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 10 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.
CO-FACILITATOR
Crystal Dawn Morris, MA, has been involved with ISTA (International School of Temple Arts) since it was formed in 2008 and is a lead-faculty for the ISTA Trainings. She is also a Tantra Teacher and Intimacy Coach and has trained with the SkyDancing Institute and studied Tibetan Buddhism, Yoga and a variety of non-dual meditation traditions. Crystal has been a Reiki Practitioner since 1994. She founded Tantra for Awakening in 2007.
Crystal is also a Certified Shamanic Breathwork Facilitator and Shamanic Minister. She began studying shamanism in 1985 and started a shamanic consulting practice in 1995. She has studied with Venus Rising Institute, the Foundation for Shamanic Studies and numerous Native Medicine People since 1992.
Crystal was involved in women’s health and spirituality for over 25 years. After the birth of her two sons, she became passionate about helping women to experience childbirth as a spiritual initiation. She worked in healthcare from 1984-2007; as an RN, NP and Certified Nurse-Midwife and has attended over 2,000 births. She lives in Sedona, Arizona and teaches in the USA, Canada, Europe and New Zealand.
LEAD FACILITATOR
A contemporary voice on Love, Eros & Relating, Frank Mondeose embodies both play and pray, which is reflected on his YouTube web series “The Spiritual Playboy”.
Lead faculty with ISTA, the International Schools of Temple Arts, co-founder of ReMENber Brotherhood Journey, Shamanic Minister for Venus Rising Association for Transformation, and creator of the lifestyle brand Monde Osé, Frank has touched the hearts, and minds of many, whether it be through tantalizing their imaginations at his multi-sensorial events, to inspirational interactions that have navigated people to accessing their personal power.
Frank holds an unapologetic, no-nonsense container. It is a space to step out of one’s comfort zone, and meet their edges in a compassionately ruthless manner. His containers are solidly held, in a protected and safe environment where all emotions and expressions are welcome and celebrated.
Frank is currently teaching Sexual Shamanism in over 10 countries including Canada, United States, Mexico, Costa Rica, Iceland, England, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, and Turkey.
You can experience Frank in a one on one session, a passionate lecture, 5h intensive workshops, and/or week long immersive trainings where he specializes in the following areas:
CO-FACILITATOR
Born in France and half Vietnamese, half French, Karam has worked as a therapist for more than 20 years. He trained in Gestalt, integrative psycotherapy and systemic therapy in Switzerland after a long stay in Poona, India, where he was introduced to the world of Osho, meditation, and emotional and body oriented therapy. He then explored this integrative approach more intensively with his mentor Veeresh, founder of the Humaniversity, the world-famous international centre for group therapy based in the Netherlands. He gained experience in working in psychosomatic clinics with people in crisis, and worked with adolescents in need of psychotherapeutic support. He is also trained in Somatic Experiencing, a revolutionary and cutting edge approach to trauma healing.
For many years he has led a wide variety of groups, oriented toward the realisation of the unique human potential which lies within each of us. Much of his group work has been with people in crisis.
After co-leading workshops and personal trainings based on Tantra and sacred sexuality in Paris, he started to work in Pacha Mama in Costa Rica, a unique alternative spiritual community where he is now their senior therapist, leading Primal, Tantra, somatic healing oriented groups and the Growing in Love Process.
He is apprenticing with Laurie Handlers.
APPRENTICE FACULTY
apprenticeship with Komala Lyra, Rex Rafiq and Crystal Dawn.
Nimai SunRa is a peace walker, A server of the great mother. A part of a global community of peace seekers through the act of love.
Nimai is facilitating and leading different inner journeys around the world.
Navigating and bridging between the worlds of modern and ancient Shamanism and the worlds of communication and tantric journeys.
Driven by a desire to create paradigm shift across the world, Nimai focus is to live and to learn the ways to truly be in an unconditional love. He believes that when we are able to change the story we live in and go out of our inner maze releasing the fear of pain in love, we are truly able to live life free and in our full expression. changing the old story into something new. coming back home.
Nimai has spend the past years living between India, South & Central America, Israel and Portugal. studiying with many teachers and masters and shamans around the world. He has explored the topics of tantra, of sexuality, relationships, free-love and global peace, within the inspirational global peace community, Tamera. He has also studied under the guidance of Gaia Ma, (co-founder of "Inanitah community" and the Tantric Way Series) and is an faculty apprentice in ISTA - international school of temple arts.
Currently Nimai is in the process of building a new community-tribe that moves with a global vision of love. The centre of this community will provide a safe and open space for people to go through their healing and transformation processes. He is a facilitator of men's circles and retreat journeys around the topics of love, gender issues and roles in society. He also offers couples guidance as invitations for more people to step onto the path of love. The path of life living in deep resonance to our core desires, honoring and loving all living beings.
Nimai is the creator of the Re/MEN/ber journey with Frank Mondose - a 5 days men journey into the inner mystery of our path.
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
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!
The Goddess Garden Spiritual Retreat Center
We will be staying at the beautiful Goddess Garden Spiritual Retreat Center in Costa Rica
Cahuita, Caribbean Sea, Costa Rica
The magic of the Costa Rican Rainforest and the dance of the Caribbean Sea make the perfect combination for a retreat in nature. For more than 10 years, The Goddess Garden has welcomes spiritual retreats with a special focus on yoga, meditation, transformational breathwork and ayahuasca.
NATURE & WILDLIFE
The Caribbean coast’s tropical climate and luxuriant nature is home to many wild and exotic animals, including growler monkeys, slothes, and over 330 bird species, making it an ideal destination for birding enthusiasts and nature lovers. You can visit Cahuita National Park, the Tree of Life Botanical Garden, the Jaguar Rescue Center, the Sloth Sanctuary, the Alma Verde Medicinal Garden or take a boat to watch dolphins. Or just simply open your eyes and observe the wildlife all around you in our preserved jungle-like rainforest and majestic gardens.
BEACH
An absolute paradise for beach lover. Just a 5 minutes walk from your room, you’ll find a 10 miles long pristine deserted beach. All along the magnificent coastline you can discover magnificent beaches to relax, surf, kayak, snorkel or go horseback riding.
WHERE THE RAINFOREST MEETS THE CARIBBEAN SEA
"We have opened the doors to our Spiritual Retreat Center for people who want to feel in harmony with nature and wish to practice yoga, meditation, transformational breathwork and ayahuasca ceremonies in this lovely rainforest and beach setting. All of our facilities are in the middle of a centenary forest, allowing our guests to benefit from the healing power of nature. The yoga studios and ceremony space are surrounded by plants, wild life and jungle trees, including the Goddess Tree, which is over 360 years old.
During your practice, the healing energy of nature deeply relaxes the body, rejuvenates the aura, and supports the flow of life energy. We feel, as many others who have attended retreats here, that our spiritual practice reaches a higher level in this special energetic place."
– Jacqueline, Marcelo
This retreat includes:
Note: Airfare and airport transfers are not included.
Tuition (all spots limited in quantity):
To reserve your spot / Deposit: $470 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
Sedn $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
CORONAVIRUS POLICY:
We've been monitoring the global pandemic closely. Our policy is if we have to cancel/postpone related to the pandemic, we will give participants the option to move their deposit/payments to a future training (in the same part of the world) or a future training organized by Philippe at a discounted rate, and if they decline they will have the option of being refunded in full. Also we will offer a similar option to any participants who is unable to travel due to travel restrictions.
ABOUT PRICING:
We endeavour to make this powerful training available to as many people as possible, bringing in top leaders in the fields of sacred sexuality, personal development, tantra and shamanism. After core costs are paid 25% of tuition costs go to support the non-profit organisation ISTA in its ongoing growth of the field of consciousness and sexuality around the globe. The remaining 75% is divided between coordinators and the 3 facilitators (who are all responsible for covering their own travel costs).
Tuition for students includes teachings, accommodation, meals but excludes travel to the venue.
Spaces are limited on this retreat and registration will close once we have reached maximum capacity to ensure a supportive participant/assistant/facilitator ratio. If you are strongly interested in attending, please notify us through this site so we can keep you informed of availability. You can reserve directly through this website through paypal above
TRANSFER POLICY:
A commitment to the Spiritual Sexual Shamanic Experience is a deep commitment to yourself. It is assumed that, if you feel drawn to this training, it is no accident. If for some reason you become unable to attend, you have the following options:
1. Your deposit/payment can be transferred in full to a future ISTA training organized by Philippe without any administration fees applied.
2. Your deposit/payment can be transferred to a future ISTA training minus a $150 administration fee if over 30 days before the date of the training.
3. Your deposit/payment can be transferred to a future ISTA training minus the full deposit if under 30 days before the date of the training.
Please notify us immediately in the event that you find yourself needing additional time to prepare for this unique experience. Also note that bank charges from payments made via PayPal and or international transfers are the responsibility of the participant.
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After This Journey
To complete your adventures!
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