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In this episode, Alex sits down with Simba Stenqvist, a TRE provider and trainer who founded the holistic retreat center "Living with the Spirit" in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Simba shares his journey from Sweden to Thailand, his philosophy behind healing, and his dedication to integrating various practices like TRE (Tension and Trauma Releasing Exercises), polyvagal theory, and traditional Chinese medicine into a cohesive approach. The conversation takes us deep into the techniques and ideas that shape his work, giving insight into how these modalities can lead to profound transformation.

1. Simba's Journey from Sweden to Thailand

Simba's journey started with a deep desire for something different from the conventional life he was leading in Sweden. He explains how he and his wife, Sarah, decided to leave everything behind and move to Chiang Mai to start a retreat center that aligns with their vision of healing and community. The decision wasn't without challenges, but Simba emphasizes that the move was driven by an inner calling to create a place where people could experience healing at a deeper level.

They built their retreat center, Living with the Spirit, on principles that resonate with holistic and integrative healing. Simba’s story is one of self-discovery, letting go of societal expectations, and following a path that felt more authentic to his life's purpose. For Simba, this wasn't just about relocating; it was about manifesting a vision for a new way of living that combined his passion for martial arts, meditation, and holistic health.

2. Integrating TRE and Polyvagal Theory

TRE (Tension and Trauma Releasing Exercises) plays a central role in Simba's approach to healing. He describes how he was first introduced to TRE and how its immediate impact on his body opened up a new realm of possibilities for his work. According to Simba, TRE is more than just an exercise—it’s a way for the body to express itself and release deep-seated tension.

Simba elaborates on how he uses polyvagal theory as a framework to understand the nervous system's role in stress and healing. He finds that combining TRE with polyvagal theory helps clients identify where they are in their nervous system states and guides them in navigating through these states more effectively. This integration provides a compassionate and relatable way for individuals to connect with their bodies and address unresolved stress or trauma.

3. The Healing Environment at Living with the Spirit

Living with the Spirit is not your typical retreat center—it’s a place designed to facilitate deep self-reflection and healing. Located 45 minutes outside of Chiang Mai, surrounded by mountains and rice fields, the center offers a distraction-free environment where clients can engage fully in their healing journey. Simba explains that the serene setting allows guests to focus on their personal growth without the usual interruptions of daily life.

The retreat includes structured activities like morning meditation, movement classes, TRE sessions, and one-on-one coaching. Simba emphasizes that the goal is to create a lifestyle routine that participants can integrate into their lives even after they leave. He believes that the retreat experience helps people slow down and truly connect with themselves, often leading to realizations that go beyond their initial goals.

4. Tools and Techniques for Holistic Healing

Simba's toolkit extends beyond TRE and includes techniques like traditional Chinese medicine, craniosacral therapy, and breathwork. He discusses the importance of using these modalities to create a pause between stimuli and response, allowing individuals to make conscious choices rather than reacting out of habit. He also highlights the role of bodywork in releasing physical and emotional tension stored in the muscles.

For Simba, holistic healing is about listening to the body's signals and understanding the stories that lie beneath the surface. He uses these techniques not only to treat physical ailments but also to address emotional and psychological issues that manifest in the body. His approach is designed to help clients reconnect with their body's natural rhythms and find a state of balance.

5. The Role of Sound and Vibration in Healing

Sound healing is another significant aspect of Simba's practice. He explains how vibration affects not just the ears but every cell in the body, promoting relaxation and helping the brain transition through different states. Sound therapy, according to Simba, can break through physical and emotional barriers, enabling deeper healing.

Simba’s approach to sound healing is rooted in the belief that the body responds naturally to certain frequencies, which can help reset and restore its balance. By combining sound with other healing modalities like TRE and breathwork, Simba creates a multi-layered approach that addresses the individual at all levels—physical, emotional, and energetic.

6. Spirituality and Self-Discovery

Simba's journey in holistic healing is also a spiritual one. He shares how spirituality for him is less about religious doctrines and more about following one's own inner guidance and intuition. The name "Living with the Spirit" reflects his belief in living in alignment with one's true self and listening to the subtle signals of the body and mind.

He emphasizes that healing is a journey of self-discovery where each individual learns to trust their inner voice and follow the guidance it offers. For Simba, this process is about letting go of societal norms and embracing a way of living that feels authentic to one's core. He believes that true healing comes from within and that listening to the body is the key to unlocking one's full potential.

Conclusion

Simba Stenqvist's holistic approach to healing at Living with the Spirit is a blend of traditional techniques and modern theories like TRE and polyvagal theory. His focus on creating a supportive environment for self-discovery and his dedication to teaching people how to listen to their bodies make his retreat center a unique place for transformative healing. If you're interested in learning more about Simba's work or joining one of his retreats, visit the Living with the Spirit website and follow them on Instagram at @spiritacademy. Don't miss out on this opportunity to explore the power of holistic healing!