Spiritual Sexual Shamanic Podcast

In this episode, men’s coach Mischa Byruck shares how we can use our biggest mistakes as catalysts for profound personal transformation.  For Mischa, coming to terms with our mistakes leads to a deeper understanding of what true integrity means. Integrity is not just about following rules, but about aligning your actions with your foundational values and being in wholeness with yourself. It is a nuanced, lifelong practice, not a state of perfection. And there are many life-enhancing benefits of this inner work: a sense of calm, satisfaction, and the ability to walk through the world with pride in how you're living.  But this process cannot be completed alone. Mischa underscores the importance of having accountability structures and being open to feedback from others to maintain this integrity. Whether you're looking to deepen your own self-awareness and authenticity, or seeking to support others in this journey, this episode offers valuable insights. Mischa’s expertise as a men's integrity coach, combined with his humble, relational approach, make this a must-listen for anyone interested in personal transformation and building a more whole, integrated life. About Mischa:  Mischa Byruck is a men's integrity coach who supports his clients to turn their biggest mistakes into their greatest opportunities for transformation. He also consults organizations to bring accountability, power awareness, and trauma-informed practices into leadership. Mischa is certified in somatic trauma therapy with extensive training in harm reduction, counseling, sexuality, and anti-racism. His clients include Sacred Sons, ISTA, kink.com, and DanceSafe.

There are moments when effort ceases to have the effect it once did. When pushing, planning, and deciding create more tension than less. At these junctures, we can sense that the next step won’t come from thinking harder, but from listening more deeply. In this episode, Simon Marvell is joined by artist, creator, and transformational guide, Dane Tomas, for an exploration of how we can each embrace magick, release ourselves into sensitivity, and learn to listen to the current of life. Dane shares his understanding of magick not as spectacle or superstition, but as intentional action aligned with the deepest layers of self, cosmos, and consciousness. He guides us through the relationship between will and surrender, and the surprising overlap between the path of the magician and the path of the mystic. The conversation weaves through themes of cultural lineage and spiritual inheritance, questioning where our practices come from and what it means to work with traditions that genuinely fit our bodies, nervous systems, and lived realities. Dane reflects on his journey through Western esotericism, sex magic, shadow work, and non-dual practice, and on the moments where letting go of identity became a doorway to profound change. A central thread of the episode is listening to the current: learning to attune not just intellectually, but somatically and energetically, to what wants to move through us — in ritual, creativity, sexuality, and major life decisions. This episode invites a shift in orientation away from forcing clarity, and toward trusting the subtle movements already shaping our lives.    To learn more about Dane’s work, visit his links: 👉 https://www.danetomas.com/ 👉Instagram: @dane.tomas If you loved this episode, please rate the podcast and share it with your friends — it helps this work reach more people. To learn more about ISTA, visit our links: 👉 https://ista.life/ 👉 Instagram: @ista.community

Does it genuinely make you happy when your partner is enjoying themselves on a trip with their other lover?  Or perhaps you’ve felt a sense of elation when a friend or colleague receives a well-deserved promotion or prestigious award?  If you’ve ever been uplifted by someone else’s positive experience, even when it doesn’t directly involve you, then you’ve encountered "compersion". In today’s episode, Usha Rose delves into the intriguing concept of compersion with guest Dr. Marie Thouin, the author of What is Compersion? Understanding Positive Empathy in Consensually Non-Monogamous Relationships, the first comprehensive scholarly work on this topic. While compersion is often associated with non-monogamous relationships, it’s clear that anyone can benefit from understanding and embracing this experience. You might be wondering: Is compersion an innate trait, or can it be cultivated? Can you feel jealousy and compersion simultaneously? Is compersion a requirement in non-monogamous relationships? We address these questions and explore: The six factors that enhance compersion How compersion manifests differently across contexts and situations, and strategies for navigating these variations Common barriers to experiencing compersion and techniques for overcoming them How compersion can serve as a guiding principle in relationships, fostering growth, connection, and intimacy You can learn more about Dr Marie Thouin on her website:  https://mariethouin.com/ Or follow her on IG:  @drmariethouin To learn more about ISTA visit our website:  https://ista.life/ Or follow us on social media:  @ista.community

The tales of old tell us about the cruels of fate and great heroes following their destiny. Often, overcoming our fate is exactly how a fictional hero is made.  But, as ISTA facilitator Robbie Griffin explains, these are not just myths to be left in fantasy worlds. Fate and destiny are lodged in the DNA of human experience and reflecting on them helps us understand our very human lives.  Fate refers to the cards we are dealt in life, both good and bad. It encompasses our family make-up, our upbringing, the culture we’re from, and the opportunities we’ve had.  Destiny is both what we choose to do with those cards, and how we go about doing it.  As Robbie explains, it's important to take care of those parts of ourselves that feel hurt by fate. Likewise, we can connect to our destiny and find our genius, that inner spirit which is uniquely our own.  Through a beautifully spontaneous conversation, Robbie and Simon Marvell explore the tender feelings and vulnerable experiences that we often need to integrate in order to tap into our greatest potential, whatever that may look like.  We hope it brings inspiration and insight you can apply to your own journey.    Robbie Griffin is a founding member and facilitator of Emergence Brotherhood, the founder of Temple of Alchemy London, and supports people 1-on-1 to embrace their unique gifts.  https://www.robbiegriffin.life @robbiegriffinalchemy    To learn more about ISTA, visit our website: https://ista.life Or follow us on Instagram: @ista.community

You may have experienced a time in your life when you felt part of some great oneness. Not easy to explain to another person, right?  Mystics have grappled with these experiences for as long as there have been mystics, coming up with many poetic ways of referring to them.   In this episode, Simon Marvell speaks with ISTA facilitator and psychologist, Laura Deva, about a similar, poetic idea that has become prominent in recent years: it's called "the dark."  As Laura explains, "the dark" doesn't refer to shadowy parts of our unconscious, nor to evil. Rather, the dark is, precisely, a difficult-to-explain state of existence.  It can be distinguished from the personality and the soul in that it is what exists beyond their limits. And yet, "the dark" can be felt in them. Indeed, we can feel "the dark" in our daily lives, to our great benefit! While this might seem like an abstract topic, Laura brings it right down to earth for us, while still offering a taste of how the dark can be felt.  To learn more about Laura, visit her links:  Upcoming retreat: Living from the Mystery, 20-24 November 2025, Germany.  Laura's Tandava online course 6-month online mentorship with Laura Laura on Instagram If you loved this episode, please rate it and share it with your friends! And to learn more about ISTA, visit our website: https://ista.life/ Or follow us on social media: @ista.community

In this episode, Simon Marvell speaks with ISTA Facilitator Aaron Mandelbaum about the importance of integration after transformational experiences.  Going to a retreat for spiritual growth or personal development can be like shaking a snow globe. It can send flurries of emotions, thoughts, and experiences wildly into the air. At some point you need to let the snow settle into its new place.  Only then can sustainable shifts in how you live your life begin to establish themselves. Aaron reveals the different ways that ISTA teachers suggest people integrate and explains why each of them are so supportive.  He and Simon also discuss Aaron's unique approach to facilitation, his transition from the business world to spiritual work, and the significance of community and connection in personal growth.  They address the challenges that may arise after intense experiences, especially when shamanic practices are involved, and the power of navigating these emotions alongside other people. They also discuss:  How Aaron is like a cross between George Carlin and Mr Rogers How patience, presence, and process infuses all he does The perils of being a “shamasochist” What your loved ones might be experiencing when you’re away The ISTA Integration portal for graduates The global online groups accessible to graduates To connect with Aaron, visit his website: https://aaronmandelbaum.com/ ISTA offerings many trainings each month, all around the world. To learn more, visit our website: https://ista.life/ Or follow us on social media: @ista.community

In this episode, Usha Rose sits down with her longtime friend and colleague Kay’aleya Hunnybee, a clinical herbalist and integrative health coach, to explore the true power of herbs as aphrodisiacs, not just for boosting libido, but for supporting whole-body vitality, nourishing the nervous system, and enhancing pleasure from the inside out. Rather than offering a generic list of aphrodisiac herbs, Kay’aleya guides us through a holistic, nuanced approach to understanding our sensuality and sexual well-being. Together, we dive into how herbs work, why not all aphrodisiacs are the same, and how to choose the right plants for your unique body, lifestyle, and needs. Kay’aleya shares 5 core areas for enhancing pleasure from an herbal perspective, along with practical insights and examples of herbs that support each one. You’ll also learn how to develop an intimate relationship with herbs and plants as allies for long-term sexual vitality, not just quick fixes. In this episode, you’ll discover: Why aphrodisiac is an oversimplified term and what actually matters The importance of understanding your individual needs 5 key areas for using herbs to enhance pleasure and arousal Examples of herbs in each of those categories Creative, unexpected ways to work with herbs for sexual well-being If you’ve ever wondered which herbs might actually help you feel more alive, nourished, and sensually vibrant, this episode will give you a rich foundation to start your own herbal pleasure journey. About Kay’aleya Hunnybee   Kay’aleya is a clinical herbalist, bodyworker, and integrative health coach specializing in menstrual, hormonal, and sexual health. Her work supports everything from menstrual cycle care and breast health to postpartum healing and navigating menopause. She teaches an online Natural Contraception program, offers pelvic and abdominal bodywork & herbal care in midcoast Maine, and hosts the Herbal Womb Wisdom podcast. Her greatest wish is for others to experience the healing potential of their bodies and cultivate deep kinship with the earth and its plants. Learn more at: https://www.herbalwomb.com/ To learn more about ISTA, visit our website: https://ista.life/

Chris Burris is an Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapist with decades of experience helping people to release themselves from adverse experiences and create freedom in their lives.  The IFS model involves inviting people to see themselves as composed of many parts. Sometimes these parts are in harmony with one another, and at other times they can be in conflict.  For Chris, following the guidance of nature and understanding ourselves as beautiful, messy, complex ecosystems is the key to finding resolution of this conflict and finding balance as we move through the challenges of our journey.  But exploring these parts of ourselves in an intentional group setting can be especially potent for healing. Doing so allows us to express the parts of ourselves that need expressing in real interactions with others.  Groups can be potent medicine because, in contrast to self-guided work, it is so hard to hide in a group, or to otherwise waylay the process. When the space is held skillfully, and the people there share an intention, the chances of meeting parts of ourselves needing attention is high.  In this sensitive conversation, Chris and Caitlyn explore:  How it is common to develop coping mechanisms to survive How to explore alternatives to these coping mechanisms Removing agitation and bringing care as the basics of healing The elements of a healing group Tips for group facilitators Guidance for group participants Slowing down so we aren’t hijacked by strong feelings Focussing on impact rather than intent when repairing relationships **************** Learn more about Chris at his website: https://burriscounseling.com/ Chris’s upcoming workshops and trainings: https://burriscounseling.com/workshops-trainings/ Podcasts featuring Chris: https://burriscounseling.com/podcasts-featuring-chris/ **************** To learn more about ISTA, visit our website: https://ista.life/ Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ista.community Or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/www.ista.life/

In this episode, ISTA facilitator Usha Rose speaks with systemic therapist and transformational guide Lars Borgmann about how to engage in conflict with others in a better way.    As Lars explains, conflict can occur in any area of our lives, but our experiences of it are often so unpleasant that we aim to avoid it at any cost. Without being dealt with, it can fester underneath the surface of our relationships, causing even more problems.    What we should do is stop seeing conflict as an indication that someone has done something wrong. Instead, we should take a systemic approach and see that everyone has their own internal conflicts, and their own complex desires, that are influencing the tense interaction.   If we see conflict as an opportunity for us to grow in our relationships with others, then we can begin collaborating with those we’re clashing with and create new solutions to the problems we’re facing.    Lars speaks about how we can make this happen. He also addresses:  ·      Bringing love to conflict ·      Letting go of our need to control the truth ·      How conflicts are actually made-up of many smaller conflicts ·      The influence of past experience on present interactions ·      How 99% of our issues with others have already occurred within ourselves   If you loved this episode, why not rate it and share it with your friends!   To learn more about ISTA, visit our website: ista.life Or follow us on social media: @ista.community

It's not just the stuff of science fiction. As ISTA Lead faculty member Michal Mayan Don explains, bending time is possible when we drop deeply into what we love to do. That may be easier said than done. But if we aim to be more authentic, and practice healthy boundaries, we might be surprised by how quickly that sense of timelessness can come about.  In this spontaneous and bubbly conversation, Michal and Simon Marvell also explore themes of vibrations, connection, and uncaging eros. They delve into the importance of touch in fostering aliveness and the collective intelligence that emerges in group settings.  Overall, the emphasis is on our need to reconnect with the spirit in matter and the significance of love and land in our lives.  TAKEAWAYS Vibrations signify a higher level of aliveness in our bodies. Touch is essential for genuine connection and communication. Sexual energy can be uncaged and expressed in unconventional forms. Timelessness can be experienced in deep connections with others. Love and connection to the land enhance our experiences. Collective intelligence emerges when groups vibrate together. Spirit is present in matter and can be felt through our bodies. Reconnecting with our instincts is crucial for healthy boundaries. Vulnerability in groups fosters deeper connections and love. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introduction to Vibrations and Aliveness 03:10 The Power of Touch and Connection 06:31 Uncaging Eros: Redefining Sexuality 12:44 The Intelligence of the Body and Instincts 19:57 The Role of Boundaries and Emotional Energy 25:30 Experiencing Timelessness in Connection 31:31 Love and Connection with the Land 39:30 Acknowledging Indigenous Connections to Land 43:01 The Spirit in Matter and Animal Instincts 51:44 The Vibrational Intelligence of Groups

Aténougha is an Nganga (teacher) and bridge to the Bwiti Missoko tradition of Central Africa, where he helps people find transformation through this ancient spiritual science. In this conversation, Caitlyn Cook asks him, in a world that seems more and more chaotic, warring and disconnected, how do we relate to it as spiritual people? How does a spiritually mature person act or perceive this without being overwhelmed, disheartened or paralysed? Recorded in Libreville, Gabon, Aténougha explores the link between inner and outer conflict—and how everything begins from within... Rather than being overwhelmed, a spiritual person learns to understand their “position”, embracing both light and dark and choosing grounded ways to create change. The conversation includes.. Spiritual views on war & crisis: Why war is not only political but energetic—and how to relate to it without fear or paralysis. The importance of position: How recognising — and possibly shifting — your internal stance can change your outer experience. From overwhelm to action: Why change starts small (in your home, relationships, and community) and grows from there. Recognizing symptoms early: War doesn't just happen 'out there', it starts inside of you. Notice signs of conflict or misalignment and the role of daily practice in becoming more attuned... Balancing and accepting light and dark: How to meet life’s polarities with wisdom, understanding that everything is part of the whole. Learn more about Aténougha and the Bwiti Missoko tradition, www.bwitiinitiations.com Learn more about ISTA, https://ista.life Follow us on Instagram: @ista.community

Kamela Love is an integrative mediator, transformational relationship coach, and former lawyer who blends diverse teachings—from mystical Sufism to neuroscience and Tantra—to explore personal and organizational growth.  She is the founder of Transform Into Love and co-founder of Queer Tantric Arts. With over 15 years of experience identifying as queer and poly, Kamela is passionate about awakening humanity to societal justice and divine love. In recent years, she has worked with ISTA faculty and organizers as a meditator, helping to improve their conflict resolution skills and capacity to take accountability.  In this conversation with Usha Rose, Kamela speaks in depth about the importance of taking accountability. She emphasizes that good leadership is actually founded on the ability to acknowledge where harm has been caused, entering into a process of repair, and seeing if there is a way for all to consensually move forward.  It’s a rich exploration, relevant to leaders everywhere, indeed to anyone participating in a relationship where power dynamics are at play. It might be between a manager and employee, teacher and student, coach and client, or facilitator and group. It could even be within personal relationships like parent and child, or between romantic partners. Topics Covered Include: Responsibility vs. Accountability and Why It Matters: The distinction between fulfilling duties and taking ownership of the outcomes of those actions, especially when things go sideways. The Importance of Accountability in Leadership: Why some leaders might shy away from accountability and how those who embrace it see it as a path for deeper growth and collective empowerment, fostering trust and integrity within their leadership and communities. Practical Tips for Leaders: Key practices for preventing harm, addressing it effectively when it happens, and steps to minimize the need for future accountability processes—such as trauma-informed approaches, proactive feedback systems, and cultivating emotional intelligence. Understanding Power Dynamics: A look into the responsibilities and vulnerabilities inherent in both “up power” and “down power” roles, highlighting how understanding and navigating these dynamics is crucial for fostering healthier relationships and communities. Learn more about Kamela Love here: https://www.transformintolove.com/ To learn more about ISTA visit our website: https://ista.life/ Or follow us on social media: @ista.community

In this first episode of the 6th season, Simon Marvell talks to blockchain pioneer and ISTA ally Jamie Zigelbaum about how the evolution of digital governance models can help us create smarter organizations and communities.  Jamie's insights come from his career as a researcher, artist, and from contributions to billion-dollar Decentralized Autonomous Organization (DAO) projects. Most of his work has been carried out under an online pseudonym, so the name might be unfamiliar! His message is that while the sophisticated blockchain technology that has been developed in recent years might not have many real-world applications yet, it promises to provide solutions, in the future, to some of the most complex problems we face.   And these problems and solutions are not only technical ones. Jamie says that how we communicate with each other, how we trust one another, how we arrange ourselves into groups, and how well we work together in those groups can be enhanced as a result of these innovations.    Tune in for this thoughtful and clarifying conversation, especially if you’ve previously been turned off by the subject of digital technology!  To get in touch with Jamie, please email us and we will link you up: media@ista.life If you love this episode, please rate it and share it with your friends!   And to learn more about ISTA, visit our website: https://ista.life/    Or follow us on social media: @ista.community

It’s a situation straight out of the movies, or a teen magazine: jealousy causing a rift between two lovers. It could be as simple as your partner mentioning getting close to one of their co-workers, or as complex as negotiating the ups and downs of an open relationship. No matter how big or small the circumstance, or how experienced the people involved, jealousy can come on strong! In this episode, researcher and self-described relationship counsellor “for people who color outside the lines,” Jolie Hamilton, talks with Usha Rose about how jealousy can be an incredible force for growth, pleasure, and increased connection in your romantic relationships.  They focus on how to create non-monogamous partnerships without shrinking away from the difficult feelings they can bring up. These are feelings Hamilton knows well. She had been in only monogamous relationships until having a sudden awakening into the possibility of relating with more than one person at once.  And in her research, Hamilton has found that the people who have the most successful experience with non-monogamy know how to notice the sensations of jealousy and then name it. This, she says, is one of the first things we can do to embrace non-monogamy in a supportive way.  They also discuss:  Five steps for processing jealous feelings How jealousy relates to shame and fear The archetypal nature of jealousy Paying attention to the way jealousy arises in the body Creating relationship agreements to care for each other through jealousy The unique pleasure of jealousy We hope you enjoy the episode! To learn more about Jolie, follow her on social media: @drjoliehamilton To learn more about ISTA, visit our website: https://ista.life/ Or follow us on social media: @ista.community

If you have ever done the wrong thing, you might have a sense of what it is like to deal with the aftermath. Maybe you denied your responsibility, or hoped that no-one would notice. Maybe you fessed up and found that people can be pretty unforgiving. Or, perhaps those around you understood and could support you to learn from the experience.    In this episode, ISTA Lead Faculty member, Ohad Pele, talks with Simon about his own process of taking responsibility. He entered this process in response to some attendees of his workshops feeling harmed by their experience.   It has been a long and tender process involving peer support, mentorship, trauma training, and deep reflection. As he explains, it is not often obvious when harm might be occurring in transformational spaces. People come to learn, and he has always held the intention to create spaces where people can experience the beauty and power of their own lives.    But there are ever-shfiting nuances in the domain of personal and community growth. Things like individual and collective trauma emerging unpredictably, communication across cultures and diverse backgrounds, and the ever-present possibility of unconscious drives motivating how teachers and students, alike, approach the workshop experience.    It’s a journey that has cracked him right open, humbled him, and given him the resolve to connect even more deeply to his teaching.    This is sensitive and wide-ranging conversation that respects the experience of people on all sides of this conversation, from those who have experienced harm, those who might not have sensed that harm occurring, and those supporting all of us to be better at caring for each other.    It also covers:  Ohad’s background in Buddhism, shamanism, desert journeys, and the Kabbalah  The difference between teaching techniques and creating space for our souls to shine The world-shattering experience of being accused of wrong-doing How it can be difficult to realize the effects of leadership power What a rigorous repair process can look like The importance of leading by example  What it could mean to go beyond right and wrong   If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with others!     And if you want to know more about ISTA, please visit our website: http://ista.life/    Or follow us on social media: @ista.community 

It’s one thing to summon the courage and create the safety to dive into an altered state of consciousness. It’s another thing entirely to know how best to care for ourselves, and be cared for, after the experience is over. But as our guest in this episode, psychedelic integration coach, Amánda Argot, explains, this post-experience phase is vital to being able to bring the gems we uncover in altered states into our non-altered reality.  In this rich conversation, Simon and Amánda explore the therapeutic potential of altered-state experiences like breathwork, psychedelics, and other methods. Amánda emphasises the importance of intention-setting and preparation in shaping the quality and outcome of these experiences. This integration phase extends beyond immediate care to include practices like rest, journaling, and somatic exercises. Amánda explains the unique 'Recíprico' method she has co-developed as a structured approach to guide individuals and facilitators through this process effectively. They then dive really deep into their ethical and cultural ramifications, including how different cultural and spiritual traditions approach and interpret these experiences. They contrast the perspectives of shamans, traditional healers, and clinical psychologists, and underscore the ethical responsibilities and liabilities associated with guiding individuals through these potentially challenging and intense journeys. The need for informed and culturally sensitive support systems is strong, they find.  They also cover sexuality as an altered state, drawing parallels with psychedelic experiences. As you may have experienced for yourself, sexual experiences can facilitate deep introspection and connection, both within oneself and with others.  Overall, It illuminated the transformative potential of these experiences when approached with intention, respect, and informed guidance. To learn more about Amánda's work, please visit: https://reciprocomethod.com/ To learn more about ISTA, visit our website: https://ista.life/ Or follow us on social media: @ista.community

What would it be like for us to use the tools that we learn in workshops to create a life, and a partnership, that is not just ordinary but extraordinary?  This is the big question driving the work of this episode’s guest, relationship coach, Michael Gibson.  For example, he says, fighting between partners is “ordinary.” This is not to judge the realities of relating between two humans. Difficulty is totally normal! But Michael is most interested in what we can do to digest that ordinary reality and create the possibility of a wonderful alternative.  He has been on this journey with his own partner, ISTA Lead Facilitator Laurie Handlers. Years ago, they began guiding people with the tools they discovered to be effective in their own lives. They give people homework on how to be juicy, and how to be in love again… The main thing they teach people is how to return to love.  “It’s when you know that you can say something hard to your person,” Michael says, “and they can say it back to you, and you can return to love even if it was painful. That’s really what we practice.” It’s about letting the walls we often place between us melt.  One of the key reasons to be able to return to love is so that you can speak your truth. It’s not just about being mean to one another and then being able to be loved after that. But rather, to speak our truth. When we can speak our truths, we are not holding onto little resentments and pain that can hold our relationships back.  And your sex life is going to benefit as well!  In this candid conversation, Ria and Michael also talk about:  The famous “Bubble” technique for creating sacred space Hitting the pause button on judging our partners What happens when we fall into resentment, resistance, and revenge The choice between being right or being in a relationship! How couples seem to be an endangered species How our values are what underpin our boundaries If you loved this episode, please share it with your friends! To learn more about ISTA, follow us on social media: @ista.community And visit our website: https://ista.life/

Temple nights. They are popping up like wildfires! Some say there should be more of them. One of those people is Celeste Gonzalez, who runs some of the best in Berlin.  For her, it is super important that they are deeply attuned events for sensual and soul connection. Not events even. Art pieces!  In this episode, Celeste talks with Simon about what a Temple Night is and how you can best prepare for one. It’s all about care and intention. She  shares what some of the key ingredients of a great experience are, things like authenticity and good f’cking lighting. So participants and facilitators, take note.  She also helps us feel into just what makes Temple nights such special spaces for self-exploration beyond the hold of the personal. They might be erotic or solitary, spicy or subtle, a big celebration or a time for grieving.  Whether you’ve been to 1000 Temples, or are a total newbie, this conversation is bound to reveal something from between the layers of live experience…  To learn more about  Celeste's wide-ranging work, visit her website: https://www.devoteeoftheheart.com/ Or follow Celeste on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/devoteeoftheheart/ To learn more about ISTA, visit our website: https://ista.life/ Or follow us on social media: @ista.community

Asis Aviv is one of a kind, and the newest faculty member of the International School of Temple Arts. A self-described “rich witch, radical faerie, love priestexx, and shy-ning diva,” they are here for falling back in love with being humxn.  In this conversation with Simon Marvell, Asis–a name which means “JUICE!” in Hebrew–shares their reflections on a vast array of topics, all anchored in the idea that we are so much more than our identity, whether influenced by parents, society or anything else. Gender and identity fluidity has nothing to do with some ‘woke agenda,’ but rather is about letting ourselves experience all that we are and all that we can be. Exploring all our inner parts/ selves/ voices, especially when they challenge the norms we grew up with is a wonderful way to free ourselves of our limiting beliefs and prejudices that keep us from living in love and acceptance.  Asis shares how they work to embrace their shyness, how griefcan be a transforming factor in dealing with issues of self-worth, and how they navigate the complexities of queer existence in a world that often demands performance and perfection.  Through the lens of  Somatic Shamanic Voice Dialogue (SSVD), Asis invites us to explore the concept of "binge-watching"  our inner selves  and our identifcation with them, encouraging a deeper understanding of the ever-evolving nature of identity and personality.  Asis shares insights on collapsing conventional binaries of masculine and feminine (and more), examining the walls we erect around ourselves, and a way to find peace through surrender and self-exploration. They offer a powerful message of empowerment and liberation, encouraging listeners to embrace their unique expression and celebrate the colourful tapestry of human existence. To learn more about Asis, follow them on Instagram: @goddexxfactor To learn more about ISTA, follow us on social media: @ista.community Or visit our website: https://ista.life/

It has become common to talk about creating safer spaces for healing work. And this is a good thing. Everyone in the field of conscious sensuality, embodiment, and healing work should be looking to improve their practice and rise to higher standards of care, support, awareness, and sensitivity. At the same time, it has also become common to resist this advancement in favour of the idea that self-development spaces should reflect the level of safety in the outside world. And sometimes, for some people, the world can feel really dangerous. People who take this view might say that this is how we learn resilience, or how we can turn difficulty into growth.  But for our guest in this episode, somatic psychotherapist Shelby Leigh, if we are interested in the resolution of the trauma that affects so many of our lives, the spaces we enter for healing simply must be environments grounded in values of connection, responsibility, and trust.  For Leigh, trauma is anything that overwhelms us, and it can stay with us if we never have a chance to naturally complete our body’s survival response to that overwhelming thing. The feeling of overwhelm can stay with us, separating us from our sense of belonging in the world, and inhibiting our capacity for healthy relationships.  In her conversation with ISTA facilitator, Usha Rose, Leigh speaks about just how important it is to learn skills of self-regulation, stillness, and boundaries in a safe environment. It is then that we are in a great position to step into the revolutionary practice of taking those skills into the dynamic, playful, and perhaps riskier outside world.  Some of the topics covered in this episode are:  Relating with others as the medicine we need. Understanding your ‘attachment style.’ Growing up with narcissistic parents.  When complex trauma gets misdiagnosed as ADHD or anxiety.  Protocols for people working in healing spaces. Not pushing past your ‘no.’  Stepping slowly into healing spaces.  Nervous system regulation as meditation.  You can learn more about Shelby at her website: https://www.shelby-leigh.com/ And to learn more about ISTA, visit our website: https://ista.life/ Or follow us on social media: @ista.community