Shows
Alchemy on the IslandE07. Building The Map . . .Is there a map for spiritual practice within the eastern arts, or are all maps flawed to the point of uselessness? We sit down with The Engineer, Janne Asmala, to discuss the benefits and dangers, as well as inherent limitations of map building. We also venture into a little map building of our own within the Daoist alchemical system we are practicing in Bali. Our conversation meanders through a wide array of topics within the map including:The revelation of the body as the gateway to spirituality and the importance of building vitality in the body. Opening the s...2025-07-221h 19Alchemy on the IslandE06. Fascia not Fascism!Have you ever wondered what fascia actual is and how it can be used not only to heal the body but also to generate movement, power and connectivity? Well, your hosts didn't really either, well at least not until they started practicing the internal arts! In this episode Gimo and Dan speak with the lovely, wildly knowledgeable (on all things fascia), and highly skilled craniosacral bodyworker Audrey Rowan. The topics covered include: - The mechanics of craniosacral bodywork and where and how it relates to cultivation in the internal arts.- The ultimate h...2025-02-2659 minAlchemy on the IslandE05. Chinese Medicine & the Internal ArtsWelcome back to Alchemy on the Island! After a brief hiatus Gimo and Dan found a tiny pocket of energy and motivation to get a flurry of recordings done at the end of their second year in Bali. They hope you missed them but aren't too offended if you entirely forgot that this podcast existed.In this episode, with the expert help of Aidan Keeva, Dan and Gimo go deep into the exploration of Chinese Medicine and discover that it was actually created by cultivators! Aidan shares his personal healing journey through the internal arts and speaks...2025-01-201h 10Alchemy on the IslandE04. Discipline in the Spiritual ArtsFor many, the idea of spiritual practice involves following your bliss, being true to your feelings, and trying to calm the mind. However, according to many of the sages and mystics throughout history this would be pretty far off the mark. Though these qualities may be helpful for your psychology at times, the requirements for true spiritual attainment have long involved quite a bit of rigor, determination, and discipline.
In this episode Laurence Katsaras helps us explore the idea of discipline in the spiritual arts, why it's so important, how to approach building it even if that...2024-09-211h 35Alchemy on the IslandE03. Qi, What is it Good For?Sitting on the bed of Gimo’s room, Anastasia Frenkel, Dan and Gimo explore in depth the concept of “Qi”.
Generally translated as “life force”, qi is at the heart of what powers the internal arts. The word qi can also vary in meaning depending on the context, be this martial arts, Chinese medicine, philosophy or even daily conversation. Anastasia shares her extensive practical as well as intellectual understanding of qi from the perspective of neigong and the broader Daoist internal arts.
Sharing a bit of her personal experience, she explains why it is a good idea...2024-08-211h 26Alchemy on the IslandE02. Nei Gong AlongIn this episode Gimo & Dan speak with the esteemed and gracious Leo Bierman about the heart of their practice in Bali, Nei Gong.
The powerful body based energetic path of Nei Gong contains many practices designed to open the body, purge pathogens, build Qi, and generally prepare the individual for deeper spiritual transformation. The work is at times both physically and mentally challenging and the benefits are deep and lasting.
If you want to explore this strange and potent practice from the perspective of three individuals who have devoted their lives (at least for now...2024-08-061h 01Alchemy on the IslandE02. Nei Gong AlongIn this episode Gimo & Dan speak with the esteemed and gracious Leo Bierman about the heart of our practice in Bali, Nei Gong.
The powerful body based energetic path of Nei Gong contains many practices designed to open the body, purge pathogens, build Qi, and generally prepare the individual for deeper spiritual transformation. The work is at times both physically and mentally challenging and the benefits are deep and lasting.
If you want to explore this strange and potent practice from the perspective of three individuals who have devoted their lives (at least for now...2024-08-061h 10Alchemy on the IslandE01. What is a Cultivator?What is a cultivator of the spiritual arts? We're glad you asked . . .
In the first episode of the show, Dan, Gimo and their guest Jackson Collings tackle the equally crucial and vast topic of spiritual cultivation, the core aim of their studies on the Island.
The conversation runs between high minded ideas and practical notions, punctuated by anecdotes from Jackson’s fascinating personal journey, including his accomplished teachers and snowboarding with kangaroos..
The topic of cultivation is dissected to various degrees of depth, touching upon the first steps to take in beginning cultivation; th...2024-07-261h 10
Alchemy on the IslandE00. Introduction to Alchemy on the IslandWelcome to Alchemy on the Island!
Meet your hosts, Dan and Gimo; learn a little bit about what makes them tic and listen as they attempt to convince you to come hang on the island with them by jangling sparkly previews of all the wonderful things in store on season one. Enjoy the show.
2024-07-2631 min