:
- Sound editing by: @lesbellesfrequences
- Technicians in Kaplankaya: Joel Moriasi
- Music by: Chambord
- Artwork by: Davide d'Antonio
Harvest Series is produced in partnership with Athena Advisers and Capital Partners
Harvest Series Founders: Burak Öymen and Roman Carel