Hi, I´m Steffi–the face behind »Intousia«
Besides my passion about the aesthetic things in life, I was always interested in spirituality and self-evolvement as, in 2019 the tantric philosophy crossed my path. Although (or because) the first experience came to me only months before the pandemic started, I had the chance to dive deep into the field of self-empowerment through bodywork, the tantric mindset as well as shamanic workshops.
And it helped me to integrate my own past on a different level: I was finally able to anchor all the theoretical knowledge I had about myself in my whole system–to integrate it finally at body level! Conscious, mental reflection with the appropriate physical exercises, alone, together with an accompanying person or in a benevolent group that holds the space for my process–this was the recipe for me to bring my own unalignments into balance. It was finally showing me a path to accept and love myself. And now I feel it is my turn to give something back, to support others finding their own path into self acceptance and peace which is coming along with it.
About my own path…
and why I think I can contribute to support others:
Coming from a years-long depression with eating disorders accompanied by body dysmorphic disorder, I know what it means to not feel aligned with oneself. The massive impact this combination had on my daily life and my relationships for more than two decades, was something I was not able to see when I was still in the middle of it. I was simply not the person I truly am or wanted to be; I was hiding and limiting myself out of the fear of being judged or not being »lovable«. I tried to fit in — to a certain image of body type, how I lived my life, and I tried to fulfil the expectations of others. 24/7.
My curiosity, lightness, and sensuality in discovering life were buried underneath a ton-heavy pile of shame and the feeling that I would »never be enough« — for anything. But how could I, if the picture I wanted to fulfil was simply not me? I lost myself before I could even find myself.
Luckily, the explorer in me was unwilling to accept this situation and I kept looking for solutions to transform my disbeliefs into something that serves me better. My studies were the first enlightening moment: Not the best student at school, I finally found a topic in my graphic design studies that explained so many things about human beings. I started to understand, and my brain soaked up everything about human perception, mechanisms, and sociocultural dynamics, which gave me a bigger picture of my own path so far.
There are barely pictures existing from me in younger years, as I was very good in hiding myself.
At one point this inner voice, my true me, knocked so loudly on the door, that I couldn´t ignore it anymore. This voice told me to explore: my sensuality, sexuality, different types of relating, intimacy, relationships. I found my strength to take the step into the unknown. Between falling and flying. With a clear and intuitiv vision of how I want to live. And after just a few years I am now on an amazing path, living a life, I could not have imagined all these years before.
At the beginning »Intousia« was kind of artistic documentation of this journey, the things, methods, encounters, or philosophies that crossed my path and helped me come to terms with myself. I created with »Intousia« a working title: It is a combination of the English »into« and the ancient Greek word »ousia«, which means »being« or »essence«. For me, it signifies diving deep into my essence, into my being—exploring the depths of what moves me in this life. Both the shadow and the light.
As I walked this path, I became aware of how many people resonated with what I found helpful for myself. The reactions were clear to me: This is where I have found my place. Here I can fulfill my nature of supporting others. Thus, the idea was allowed to grow and mature for a while, evolving from a private project that wanted to take up more and more space in my daily life, eventually becoming a professional one — with my own methods and areas of interest.
The creative adult is the child who survived.
– Ursula Le Guin
The people & organisations which formed me
As dogmas are not so much my thing I have always liked to create my own world with bits and pieces from a lot of different influences. I took the ingredients I need to offer something that is following my own style. These influences range from my academic studies in graphic design to spiritual or bodywork practices.
And this style is continuing to grow, like me. With each encounter, formation, small and big impulse which is crossing my way. A constant path of growing and adapting to the needs of my clients and fellow travellers. A beautiful journey I am very grateful for…
- Bauhaus University & HfG Pforzheim – Studies of human perception, coping mechanisms, sociocultural and -history as well as aesthetic knowledge
- Ananda Wave / Caroline Hopp / La voie du plaisir and many more… – Development of my tantric mindset, touch & approach
- La voie du plaisir, Woman Within e.V., as well as private body- or sexpositiv communities – Learning about the power of community
- Vipassana nach S.N. Goenka, MBSR – Meditation techniques, Schools of the present moments
- Lennart Hennig, Davi Rhein – Polyvagal Theory & Trauma informed coping techniques in community
- Marshall B. Rosenberg, Betty Martin, Michael Kreuzwieser – formed my authentic and compassionate way to communicate
These impulses gave me the toolbox to support others on their way!
This is where my expertise lies today: with empathy, sensitivity, openness and a wide range of knowledge about tools and my own challenges, I can give you some impulses to find your own path.
I used the following methods, tools and philosophies to built the base of my work with »Intousia« As I am a cherry-picker, I took the most useful bits and pieces of each to built up my own big picture and interpretation of sacred and protected spaces I offer.
I would be happy if it resonates with you and we meet in one of them. If you don´t know how to start: Let´s just talk. I would love to offer your a
- Non-violent communication – with yourself and others
- Consent-informed – sensing boundaries and communicating them in a clear but non-violent way
- Tantric mindset – being human in the sense of wholeness and purposelessness
- Vipassana meditation – the teaching of being and ‘detachment’
- Polyvagal-informed – understanding the body as an ‘animal’ which is programmed to survive, using it´s wisdom to make conscious choices
- Emotional-release-informed – understanding emotions as a compass and learning to deal with them.
- Chakra-informed – understanding the energy centres of the physical and subtle body
- Art-based reflection methods – understanding our world as a collection of concepts (which are adaptable to us)
Be a part of our Love-Community!
What I can see through my work with people: in our individualistic times, many people have a deep longing for connection. For this reason we–my Partner Nicolas Deru from »La voie du plaisir« and I with »Intousia«–want to connect these people, that feel the call for more depth in their lives, to be with others in their authenticity.
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