If you are ready to transform your life, this experiential 7-day event is for you
The People
Thousands of people on 5 continents have attended the ISTA training over the past 8 years and have been radically changed for the better by uncovering reactive patterns and transforming them into conscious ways of being.
The Retreat
This retreat focuses on clearing the physical and emotional body of shame, guilt and fear related to sexuality and authenticity. This is done through multiple pathways of healing: guided visualization, emotional release, shamanic initiations, energy tracking and conscious touch are just a few of the practices used to dive deep into the inner realms. The inner masculine and inner feminine archetypes are explored because when they are fully integrated a door opens to a deeper knowing of the Self as whole and complete.
The Event
This event unfolds within a powerful group process based on unconditional love, intimacy and acceptance of what is arising. By the end of this event, you will feel more open, relaxed and present and be more in touch with effortless flow of life, no matter what it looks like.
The Experience
No prior knowledge of shamanism or sacred sexuality is necessary to attend this retreat. This event is about expanding beyond your comfort zone, while honoring your healthy boundaries. Nudity and intimate touch are a part of this training, however, you are always at choice and the facilitators will help you navigate what is authentic for you. Individuals and couples of any sexual preference are welcome to attend.
This is an individual process that happens in a group environment and a level of ability to be self responsible is needed to navigate the spiritual sexual shamanic space. ISTA is a mystery school and approaches trauma from the shamanic perspective of connecting with the body and soul. We recommend that if there is known deep seated trauma, individuals seek one on one sessions and get the ok from their therapist before entering the group process.
More about the training
The SSSEX training uses..
To..
This is only a partial list of what you may experience.
LEAD FACILITATOR
KamalaDevi is a mystic, a mentor and a muse. Her mission is to awaken herself and others to the ecstatic current that runs between heaven and earth. She works with artists, healers, and visionaries around the world to become love leaders. When she's not traveling the world to facilitate retreats for the International School of Temple Arts, she enjoys a rich home life by the beach in San Diego with her husband of over 15 years and their 10 year old son.
She is author of a handful of books including Sacred Sexual Healing: the Shaman Method of Sex Magic with Baba Dez Nichols. Her family stars in Showtime’s hit docu-series, Polyamory: Married & Dating. She also appeared on Dr. Drew, Ricki Lake, Tyra Banks and the award-winning documentary Sex Magic. KamalaDevi is also founder of Poly-Palooza and San Diego Tantra Theater. More at http://www.KamalaDevi.com
Personal Note: I prefer being called "KamalaDevi" or if that's too much of a mouthful, you can call me KD. I take pleasure in nature, dance, vegan foods, snuggling and performance art. My ultimate turn-on is penetrating conversation. My body is not just a temple, but integrated expression of my soul. I use my words and sound to stimulate and heal people. I'm also a deep listener, and love silence, touch and laughter. I look forward to our next deep dive together!
WORDS are SEXY, Read my BOOKS:
Polyamory Pearls
Sacred Slut Sutras
Ecosexuality
Don't Drink the Punch
Sacred Sexual Healing: The SHAMAN Method of Sex Magic
DAWN CHERIE EZRAHI
CO-FACILITATOR
Dawn Cherie Ezrahi A lead facilitaor in ISTA is also a performer,dancer,singer, a Watsu’er and a teacher of sacred love relationships. Her work is focused on enlivening women and men to live love at their great power, using methods of movement, ritual and theater. In the last years she became passionate about the healing of woman of their shame around their sexuality and moon time, helping them to uncover their inner sacred jewel.
Dawn is an American living part time in America- NYC , having lived primarily in Israel for the past 11 years and teaching internationally. Prior to that she was living in NYC for years where she was a professional actress and performer. She earned her B.A. in Human Ecology from College of the Atlantic in Maine; where she continued to work deeply with nature and its wisdom. In NYC she co founded several performing troupes- Body Temple(a unique holistic night club extravaganza), and Mad Woman of the Woods theatre company. Over the years her studying took her through many different paths studying with Gloria maddox theatre as a means of personal development, expression, and professionalism. Dawn studied extensively the Five Rhythms work of Gabrielle Roth,and learned with she and Jonathan Horan for many years 18 years in total. She was in a priestessing apprenticeship in a women’s mystery school with ALisa Starkweather.Also an influential teacher along the path was that of Arkan ; a native Peruvain adopted lakota medicine man.
She was training extensively, and was inspired by the teachings of David Deida. Dawn delved into extended trainings of Marshal Rosenberg and non violent communication, as well as expanding her work of healing in the water of watsu and water dance-water creature that she is.She finished a Pelvic Heart Integration training with Deborah Taj Anapol.She was also teaching in the kohennet training program in America of Hebrew priestessing.
She is the co-founder of KabaLove – The school of Love in Kabala (c) Along with a beloved Ohad she teaches the way of sacred relationships and spiritual growth internationally. It would be a fib to say that her relationship is anything short of an amazing living laboratory of love, freedom, and exponential growth. She also is in love with her snake-a red tail boa kunda(lini) who accompanies her on her healing work.
Dawn has coordinated the trainings/conferences in israel for the past 5 years here bringing this work to the land and people which now is having a resounding impact.
She feels that the work of ISTA and the trainings,has brought to her life some of the most fully integrated humans working tirelessly in their vision to elevate the human spirit and rid the body, and psyche of the shame, guilt,and fear. She is elated and humbled to work with a group of dedicated visionaries, and honored to be on teaching staff. She sees her community growing, shifting and opening around her, as well as herself. There is healing happening on so many levels- learning to heal the split within our own being, and embracing our masculine loving our feminine ,or visa versa . She is so loving sharing this work with people.
She is most often in the states ,and frequently in Israel but is available for personal sessions and teaching wherever the need and spirit invites her.
Currently she has been immersed in creating a collaborative mythological, interactive, ritual theatre piece, including electronic dance music.
Dawn's Email
CO-FACILITATOR
Patrik Olterman is a Christian pastor, International School of Temple Arts facilitator, Bhakti Yogi, and Enneagram practitioner. He's had a rather radical, autonomous and authentic journey through spirituality and faith. Patrik is passionate about the difference between religion and spirituality, Sex positivity and queerness in Christianity, spiritual autonomy and deconstruction and how to safely explore spirituality without the fear of being duped, i.e. listen to your inner voice and follow Love. Patrik is an expert on Post-Modern Faith, Interfaith, Diversity and anti-discrimination, Radical Christianity, Tantric Christianity, Sexuality, gender and Faith, Martial arts, and Hermeneutics. He is also championing his own take on sacred sexuality originated from a queer reading of the Christian sacred texts with a tasty side dish of pirate theology.
"Being alive is my daily spiritual practice. Love is my rule. Humankind is my family. Authentic friendships is my church. The kingdom of God runs through my veins. Jesus is my brother. Becoming and being all that I am is my calling. Helping you become and be all that you are is my ministry. My deepest feelings are my guide. All living things are my teacher."
Patrik's Email
ORGANIZER
What is Exquisite Dark Love Coaching?
Exquisite Dark Love is yours truly (Philippe Lewis) exploring the messiness of humans and open sourcing clarity and wisdom through critical thinking and conversations. His purpose is to support individuals and communities on the path of exploration, connection, trust, and sovereignty. When we come together, wisdom and support naturally arise, and this is how shift and growth happen! Welcome to the new paradigm of living and relating. Welcome to the path of Exquisite Dark Love.
Website: www.exquisitedark.love
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/exquisitedarklove/
News, Events, Classes: www.facebook.com/groups/exquisitedarklove/
Who is Philippe Lewis?
Philippe is a relationship educator. He created Exquisite Dark Love to support men and women in making better choices for themselves and each so they can become sovereign humans through the practice of connection, trust, consent, intimacy, love, and the exploration of attachment theory. He is the co-founder of ReMENber Brotherhood Journey, a coordinator with ISTA, the International School of Temple Arts, and a modern voice on critical thinking around morality and the integration of Masculine, Feminine, Dark, Light, and Shadow. Over the years, he founded the Open Relationship Community, the Attachment Community, and the Consent Community to support new emerging conversations on these important topics. He is also the happy father of a 9 year old boy who teaches him how to surrender to love and life more fully every day.
Facebook Wall: www.facebook.com/fuzzyp
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/philippesimonlewis/
What people have to say about the Spiritual Sexual Shamanic Experience
More Testimonials
hallelujah!
The training was profound, deeply impactful, respectful, wise beyond most of our years, held with integrity and accountability, and most importantly with the utmost of care. My Take-aways... An increased sense of freedom from old programming, and a powerful mirror of sensing myself as a Sensual, Sexual, Balanced Sovereign Being! Also, I was looking for a SoulMate to join me, in experiences of ecstasy, and in serving the transformation of our world, the last quarter century of my life; instead I found something much more richer and empowering, and that is my SoulTribe! A Conscious Tribe to Experience Ecstacy, and to be in Transformational Service with! Hallelujah!!!
- C (70yo)
get ready to be transformed!
Get ready to be transformed! This training is revolutionary, healing, empowering! Like nothing you've ever done before! The tools I learned did not only help me to expand my sexuality but also to expand my communication and interpersonal skills in general. These tools are transferable to all types of relationships; from family to work, I feel more confident to be able to express my desires and boundaries in a mature and aware manner. I Highly recommend this experience for adults of all ages!
unconditional support
My experience with ISTA is something I will cherish for as long as I can. Being new to sexual healing I can say with full confidence that ISTA has met and surpassed my wildest expectations for what sexual healing can look like and how necessary it is to feel and be human. Experiencing nothing but unconditional support I whole-heartedly am coming back for more. I felt a strong sense of tribal support after the first day with these amazing people, and I feel honored to witness and be witnessed by those brave enough to transform themselves for a better world. Please come and experience the beauty of life with us.
love love love
I feel blessed to have found the ISTA community. my soul has longed for my tribe, my heart has yearned to love without fear and my body has begged me to finally declare her as sacred. I am grateful for the wisdom, compassion, and guidance of Triambika Ma Vive, Araminta Barbour and Frank Mondeose as leaders of the sacred ceremonies of the past and facilitators of emotional and sexual healing. Throughout the training you three have artfully and gracefully broken me open to discover the beauty and truth of myself. I feel now that there is nothing that stands in the way of the possibilities I am now dreaming for myself and the world. Participating in ISTA Level 1 was the greatest transformational experience of my life. I feel an incredible surge of aliveness and can declare myself a powerful being, in touch with my sacred sexuality, connected to the immensity of love in my heart and devoted to my community and tribe. I can now say YES to life, YES to passion, YES to freedom of expression and YES to LOVE. Where else can you get such gifts ? Thank you. I am humbled, grateful and yes in Awe of the experience and the courage of my fellow beloveds on this journey. Love you all so much for holding the space for me, for loving me as I am, inspiring me and also for all the fun !!!! Til we meet again! Stay wild, stay present, stay connected and Love Love Love
healing big bang!
What a beautiful container for inner transformation. Was it a healing big-bang? a transformational earthquake? What I can say is, as soon as was in, no way to hold back, no way to stay in the old fashion comfort zone, no way to resist to the call for growing, no way to struggle, just surrendering to the wheel of transformation. Standing out, facing challenges, surrendering, expanding, going more and more out of the comfort zone, saying good bye to the social conditioning, standing boldly in the life, releasing blocked and unexpressed emotions, healing, growing, expanding, honoring myself, honoring my body, integrating more and more of my sacred sexual being, breathing, nourishing more and more my body, my being, quieting and clarifying my mind, releasing old useless and inadequate patterns, realigning with my pure authenticity, embodying my sovereignty, embodying my freedom. Coming back to the simplicity of naked mind in a naked body with a powerful innocent magic awesome sexual power. Far away from social mind controlled perception of reality. Far away from social distorted view of sexuality generated by church and society. This was the time for reconnection to one’s true nature, for taking back one’s personal power, deepening one’s awareness, coming back home to my body with bliss, power and love.
a journey
This journey has been an amazing experience that really shifted the way I feel about myself. Learning to integrate the male and female part within myself and see everybody else as both parts gives me a new way to approach others. After the training I really feel the way to honour and stand up for myself, while remaining on touch with physical and emotional body and the sweetness within it. what a journey, what a change, I don’t even want to go back to the way before Thanks for providing this beautiful journey with its deep insights and enormous skills.
no stories
There are no stories I can tell to describe this journey. Imagine you are an ocean with deep waters full of terrifying creatures. You close your eyes and jump in all the way to the bottom. As you come up through the ocean you encounter all these scary things and realize that they aren’t what you thought they were. You hold your breath and trust you will make it through. When you emerge from the depths you realize a beautiful, powerful creature awaits you. And that creature is you.
gratitude
I am very grateful for all the different processes I went through this week, each one was profoundly transformative, the team provided me the loving safe space to let go of some very old and deep wounds.
empowerment
ISTA training is of an essential nature. It takes the journey of a human experience into the perspective of healthy empowered being, it offers tools that allow you to heal your body and emotions and therefore enables participants to claim their birth right to truly live life.
an opportunity
ISTA offered me an opportunity and a space to shake up free up and escape into a reality of truth and honesty. It’s a journey I took with abundance of teachers that showed me the way into myself, the real me, my real body, my true pleasure. It made me find ways to beat the fears and illusions awake and realise they are there, it it poured for me a pavement to walk steady on, towards the encounter with myself. ISTA took me with many other and put us in a container, shook that container up again and again, and let us find what was shed, and what was left in each and every one of us. I am now stepping, aware, present and brave towards the most important change that will ever happen to me.
a call in the heart
If you feel a call in your heart to attend this training then go for it… yes, your mind will come up with all kinds of struggles and fears.. but still trust your heart and go for it. It is not just another seminar that fills you with information, but it will touch you deeply within your very soul and then the healing takes place.. a healing from the source, such a sacred place… take the chance and do it for yourself .. for your life!
boundless lessons
There are boundless lessons to take with me from this experience, but perhaps the most precious for me in this moment was to witness the creation of Sacred Space; space where all is held sacred and safe; space without judgement; space made from love. I truly feel that I can carry this with me and recreate it anywhere I want or need. Thank you!
prep school
ISTA provides the training we all needed in prep school. It's the fast track process to healing and awakening! I'm so blessed to have had come across this family. I can never express with words my gratitude and love for my brothers and sisters from ISTA. Namaste!
boundless lessons
The training has been the most powerful and transformative experience I had in my life. It really kicked up my transition towards a more peaceful and aligned life. I am really grateful that I had the courage to be fully immersed in this experience.
what is ISTA Level 1?
DISCLAIMER - This is based on my experience, and everyone's experience is unique, because it's a deep process! [Feel free to share]
I have decided to write this taster for those people who do not know the International School of Temple Arts, for those who feel tuned out when they listen to videos and descriptions about ISTA Level 1, because it's in a language not accessible to them.
I first came across ISTA totally by chance; I was traveling with my beloved in Guatemala and a poster caught my attention. Probably because it had the word sex in it, and because it looked attractive and exotic. David and I signed up as a present to our love, not knowing what the week would be about. We are both grateful we took the plunge, as ISTA L1 is a well-oiled machine!
So why are people so mysterious about ISTA Level 1? Why can't they just give me the curriculum so I can decide if it's for me? The answer is simple; a lot of the transformational work that is done during that week needs to be in context. Out of context, it sounds nuts. I have done 2 Level 1s; once as a participant, and another time as an assistant, and I can guarantee that my learning and journey was unique each time. However, I understand that your mind wants something more palpable, so here goes.
In one sentence - ISTA Level 1 is the education every human being should get when growing up.
Boundaries - Do you ever feel like you should have said no, but ended up saying yes? This relates to #metoo, but it also relates to those times when you accept too much responsibility at work, when you give a friend a shoulder although you really don't have the emotional strength at that moment, and other situations in which you are not clear about your boundaries and end up feeling depleted. ISTA Level 1 explores this expertly from different angles, so even if you think you are brilliant with your boundaries (and the boundaries of others), you'll become better.
Tools - Even if you are content and emotionally switched on, there is space to become happier, more connected to your feelings, desires, fears, dreams. Exploring anger was one of the more difficult challenges for me, precisely because I am pretty joyful. In a nutshell, the tools involve using your voice and body movements to let energy move through you. I'm sure at a moment of stress, you've stretched out your arms, or have gone for a walk. This is the next level and has much more impact.
The thing is not the thing - Whenever you feel angry that someone arrived late, frustrated about a decision made at work… you are becoming a victim of that thing or story. You might not be able to change how late that person is, but you can change how it affects you. ISTA L1 teaches you how to move into your power and break this cycle of victimhood. It takes practice post-training, but you are given tools.
Honesty - We are brought up to be polite, and this can get in the way of honesty. Since our first ISTA L1, my beloved and I have had some seriously deep and painful conversations, which have brought us to beautiful places. Sometimes you feel unsure about being upset about something someone did, but here's the trick, you can tell them that! You can be honest about how it makes you feel, instead of blaming them for it. The key is to be clear that it is not a competition, it is not an attack. Put yourself in that vulnerable place of "I love you, and I'm not sure why this triggers me, but when you xxx I felt xxx", keeps the channels of communication open, and you will be surprised how things shift in most of your relationships. You also have to accept that some people are still stuck in fight or flight mode, so you might not have such a successful honest conversation.
You are not your story - I'll take a simple example. Everyone feels that at some point their parents didn't make the best decision (even if like me, you think that overall your parents are incredible and did a brilliant job raising you). Guess what, you are a whole human being, you have yourself. You are your own mother, your father, you design your story from now on. Everyone has traumas (to different levels and degrees), and it can feel like you are messed up for good, but you are not. More and more research is going into neuroplasticity, so we have the ability to rewire through a change in habits, and like William Ernest Henley says in his poem Invictus, you are the master of your own fate, you are the captain of your soul.
Why is it so expensive? You will have a full-time one-week experience with 3 expert facilitators who will support you 24/7 during the week, and a number of assistants (number depends on size of group), accommodation, full board… so surely this costs money. ISTA might sound alien to you, but it is made up of human beings who pay bills.
There are numerous more gifts (and each of them more powerful) you will receive with this training, but I don't know how to explain them in all their awesomeness without you actually being there. So, take the plunge, and you will love me and yourself for it!
Liberty Arising was established in 1994 as a retreat center for the New Being Project School of Yoga. Currently the land and facilities are being offered to host yoga retreats and events of all kinds through all traditions and lineages. The majestic 165 acre property has been host to many spiritual lineages, including masters of the Hatha, Kundalini, Tibetan, Sufi, and shamanistic traditions of the planet. Liberty Arising has also served as a center for personal spiritual growth in the form of residency since it’s inception.Currently Liberty Arising is embarking on a becoming one of Southern California’s premiere Permaculture demonstration sights.
Our retreat center is nestled at the southern end of 165 acres of property surrounded by mountains in the high desert of Southern California. The retreat center (Shala) boasts a 1000 square foot practice space, a kitchenette, a den, a dormitory that houses 24 participants, four private guest rooms, two full bathrooms and one half bath.
This retreat includes:
Note: Airfare and airport transfers are not included.
Tuition:
To reserve your spot / Deposit: $450 US
See below for terms and conditions.
For more information, contact us
Are you feeling the call?
If you are ready to radically enliven your sexuality and dive deep into the heart of your wild erotic nature, then join us. Through a beautiful synthesis of neurological re-wiring, ancient tantric practice, and shamanism, we will activate the powerful life force that is dwelling in your body.
In the safety of our temple you will:
This course is open to all who feel called. Experience is not required.
Feel into your body, your heart, and your mind. Allow them to align in the most perfect way. Is there anything missing for you to join us? We will be happy to answer any of your questions. Then when you are ready...
Follow the instructions on the right, or email us for other forms of payment.
Deposit using Credit Card
Note: You are responsible for all fees. Make sure to email us immediately to let us know you sent your payment. Payment will be $450 USD with fees.
Deposit using Venmo
Send $450 USD to @Philippe-Lewis
Note: Make sure to indicate the date/location of the training with your payment.
Deposit using PayPal
Note: You are responsible for all fees. Make sure to indicate the date/location of the training with your payment. Payment will be $450 USD with fees.
NOTE: To save on fees, you can PayPal $450 directly to istaconnection@gmail.com as Friends & Family
Terms & Conditions
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