FAQ
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FAQs
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What is ISTA actually?
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ISTA is a decentralized organization working within the field of embodied spirituality. At the core of its values are transformation, freedom, love, and self-empowerment. ISTA works with emotions, the body, shamanic tools, and ritual, and it acknowledges and respects the healing power of Eros.
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Think of ISTA as a phenomena rather than an organisation.
Visionaries, Practitioners, Organizers, Facilitators....and other humans of different traditions and backgrounds unite in envisioning a world where humans have a peaceful, pleasurable, shameless, fearless and loving relationship with their own bodies, sexuality, emotions, hearts, minds and spirit.
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The core of our trainings are transmitted by the circle of Lead facilitators, catalysing the creativity of the wider faculty, supported by the enthusiasm and service of experienced assistants and transmitted to the world by pioneering organisers and community catalysts. Around this life-force transmission tribe grows, leaders awaken and transformational culture reveals itself.
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ISTA is a modern synthesis of:
a) a spiritual transmission—a satsang of being
b) a mystery school where the Temple Arts are taught
c) a new era of community who are networked together globally and sharing in innovative ways.
ISTA collaborates with many groups, organizations, and communities in many locations around the world.
Our influences include: Deep ecology and Shamanism, Social Ecology and Philosophy, Osho and communities, Yoga, Ayurveda, Wicca and Witchery; Christian, Jewish and Sufi Mysticism, Paths of Ascent and Descent, Sacred Feminine and Sacred Masculine, and Multiple Diverse Traditions of Tantra.
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What are the ISTA trainings about?
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This training offers an opportunity for you to
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Stop, feel and take a look at yourself in a whole new way.
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Discover how your inner self (emotion, thoughts, energy) are at war within and be guided to bring yourself back towards inner union, love and integration. No longer enemies with yourself, but lovers! This is huge!
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Tap into the knowledge of your emotions and body, not just your mind.
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Learn essential life skills we all should have received as teenagers (sexuality, communication, boundaries, self-love, pleasure practices).
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Come to really believe "I matter"—embody yourself as a powerful and free sovereign being.
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See, show and live from the you that lies beneath the mask. Expressing who you really are beyond the guilt, fear and shame we've picked up from parents, culture, religion and society.
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Meet and explore your edges in a safe container.
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Remember how to love yourself, to feel the healing power of pleasure and expand your sexuality and orgasmic potential.
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Learn to experience and create healthy sexual, loving and connected intimate experiences. No more being stuck in your mind, fearing others, or repeating same patterns.
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Begin to deeply heal wounds around trauma, sexuality, gender, the body, grief, lost love, self-love, mother and father wounds and other core wounds.
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AND: these are potentials and opportunities.
There is no goal.
YOU decide what it will be for you!
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How does it look like? What will we do there?
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Guided by three faciltators and many assistants, each day includes sessions and practices from about 10am to 10pm. There are some nights off too! ;-)
The days are filled with practices that dive into:
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Yoga, meditation and embodiment practices
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Tools to regulate the nervous system
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Self-love, self-care and boundaries
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Conscious communication
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Dance meditation, mindful movement and ecstatic dance
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Emotional express and release
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Voice dialogue practices
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Neurological reprogramming
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Shadow work (looking at the scary we bits we reject in ourselves, or judge)​
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Rituals of initiation
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Energy tracking—identifying where/why your emotional + spiritual energy sinks, leaks or longs
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Powerful sexual clearing and activation processes
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You'll also meet in small groups and have opportunties to work one-on-one with facilitators if so requested.
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MORE QUESTIONS?
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How challenging will it be?
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The program is really well designed. Each step is a step up—and you feel ready for it. The week progresses from introductory-level work into some more expansive and challenging work (and fuuuuun).
We're digging into some pretty massive cultural stories and personal issues here—it's territory that'll probably feel a bit new or edge-y for you at times. AND, this is where the healing, expansion, and release lives! This is what you're here for, right? We encourage you to be bold and honour your needs throughout the retreat so you always feel safe.
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Do I have to do stuff? Or just listen to the facilitators talk?
You have free choice at all times. All exercises are 100% voluntary and you can choose to sit and watch if that is what feels best for you. The workshop will be a little bit of listening, mostly doing. It's experiential—this allows you to learn things & make shifts with your mind, emotions and spirit. Powerful stuff.
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Who attends the retreat?
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A mix of people! CEOs, students, mums, dancers, programmers, entrepreneurs, sex workers, sacred sexuality practitioners... Some people take this training for their own personal evolution, to gain a deeper self-connection and to enrich their relationships and empower their lives. Others are interested in exploring how it will add to their own professional life, whatever that may be, and some are interested in the professions of Sacred Sexual Practitioner or Sexuality Educator.
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Is it ok if I'm a newbie?
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No prior knowledge of shamanism or sacred sexuality is necessary. People with previous experience are welcomed too.
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Is it for single people? Or people with partners?
Both: it's suitable for everyone whether you're single, celibate, monogamous or poly.
For people with partners, this workshop can transform your relationship. Make sure you have a deep discussion about boundaries and things beforehand.
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All genders- and queer-friendly?
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This workshop is for everyone of all genders and orientations.
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Is this training for everyone?
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Almost!
We work hard to make ISTA events inclusive and welcoming for all; however, there are a couple of requirements that are set for the safety and well-being of all participants.
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First, to attend an ISTA event, you must be over 21 years old.
You also need to be in good physical and mental health.
ISTA events involve movement, stretching, and breathing exercises that require a solid base of physical health. Our events also delve into deep emotional work and experiences, which can bring up sensitive memories or past traumas. While these experiences are often transformative, they are best engaged from a place of stable mental health.
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While those above are the most strict requirements, we would also say that ISTA is for you if you care about your personal transformation, find resonance with embodiment and spirituality, and believe that sexuality and emotions are part of your evolutionary journey.
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If you're unsure whether ISTA is a match, we welcome you to contact sylvi@ista-germany.com or info@ista.life for any questions.
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How intimate is the training?
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Nudity and intimate touch are optional parts of this training. The cornerstone of this work is about consent, developing healthy boundaries and communication.
You don’t have to do anything, ever—you’re fully in your personal sovereignty 100% of the time.
If you have any questions, please get in touch!
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Do you offer discounts? Can I come in exchange for offering you a product or service?
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As a general rule, if you are attending your first ISTA, the answer to both of these questions is no.
However, if you are financially challenged, ISTA has several scholarships and funds that may be of support. You will find them on www.ista.life under “Funds.”
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If you are repeating the same ISTA level more than once, you are always eligible for a repeater discount.
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