Peh is a practitioner of ThetaHealing, a meditation technique and spiritual philosophy founded by Vianna Stibal (Photo: Patrick Goh/The Edge)
Options: You worked in the corporate world for decades but have moved to a completely different sphere. Tell us about it.
Carolyn Peh: I grew up in a conservative Chinese family where love and respect were almost earned by how fast I could climb the corporate ladder and how much money I had in my bank account. But I was also ambitious and managed to convince myself that feeling any form of emotion was a [sign of] weakness. So I ended up being skilled at bottling up how I truly felt. It was only when my world came to a standstill during the pandemic and its ensuing lockdowns that I allowed myself the luxury of reconnecting with my spiritual side. I have always been a spiritual person. As a child, while my friends played with Barbie dolls, I was more intrigued by fairies, ghosts and spirits. But I chose to keep this a secret as I could not risk having my corporate bosses think I was flaky. Over time, it became increasingly challenging to find a job that I liked so I sought comfort in my practice, choosing ThetaHealing in particular.
What is ThetaHealing?
ThetaHealing is a meditation technique and spiritual philosophy founded by Vianna Stibal. It is not tied to any religion and uses focused thought and prayer, offering physical, emotional and spiritual healing by tapping into the Theta brain wave and connecting with the Creator of All That Is. Through steady and continuous practice, I learnt to see beyond what I am shown. I read people and situations better; learn who, how and when to trust; as well as acceptance, forgiveness and what “enough” feels like. I also receive messages and guidance swiftly while in meditation. And this is how I help clients during their private sessions with me. I do “detective work” on them, finding out the root of their issues, clearing limiting beliefs and bringing in new feelings.
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How did you discover ThetaHealing?
From a visiting Australian lady about 12 years ago. I was going through a divorce then and seeking answers and clarity on life’s direction. On a whim, I booked a personal session with her and was blown away by the accuracy of my life reading by her. She was also doing the strangest things, highlighting life patterns and connecting how I act and behave now with my childhood experiences. I could feel warm sensations coursing through my body with every energetic download and see lights even when I closed my eyes. It was a trippy experience and at the end of the session I felt a load lifted off my chest. Over the ensuing months, opportunities began unfolding rapidly and I decided to study ThetaHealing. I signed up for one course after another and had various teachers. I am still learning as I practise the healing art.
Who do you think can benefit from this?
Everyone can benefit from ThetaHealing, whether from a private session or by taking courses and seminars. If you are intuitive enough to see repetitive patterns in your life that do not support your well-being, it would be good to seek help from a ThetaHealing practitioner. Or if there’s a mental or even physical discomfort that you cannot seem to shake off, even after seeing medical doctors, try consulting a ThetaHealer. I also weave ThetaHealing into my sound healing sessions.
You have a Soul Renewal Retreat in Bali coming up. Tell us about it.
There are many yoga retreats in Bali. And while I feel they are good, a spiritual retreat will really showcase the traditional Balinese philosophy of Tri Hita Karana which emphasises harmony between spirit, nature and humans. This retreat will take participants on a journey of reconnecting with themselves, the environment and their spirit and soul. If you are feeling burnt out from work, looking for answers, curious about spirituality or simply want to enjoy Bali in a different light, this is for you. I will also be bringing my Himalayan singing bowls to play for the group.
What made you select Bali?
It is an incredibly spiritual island. The devotion that the Balinese people have for their gods, nature and fellow man is so strong that there is a palpable energy vortex radiating from the land. Bali also offers a gentle lesson in living harmoniously with respect and love for each other and the environment. I feel that is an important thing for everyone to learn.
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You handpicked several sacred places for the itinerary. Tell us about each of them.
There are four temples listed, two on the edge of Lake Batur. The first is Pura Segara Ulun Danu Batur, which offers a great view of the mountains in the background. I love how my heart expands when I look towards the lake. The other is Pura Ulun Danu Batur. Proclaimed as a World Heritage Site by Unesco in 2012, it is one of Bali’s most important temples, revered for protecting the harmony and stability of the entire island. It is also sought after for its power to manifest fertility and prosperity.
Then there is Tanah Lot Temple, built to worship the sea god Bhatara Segara and one of seven sea temples along the southwestern Balinese coast. Lastly, there is Pura Tirta Empul. One of the busiest water temples in Indonesia, Tirta Empul is dedicated to Vishnu, the Hindu god of water. Its name, when translated, means “water gushing from the earth”. Pura Tirta Empul includes shrines to Shiva and Brahma, as well as one for Indra and Mount Batur. It is among the five most holy temples in Bali and one of the holiest water sources on the island.
I am also offering walking meditation at the Tegallalang terraced rice fields. It utilises a cooperative irrigation system called subak which aligns with the concept of Tri Hita Karana, a connection between spirit, humans and nature. Rice, a gift of God, and the subak system are part of temple culture. Water from springs and canals flows through the temples and out onto the paddy fields. Apart from the sacred places, there will be special workshops and activities for self-reflection and inspiration like canang sari (flower offerings) and traditional jamu-making.
So what does one need to do or prepare should they wish to follow you on the Soul Renewal Retreat?
Just come as you are, with a child-like sense of wonder. And be open to possibilities and joy.
The Soul Renewal Retreat takes place in Bali from March 22 to 26. For bookings and enquiries, WhatsApp (6012) 206 1153.
This article first appeared on Feb 19, 2024 in The Edge Malaysia.
