Our approach
We bring our psychological, creative and spiritual orientations and talents to bear in designing and implementing ceremonial events and one on one sessions that invoke a sacred container for deep inquiry, emotional healing, and further embodiment into the blessed dance of our messy, divine humanness. We recognize and cultivate the healing power of authenticity and playfulness in the ceremonies we design and conduct. These joyful qualities naturally and spontaneously arise when folks are held with reverence and love.
In our one on one work, as “tenders of the soul,” we invite our clients into a container of loving presence, sacredness and safety. Within the field of deep mindfulness and intimate contact with present experiences as they organically arise, we remember to fulfill our yearning to embark on that greatest of adventures, the one which calls us home to our Selves . This journey is often fun, even as it is challenging. Held in a space of insight and compassion you become empowered to embrace all parts of yourself, in wholeness and in beauty, effortlessly.
Hakomi Somatic Psychotherapy, Spiritual Guidance, Ceremonial Song Circles, Ceremonial Design and Facilitation, Rites of passage, Weddings, P.A.T. Preparation and Integration, Dream Work, Music
Our Offerings
Hakomi Mindfulness Based Somatic Psychotherapy
In collaboration with your soul’s yearning for healing and self discovery, you are held in loving presence. Skillfully contacting your present experience gently and organically brings up the most salient material. Every session is an adventure!
Spiritual Counseling
Sometimes we might need a little help to interpret what the life teacher is trying to tell us… especially when she’s being a little rough with us. With an emphasis on honoring your deep inherent wisdom and good heart we will cultivate the connection with that most trustworthy guide; your own true nature.
Ceremonial Song Circles
We use various spiritual technologies to step across the threshold, out of the ordinary and into the sacred. Singing is one of the most powerful of them. With singing we invoke the nectar of the heart. With ceremony we invoke a deeper knowing of our community and of ourselves
Opening Ceremonies
Using ceremony, intention and music, we will create a sacred container that introduces and amplifies the purpose and theme of your event
Meditation and Mindfulness
The ease and joy of the natural state of your being is closer to you than your own breath. Learning to remember this is to learn how to stop all the doing and rest naturally in the balance of “not too tight and not too loose.” Having an experienced guide is invaluable for this process.
Rites of Passage & Ceremonial Design
Life threshold events like marriage, coming of age, parenthood/birth of a child, loss of a loved one (grief ritual,) birthdays, midlife, becoming an elder etc. are all opportunities to invoke blessings, empowerment and more awareness of the preciousness of life. We would be honored to help you design your ceremony. We can also officiate and facilitate these sacred events
Men’s Work
Boys have been initiated into manhood for millennia. Because our elders did not have the culture which would have given us conscious initiation, many men and people who identify as men suffer in silence. In men’s work we summon the courage to look honestly at our own shadows, which have often been wreaking havoc in our lives, in our relationships and in our world. With support, guidance and initiation we can remember what it is to embody the noble qualities of sacred masculinity. In the wound we often find the gold that heals us
Dreamwork
A dream is a communication from a knowing part of your unconscious self that wants you to see or to understand something that you are currently turned away from, otherwise you would be conscious of it and not dreaming about it! Together we can decode its particular message to you, and explore how its wisdom can be integrated into your waking life.
“Elana and Alan have helped me immensely. Through their care, and the safe and deep container they created, I was able to process and integrate shadow material that had been holding me back for years.”
— Kate Vredevoogd, author & healer Colibrí Alchemy
Testimonials
“I have had the supreme pleasure and honor to receive the dynamic joy, compassion, wisdom and experience of Alan in a wide array of capacities, including but not limited to spiritual mentorship, friendship, group leadership, ceremonial leadership, musical leadership (and more); all of these vehicles of delivery having been employed by Alan with love and generosity of spirit to share his light with individuals and groups of people through the innumerable skillful means that he has accrued in his lifetime.
I experience Alan as humble, unwaveringly kind, devotional, loving, heart connected, present, humorous and oh so very alive. There is a glint in his eye and a warmth in his heart that are always there, even in his sadness and even in his moments of challenge or difficulty. In Alan, I experience a man who has lived a life in trust of and devotion to spirit, and I receive the transmission of what he embodies in each and every meeting with him. I am consistently left with a sense of love, safety, clarity and inspiration after time with Alan.
My time spent with Alan is precious, as is all time spent with others, however there is a way that each moment with him is so easy to treasure as a gift. Alan's musicianship, magicianship, leadership, and humanship is a benefit to any human who has the fortune to find themself in his presence. May Alan live many more years and may the gifts that he has developed in himself through a tireless life spent in joyful devotion continue to touch as many lives as possible. Two thumbs up for Alan :)”
- David Solomon - Somatic Therapist, Workshop and Retreat Leader
“Elana and Alan weave community through their servant leadership. A human being is a complex web of experience. Alan and Elana address the somatic, the heart-mind, the spiritual, and the communal through deep listening, ritual, song, sharing, somatic psychotherapy, and spiritual practice. As a participant I feel held in the embrace of humor, joy, grief, and affection in a deeply authentic process of unfoldment, revealing the layers of who I truly am and want to be again. Their leadership is skillful, wise, and caring. I highly recommend either or both for your journey of emotional healing, self-realization and reconnection with community, whether human, divine, or with the earth.
- Sarah Beasley - Lama, Author - “Kindness for All Creatures, Buddhist Advice for Compassionate Animal Care” -
“I am thrilled to share my heartfelt testimonial about Alan Sternik, an exceptional Hakomi practitioner who has played a pivotal role in my healing journey this year after the passing of my mom, closely followed by unexpectedly receiving negative news regarding the business I own.
From the moment of our first session, I was immediately struck by Alan’s warm and welcoming presence. His genuine compassion created a safe and nurturing space where I felt comfortable exploring my grief and anxiety. Alan's expertise in Hakomi therapy was evident from the get go, and I felt comfortable to dive deep. Through his gentle guidance and unwavering support, I was able to uncover and release deep-seated traumas, re-gaining a sense of self, empowerment, and groundedness.
Alan's intuitive insights and genuine care have been transformative, and I am immensely grateful for the profound impact he has had on my grieving process.
I wholeheartedly recommend Alan to anyone seeking a compassionate and skilled Hakomi practitioner who will guide them on a transformative journey of self-discovery and healing.”
- Sam Moletas - Leader in Men’s Work, Area Steward for ManKind Project, Hawaii
“I have experienced Alan's gifts through a variety of his offerings: counseling, men's work, song circles, and sweat lodges. Alan has lifetimes of spiritual wisdom that he draws from with humility and power. His clear presence, tender heart, and dedication to realization shine like a beacon through all his work. I feel incredibly blessed to have him in my life as a practitioner and friend. It's rare today to find true elders who are tending to the unseen world and shepherding younger generations on the spiritual path. Alan holds the elder seat with grace and can just as easily drop into play. I continue to be amazed by his adventurous spirit and commitment to doing his own work. Alan is a true gem - a bodhisattva in service to all beings.”
- Matt Sturm - Somatic Therapist, Retreat Leader, Author - “The Organic Masculine Lore Book 1: The Magician” -
Letter from a soul who attended one of our workshop at Singing Alive:
Alan and Elana,
Sweet beings. I cannot thank the universe enough for allowing our paths to cross. You two left such a profound impact on me, one which I will likely carry with me for the rest of my life. My heart felt so safe, present, accepted, nourished, and cherished in your presence—this is the sort of ineffable gift that ripples out over a lifetime. I am deeply moved by the way you two dance in relationship with each other, with your community, and with Life itself. Your community and family are so very lucky to have you two as elders and friends. I only wish we had more time to sit in deep conversation together—there is so much I'd love to pick your brains (and hearts and souls) about! Thank you both for meeting me, and every other human I saw you interact with, with such kindness, warmth, presence, joy, inclusion, humor, levity, depth, honesty, and love.
Thank you both for carrying your medicine so well, and for sharing it so generously.
With love,
- Savanna -