Spiritual Sexual Shamanic Podcast

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.Learn more about Amánda's work here: https://www.amandaefthimiou.com/Join her mailing list here: https://integra-guide.ck.page/fd0fd46815To 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 spaceHitting the pause button on judging our partnersWhat happens when we fall into resentment, resistance, and revengeThe choice between being right or being in a relationship!How couples seem to be an endangered speciesHow our values are what underpin our boundariesIf you loved this episode, please share it with your friends!To learn more about ISTA, follow us on social media: @ista.communityAnd 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 grief can 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 humxn existence.To learn more about Asis, follow them on Instagram: @goddexxfactorTo learn more about ISTA, follow us on social media: @ista.communityOr visit our website: https://ista.life/