Ep. 100 - Awakened by the Forest: Cristiano Colla on Healing, Presence, and Wholeness
From professional football in Italy to the depths of the Amazon rainforest, Cristiano Colla’s extraordinary journey reveals what it means to heal, awaken, and live as a whole human being. In this moving Hearts Rise Up conversation, Cristiano shares his evolution from an externally driven life to one guided by presence, compassion, and authenticity. Through Ayahuasca ceremonies, inner-child work, and the union of masculine and feminine energies, he discovered that true transformation begins when we embrace our paradoxes and meet every part of ourselves with love. His story is an invitation to turn inward, reclaim our power, and remember the freedom of being fully alive.
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Chapters/Key Topics:
00:00 – Introduction
00:54 – Meet Cristiano Colla
01:37 – “How Is Your Heart?” - — The Power of Presence
02:33 – Leaving Football: Breaking Free from Identity
05:34 – The Call to the Forest: Meeting Ayahuasca
08:44 – The Somatic Surgery Experience
12:34 – Dreams as Divine Guidance
14:07 – How to Work With Dreams
16:47 – Ceremonies Five & Six: Union of Masculine and Feminine Energies
20:16 – Healing the Inner Child: Return to Authenticity
23:22 – The Greatest Lesson: Embracing Human Paradox
25:31 – The Message of the Book: Awakened by the Forest
27:53 – Integrating Shadow and Emotion: The Process of Reclamation
32:51 – Beyond Awakening: The Path Continues
35:49 – What’s Next: Tantra & Energy Healing
37:56 – Guidance for Those at a Crossroads
39:31 – Gratitude, Family, and Forgiveness
40:45 – One Truth About Life and Death
41:42 – Closing and Where to Connect with Cristiano
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Episode Resources:
Connect with Cristiano:
https://substack.com/@thehybridsoul
https://oneiriclives.substack.com/
https://www.instagram.com/cristiano.colla/
Cristiano's Book:
Awakened by the Forest – A Memoir of Ayahuasca and Inner Evolution (estimated launch date – early 2026)
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https://www.lifequesthorizons.com/
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Subscribe to the podcast
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hearts-rise-up-podcast/id1454410735
https://open.spotify.com/show/7ebcnnbCjRIeUmJWUC2hYy
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Hearts Rise Up Production Team
Hearts Rise Up is a "Best Wisdom Podcast"
Audio editing by: Ann Serrie
Technical Director: Christopher Drummond
Music by: Jonn Serrie
