Red Path of The Heart

OK, so we before I start dropping the words like “shaman” I would like to say two things. One, that each of us has their own path. What worked for me does not have to work for you, or might sound too crazy for you at this point of time anyway. Whatever your angle, path or journey though, you will see at that some point we shall meet at the same spot anyway. Two, what counts is how it helped me and how it keeps on helping others: I believe more in myself, am able to stand strong amidst the storms of the weather of life, and I know what I can bring to the world.

It made me more curious and helped me to open my mind. This is huge because before hitting 40 I became a bit jaded with life, thought I experienced it all, becoming almost cynical. Being able to see world with new eyes and giving it another chance pours great amount of energy in your veins. By first paying attention to nature, I was suddenly able to pay attention to myself, observe what is happening and therefore be able to take care of myself. Feeling stronger, being healthier and more stable in everyday life. Less dependant on what others think. It made me a humble and a better person to spend time with. And last but not least, it helped me to see that I can have positive impact on people.

And now to why you are here …

A few years ago, I found myself on a plane to Costa Rica, not entirely sure why, but with a deep knowing that I needed something more—something beyond the “success and busy life” I had been chasing. What I didn’t expect was to meet a shaman who would completely change the way I see myself, men, and life.

He guided me through a week-long initiation ritual that, in hindsight, was the blueprint for what I now bring to other men: starting with deep inner reflection, moving to emotional mastery, leaving behind what no longer serves me, and creating space for the new me. By the end of the week, I went on a vision quest—alone in nature, guided by ceremony and spirit—where I could see not only what I wanted in life but what wanted to happen through me.

Camino Rojo del Corazón

That was my first encounter and initiation to Camino Rojo del Corazón—the Red Path of the Heart—originates from Andean and Amazonian indigenous traditions, particularly from the Q’ero people of Peru, who are considered the descendants of the Inca and are among the few surviving shamanic lineages in the Andes.

It is a spiritual path of initiation and personal transformation, rooted in the wisdom of elders, nature, and ancestral knowledge. It’s not a “formal religion” in the Western sense, but a pragmatic, heart-centered path emphasizing self-mastery, service to the tribe and community, and alignment with the natural and spiritual world.

You Cannot Really Apply

You can be called to it. There is not linear timing, and things will come as they should. In order for the exchange between a teacher, shaman, elder and an initiate to happen, the non written principle of “offerta” is honoured. This is something that is offered from your end to show that you are committed and therefore worth the time, energy and effort. It could be your time, your discomfort, a gesture of commitment, letting go off something or doing something bold.

Trust the process, the right people will appear in your life when the time is right.

Pragmatic Approach and Palatable Spirituality

For me, it spoke on two levels. Mainly, it is super pragmatic. A shaman is there to make things happen for his tribesmen in every day life. The key principles help to navigate daily challenges while staying grounded. Spiritually, I was looking for more meaning in my life. And it did the tremendous job of helping me becoming open to something bigger, something beyond the material and beyond the dogmas I grew up with in Communist Czechoslovakia, where church was for “losers” and faith in anything but yourself was discouraged. The Red Path honors the divine in nature, in Pacha Mama, in the four animal archetypes, the sacredness of mountains, and the medicine gifted by the earth itself, all of which was more palatable to me.

Master Yourself - Be Your Own Guardian, Alchemist, and Initiator

A Heart Warrior carries two inseparable responsibilities: first, to master himself before he can serve others. This includes facing his own fears, accepting his shadows - those aspects that you pushed away but with that part of his strength as well, now finally not running away from it but rather becoming one with it, more whole and thus stronger within. This is where lots of deep self-reflection happens and the medicine of Kambó and Mapacho, or Sacred Tobacco comes in to help with cleansing and leaving behind what no longer serves you. Ritually dying to your old self. Being reborn in the womb of mother earth in Temazcal.

That is followed by building new foundations on which my new kingdom will stand, and uncovering my true essence - who I really am after leaving all my roles, possessions and past. In the final stage, nature again becomes a vital facilitator of Vision Quest - spending time alone in nature for couple of days does miracles to connect with our intuition, inner calling or unique vision of what wants to happen through us. Here sacred medicine of Yage or Peyote can play a role. And to support our intention and back it up with good energy, we can do Despacho. 

At the end it is both a process and a life philosophy. Cultivating one’s courage, clarity, emotional resilience, and integrity is a lifetime endeavour.

A Man Who Creates Difference for Others

Second responsibility of a Heart Warrior is to create meaningful impact for others, using that inner mastery to guide and inspire their community to step into their own path, creating safe space for others to grow. Becoming a mentor, role model and a public good. This is where FewGoodMen and my corporate coaching comes in. Helping to create more compassionate yet at the same time courageous men and leaders who feel well rooted in their own center of gravity, and thus being able to guide others.

Framework To Build New Foundations

Based on the above experience, I created the basic framework for my work that has been proven and tested on hundreds of men. I do offer advanced retreats where some of the medicine or indigenous rituals can be experienced if it makes sense. But in general I work only with projective techniques, guided meditations, self-reflection and inner management techniques for every day life. 

Building a strong inner foundation starts with knowing yourself. Take a look inside, shed what no longer serves you, and hold on to the principles that will guide you forward. Face your shadows, embrace your emotions, and live with integrity—putting care for yourself first so you can show up fully in the world.

Inside each of us are qualities waiting to be discovered and brought to life. The biggest loss is when these gifts never see the light of day. You were meant to bring something unique to the world—don’t let fear or doubt hold you back.

The next step is to live your purpose daily and connect with men who inspire and support you. Together, you create a community that encourages growth, action, and impact. When you align with who you truly are, your life becomes a force that lifts not just yourself, but everyone around you.

Whether you find this intriguing or confusing, it is best to experience it yourself :)