Interview: Bold Journey

Photos: Merav Maroodi, Grit Siwonia, Hadas Tapouchi

Speaking to Bold Journey was a wonderful opportunity to share more about my background, my own healing journey and to explain how this has influenced the way that I teach and how I host Retreats.

Read the full article here and below.

Hi Il’il Sat Prem, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

Let me tell you the story of a moment of clarity, and the winding road that followed.
A hyper-sensitive soul, right in the midst of a full-blown spiritual awakening — crossing Madison Square Park that fine spring evening, the energy of the city overwhelmed me. “Go in nature!” is my first piece of advice to anyone going through something like this. That’s not what I did, though. When I realized something big was going on, a profound transformation was about to revolutionize every cell in my body, every corner of my soul — I packed my suitcase, bid goodbye to the safety of my home, family, friends, and career — and bought a one-way ticket to the place that scared me the most: the busiest, craziest city I knew — New York.

That evening, however, I wasn’t so sure anymore. Life in one of the world’s busiest cities can be taxing for anyone, but for a hypersensitive person undergoing a spiritual crisis, the urban reality, as I experienced it that fine spring evening, proved to be more than my nervous system could bear: it was physically painful.

Yet there I was, trying to cross Madison Square Park, and feeling like the souls of all who had ever loved, lived, dreamed, and departed in this place were somehow flowing through my whole being. And all I could do was stand there, vulnerable, stripped to my core. I was SOUL NAKED.

Then, amidst the chaos, a gentle inner voice whispered, “Breathe… Look up… It’s okay to smile…” And in that moment, something in me shifted forever. An inner sanctuary of blissful silence revealed itself within, and in that sacred space, the pain and inner turmoil transformed into an invitation to experience the simplicity of Being, to embrace each breath, and to find solace in a smile.

A profound realization washed over me—I realized my place in our intertwined connectedness: there I was — so small and yet an integral part of it all. Compassion flowed through me, encompassing the entire cosmos in its embrace — and as I realized my interconnectedness with all things, I wasn’t afraid any more.

I understood the power I had to hold space for others: to extend my heart fully to embrace their pains, struggles, and joys. Humbled and grateful for this gift of heightened sensitivity—I could finally fully welcome my ability to experience life’s entire spectrum of emotions, and I could finally accept the challenge, I could finally accept my role —

I was a healer, and a teacher, and I would have to share my gifts with the world — reaching out to those who needed guidance, showing them the beauty of their own souls, and teaching them how they can be healers too.

The pieces came together that day, my vision was now crystal clear.
But how to get there? How do I even articulate my experience? That, I didn’t know.

Finding my voice has been a lifelong journey, one that began long before that pivotal moment in New York. You see, silence wasn’t a new experience for me; in the home I grew up in, truth was often unspoken, and secrets held equal weight to spoken words. I was the golden child: artist, pianist, writer — but inside, I felt flawed. I was different, too sensitive, unlovable and unseen — most of my energy spent on hiding who I really was.

But the soul is stronger than any facade, and ultimately finds the way to shine its light.

I thought art would be my truth path, yet, as an artist, a composer, I often felt like a fraud. Resorting to every trick in the book to veil my creations in ambiguity, I’d briefly expose my heart, only to swiftly conceal it once more. And when I ventured too deeply, I fell into silence. Yet, skimming the surface just wasn’t enough. It was the core of my human experience that longed to be expressed and shared.

My calling was to find clarity: to articulate silence and to speak it up — to illuminate the expansive space I knew resided within me — and to guide others to discover that profoundly healing infinity within their own selves.

That pivotal moment in Madison Square Park brought clarity crashing in. I couldn’t sustain the facade any longer, I couldn’t be a liar any more.

Dropping my artist persona presented quite the challenge. It was easier to feel misunderstood than to actually stand there and boldly express my vision.

BUT MY SOUL WAS LEAVING ME WITH NO CHOICE

I embarked on a journey to strengthen myself. I cultivated resilience and committed to care for my own being with unwavering tenderness — and a strong discipline too: Kundalini Yoga became a guiding light, providing nurturing and stability as I began to embrace my sensitivity — finally transforming it from a burden to a gift.

And then I met my teacher.

He was a yogi and a masterful healer — and it was immediately clear to me that I had to learn from him. He taught a secret healing practice — passed down through millennia in silence, from one master to a select few disciples. He was likely the first to openly teach it to all who wished to learn. However, as I assumed the role of teacher myself, I was cautioned against sharing the teachings online, recording sessions, or even advertising my own class.

There were so many do’s and don’ts! My journey has carried me across continents and oceans, far from my restrictive upbringing — yet there I was, trapped once again in a cult-like setting, with so little freedom to shine my true light.

But that innermost reality — that vast expanse of profound, egoless clarity— embodies pure love, where sharing is akin to breathing, and the impulse to live is synonymous with the impulse to give and share.

And so I had to break free.

It’s been 17 years since that day in Madison Square Park. In that time, I’ve dedicated myself to mastering the intricacies of ‘Healing in The Flow’ – the meditative healing art of absorption in divine silence.

In 2020, the pandemic struck. Online spaces became crucial for our sense of community and human connection — and the need for healing soared. Then in 2021, I welcomed my first child into the world. Parenthood, especially as a single mother, instilled a newfound pragmatism in me. Consequently, in 2022, it was time; I was fully prepared, with no hesitation or doubt remaining.

I established the ‘School of Applied Silence’ and, with a focus on remote healing, began openly sharing ‘Healing in The Flow’ in an online format for the very first time. This initiative finally makes this profound practice accessible to individuals worldwide, empowering them with the tools to connect deeply and meaningfully. They learn to heal others, both remotely and in person, using their healing intention, powerful awareness, and meditative mind.

I now dedicate myself to sharing these teachings. Through online courses, live events, retreats, recorded healing sessions, and online group classes — I guide meditation lovers and spiritual seekers to discover the healer within — offering them simple, accessible and profound techniques to become the healers our world so desperately needs.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

So in 2023, I launched the first-ever ‘Healing in The Flow’ online training, offering a step-by-step curriculum that teaches and empowers individuals to become the healers our world needs.

It’s been an extraordinary creative journey, and I’m immensely proud of the outcome. But the beginning was far from smooth. With years of experience teaching it, I was acutely aware of the intricacies of this ancient healing modality, and I had to question whether it was even possible to impose structure on such a vast, mystical body of knowledge.

Suggesting a beginning and an end to *infinity*? What a peculiar idea.

And there were other challenges, too. Like all genuine spiritual traditions, this mystical healing art is deeply rooted in the experience of the present moment. Each moment is wholly unique; every individual I guide, every student I instruct, embarks on their own journey into the depths of consciousness—spontaneously unfolding in the NOW.

How could I possibly capture the essence of it in a pre-recorded format? And even if I do—how could I transform it into a cohesive curriculum? It was uncharted territory. Yet I was driven by a clear purpose. Truly believing in the power of this practice to bring about positive change, I was committed to making it accessible to as many individuals as possible.

And sure enough, the sacred space held all the answers—

The moment I tuned in, sat in front of that camera, and surrendered myself to the supreme flow, the solutions effortlessly emerged. What a profound lesson in relinquishing control!

The outcome is an outstanding program, blending digital tools with an ancient mystical practice. This exciting combination has birthed something truly groundbreaking and innovative, in my opinion. The course is nothing short of magic, and it’s been receiving stellar reviews.

Participants report quantum leaps in their meditative practice. In heartwarming messages, people without any prior healing experience share that the program has unlocked innate healing abilities they couldn’t imagine they possessed. And experienced healers report that the training has deepened their practice and empowered them to incorporate remote healing. The efficacy and reach of this course have exceeded my wildest expectations.

And it’s designed to serve a diverse array of individuals: meditation practitioners looking to take their practice to the next level; yoga teachers aspiring to elevate and deepen their practice while mastering the art of holding transformative space for their students; therapists eager to expand into remote work or to refine their remote healing skills; individuals who want to learn a simple yet profound technique to heal their loved ones; and anyone who’s responsible for the well-being of others and would like to cultivate a radiant and healing presence.

THEN, THERE’S THE UPCOMING PORTUGAL RETREAT.

You know, I’ve really come to value our online community and how technology brings us together. But at the same time—like all of us, I suppose—I’ve been longing for that real, face-to-face connection. So after two years of virtual classes and immersions, I’m thrilled to announce the very first international Healing in The Flow week-long retreat, happening from 9-16 November 2024, in the most beautiful corner of Portugal.

It’s going to be 7 incredible days and nights of deepening our healing journeys, while enjoying delicious and healthy food, rejuvenation, mind-blowing (literally!) spiritual practice, unbelievable nature—and deep and genuine connection—something we all desperately need right now. We will practice Kundalini Yoga, breathwork and guided meditation—and dive deep into the teachings of Healing in The Flow.

And I’m beyond excited about the location. I stumbled upon this incredible retreat center tucked away in a tranquil, secluded area of Portugal. It’s a serene haven surrounded by nature, where they grow their own food and every detail is crafted with so much care and love. The atmosphere is pure bliss, with no noise or digital distractions to disrupt our immersion in the experience. It’s the perfect place to fully connect and rejuvenate one’s soul.

If you feel drawn to join after reading this—don’t wait! I’m keeping the group small to ensure I can personally guide each participant and create a safe, intimate environment for a deep healing experience. Space is very limited, so if you’re interested, reach out to me now. If you’re an experienced meditator, this retreat is for you—and don’t worry if you’re new to healing. When you sign up, you’ll receive complimentary, unlimited access to the online course.

AND I’M REALLY EXCITED ABOUT THE FUTURE.

I have so many plans for the future. I envision offering training in Applied Silence, the methodology behind Healing in The Flow, not only to aspiring healers—but to educators, and conscious leaders as well. Because this tool is so much more than a mere healing modality. Applied Silence is the way to be calm and effective when everybody else is freaking out. It’s how you radiate your inner peace, infusing harmony and flow into your surroundings. Through this practice, you can learn to consciously synchronize the collective neural experience of any group, becoming a leader who effortlessly inspires others through your vision and presence alone. And it serves as a potent practice for maintaining a strong center, providing you with the internal resources to fuel your vision, passion, and heart. I believe that anyone responsible for the well-being of others—consultants, leaders, teachers, CEOs—should embrace their role as healers. Therefore, I eagerly anticipate expanding my training to serve these audiences as well.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

1. Communication
2. Communication
3. Communication

Let me expand on that 🙂

ENERGY

In my previous life as a musician, I didn’t just dabble in composing, but rather earned my living as a freelance drummer. From age 16 until my move to New York at 29 — despite my natural shyness and introversion, I unexpectedly found myself in the role of a performer, both behind the drum kit and in the classroom as a teacher.

From playing night after night in front of thousands of people, absorbing the energy of the crowd, and pouring my heart out through music, I learned a profound lesson: communication boils down to energy—the dynamic exchange between individuals, each contributing their own essence to the interaction.

And even back then, when I was ‘making noise for a living,’ as my mom likes to say, and certainly now, as I teach meditative silence — I’ve learned to harness and direct my own energy field in service of effective and soulful communication.

By engaging in practices such as yoga, meditation, and breathwork, you can refine your ability to shape the impact of your energy field. When you access this dimension of communication, emerging from inner silence — your vision gains clarity, your delivery becomes flawless, and most significantly, your message resonates deeply with others, reflecting their unique narratives back to them – and connecting straight to their hearts.

Here’s my advice: above all else, communicate! Articulate your vision clearly, and continuously refine how you convey your message, art, or mission. Try different approaches with diverse audiences and formats until your message becomes universally inspiring — until it resonates with every heart and soul.

As for enhancing your impact through your energy field, I highly recommend ‘Applied Silence’. Yes, that’s the cornerstone of my online training, and I can’t emphasize its importance enough!

HUMOR

Another valuable lesson I learned from my many years of teaching, is that humor is the best teacher of all, especially when infused with a healthy dose of humility and fun. When I teach, only two things matter: the other person—their needs, their unique journey, how I can assist them along their path — and the message I wish to convey and to share.

But that message is never about me. I’ll willingly “sacrifice myself” on the altar of a good joke or a useful lesson—time and time again—because I am human, painfully and awkwardly so, and it’s precisely this vulnerability that renders an authentically shining heart convincing to others.

So take your art, your craft, your mission, your message dead seriously—but never yourself.

LISTEN

I could write poetry about listening: to the silence, to the spaces between words, to the breath, to the faintest of sighs… Listening is a practice of love. And it will teach you everything you need to know, so learn to listen with your whole being; listen with your whole heart.

How to cultivate this skill? Meditate, meditate, meditate—discover the expansive space within you, and from there, listen.

Here’s a practical meditation tip: during conversations, tune into your bodily sensations. Divide your attention so that you’re actively listening to the other person while also acknowledging the physical and emotional responses within yourself. This practice will make you wiser, deeper, and more present.

Last but not least, a crucial quality in my own journey and my final advice to you:

BE BOLD

Let nobody squish you in a box. Follow your heart, do what you need to do, do what you know is right. Staying true to my vision and values has often felt like taking the most inconvenient path possible — but I’ve never felt like I had a choice. An inner flame ignites our vision, and if you just tune in and keep it in your heart, its light will guide you through. There’ll be moments when you stand alone, with no one to share your dream with — and life will occasionally throw you off track. Know that the more powerful your vision, the greater the challenges you will encounter — and let that awareness strengthen you.

How to become bold? Practice and repeat 🙂

Are you open to collaborating? Tell us about the kinds of projects you’re drawn to, and how can folks who want to work with you get in touch.
Absolutely! If meditation’s your passion, if interconnectedness is your truth, and if you believe healing is our birthright, I’m eager to connect. Let’s inspire each other, join forces, and infuse our world with love and healing. I’m open to various collaborations:

If you’re a healer, coach, or educator—let’s craft a training program together, host a retreat, or simply collaborate to share our work with wider audiences. If you lead yoga or meditation trainings, or offer healing courses—invite me to introduce my work to your students: it’s a profound tool and it will serve them well. If you’re a tech wizard with the spirit of a bodhisattva—let’s develop an app or service to make healing more accessible, or co-host a podcast exploring ancient and modern healing ways. And if you’re in a different field altogether, but my vision resonates with you and you’re in a position to support my work—through your soulful marketing agency, social media presence, or any other inspiring means—consider me an eager partner!

Or do you host your own podcast? I’d love to be a guest.

Then there’s my grand vision. I dream of creating a healing center one day—a sanctuary where people come to have transformative experiences, learn the art of healing, and explore new paths to vitality and health. I envision the most beautiful and serene place on earth—a haven for healing, learning, and connection. A place where people forge deep bonds: with each other, the land, and their own souls. If such a vision stirs your deepest essence, then let’s talk.

And if you intuitively feel that we should meet — don’t think twice about it, just reach out, I’d love to know you.
Connect via email, LinkedIn or Instagram.