Daniel Gutierrez was once at the top of his game in the business world—an advisor to the Obama Administration, a big-time speaker, and a highly paid consultant to major organizations. But then he left it all behind to embark on a spiritual journey toward self-love. Now a mindfulness master (danielgutierrez.com) and bestselling author (Radical Mindfulness), he leads life-changing retreats to Peru, teaching Radical Mindfulness and the power of living and loving fully in the present.
A Life-Changing Encounter with Wachuma
In his search for e...
Daniel Gutierrez was once at the top of his game in the business world—an advisor to the Obama Administration, a big-time speaker, and a highly paid consultant to major organizations. But then he left it all behind to embark on a spiritual journey toward self-love. Now a mindfulness master (danielgutierrez.com) and bestselling author (Radical Mindfulness), he leads life-changing retreats to Peru, teaching Radical Mindfulness and the power of living and loving fully in the present.
A Life-Changing Encounter with Wachuma
In his search for enlightenment, Daniel took San Pedro (Wachuma), a plant medicine known for opening the heart and deepening wisdom. Unlike the intense night visions of Ayahuasca, Wachuma is taken during the day, bringing clarity and connection to nature. During the experience, he saw a powerful condor (a large bird of prey)—a sign to trust his inner wisdom and embrace his path as a teacher and healer.
A Mother’s Final Words of Freedom
During his mother’s dying moments, Daniel experienced the sacred energy of Palo Santo wood. He saw two lights and felt her presence. Her last words to him: “You were here when I needed you. I release you to the world.” With that blessing, he stepped fully into his mission of love and mindfulness.
Radical Mindfulness: The Art of Being Fully Present
Mindfulness rewires the brain—lowering fear, increasing memory and planning, and boosting compassion by 23%, while reducing aggression by 57%. Daniel’s Six-Step Radical Mindfulness Framework helps people stay present:
- Focus on the present (breath, senses).
- Direct thoughts to the moment.
- Ask: Am I okay right now?
- Question fear: Is this real?
- Assess: Am I moving toward or away from my goal?
- Take action: Shift energy through movement.
Plant Medicine: Nature’s Teachers and Healers
Daniel learned that Indigenous wisdom sees plants as living beings (Anima). If a plant loves you, it heals you. This is a sacred exchange—plants willingly offer their spirit when treated with gratitude and respect.
Spiritual Wisdom From the Jungle
Here are some of Daniel’s Nuggets of Natural Higher Knowledge:
- Healing isn’t the goal—love is. When you love, healing happens.
- Don’t wait for the storm to pass—dance in the rain.
- The dangers of the jungle aren’t there just to kill, but to protect (like in life, what you fear may be guarding something valuable).
- Unplug from technology to reconnect with yourself.
- Guilt and sadness come from burdening yourself with self-harming expectations—but Radical Mindfulness teaches acceptance and love.
Finding Peace in Sacred Lands
Daniel now runs the Catalina Retreat Center (catalinaretreatcenterperu.com), named after his beloved departed mother. He leads earnest seekers on transformational journeys to Peru, including spiritually evolved places such as Cusco and Machu Picchu in the Andes.
A New Definition of Success
Once a "big baller" in the business world, Daniel discovered that true success isn’t about money or power. It’s about stillness, presence, and love.
On Love University, we invite you to embrace the powerful lesson inspired by Daniel’s journey to peace and self-acceptance: Live more. Love more. Be more. When you do this, the world opens its arms to you, and your joy will be unending.
Listen to the full episode with Daniel Gutierrez on Love University Podcast. Take the first step toward a life of peace and purpose—because true success begins within.
