Tending to Dreams

There’s never been a better time to take up the practice of Dream Tending, both online and in person, locally and on retreat. 

The concept behind Dream Tending is that our dreams carry an inner knowing, an innate sensibility and an element of potency that affords each of us the capacity to explore the depths of our own experiences. Far beyond the idea of merely learning something from our dreams, the process suggests that by accessing the deep imagination through the dream state, the mind opens – leading us to be better able to overcome obsessions, compulsions and addictions, bring new warmth and energy to relationships, and participate in a life more vibrant, alive and aligned with your soul’s purpose.

The practical and accessible system guides practitioners through the process of going deeply within the dream state to engage with the wisdom of the dream images as they emerge and offer insights and perspectives that can be applied to daily life.

Stephen Aizenstat PhD, is the founder of Carpinteria-based Pacifica Graduate Institute. The world-renowned Professor of Depth Psychology is also the founder of Dream Tending. After 35 years, Dr. Aizenstat, who over the years has collaborated with many notable masters including Joseph Campbell, James Hillman, Marion Woodman, and Robert Johnson, doesn’t always lead every Dream Tending workshop conducted through Pacifica. But he’ll be hosting a Live Tending session at 12 pm on Tuesday, August 19, that is accessible online.

This free workshop is a chance to explore the Awakening Stories that are emerging in our collective dreams and imaginations, and to connect deeply with our inner and outer communities of Soul Companions, elders, and visionaries. 

Also coming up in the field through Pacifica is a Dream Tending Summer Group (August 24-October 12), an eight-week online group to connect, learn, and discover the inspiring possibilities of tending dreams, led by Dream Tending Mentor Louise Rosager. Limited to a small group of no more than eight participants, the group ensures that everyone will have the opportunity to consistently work with their dreams, acquire new skills, and share any inspiration that arises for them within an intimate communal container. The summer group is ideal for both beginners and those who have had lots of
experience tending. 

Early autumn brings the Dream Tending Fall Retreat 2025 (September 29th-October 1), an intensive weekend on site at Pacifica Graduate Institute, where participants will explore Dream Tending theory through an embodied experiential method that embraces the landscape of Pacifica’s campus, creative expression, and connection. Two weeks later, a longer retreat takes place in Montana (October 15-19) at the B Bar Ranch near Yellowstone National Park, where Dr. Aizenstat will showcase unique examples of Dream Tending practice as he works with each participant’s dreams, offering clinical perspectives when appropriate. A unique ritual created by the group is presented at the conclusion of the retreat.

To learn more about any Dream Tending programming, visit https://dreamtending.com or email [email protected]

Classes in a Sacred Space

The Sacred Space in Summerland has psychic intuitive Carrie DeVaney as one of its new on-site practitioners, 45-minute sessions held in the private garden room where DeVaney will use her gifts to offer clarity, guidance and insight, with each session guided by the client’s intentions and including connection with spirit guides and messages. The Sacred Space also hosts its monthly donation-based Guided Meditation led by Guillermina Neal on August 15, and a special Sound Healing experience with Melissa Paulo on August 16. In other private session opportunities, Transformational Tarot Reader Kristine Marie uses her intuition and experience to offer a look at your past, present and future on August 24.

August’s twice-monthly Sound Baths with Brandon Kaysen (which are limited to 10 people) have already sold out, but September sessions are still available. Or you can schedule your own private, one-hour sound bath with Kaysen where The Sacred Space provides everything needed for up to 10 guests in a session. 

Visit www.thesacredspace.com/events

Super Sonic Yoga in the Funk Zone

Hotel Californian hosts a one-afternoon immersion into music-driven movement, deep intention and high-vibe connection, all set against the iconic backdrop of the posh hotel just a block from Stearns Wharf. Yoga artist MC YOGI and sonic alchemist DJ Taz Rashid team up on August 23 to create an experience that’s part ritual, part concert and all heart.

At 3 pm, the Chill Flow session invites participants to ease in, breathe deeper, let go and sink into a soulful, slow-flow session with ambient beats, gentle movement, and a grounded talk that’ll meet you right where you are – and take you a little further in. All levels are welcome. After the session meet the artists, ask questions, and connect with two inspiring voices in the global yoga and conscious music scene at 4:30 pm, before the Signature Flow Yoga Concert begins at 6 pm. The two-hour Vinyasa experience is delivered through custom Bluetooth headphones in a yoga-festival-meets-underground-concert full of DJ beats, poetic guidance, and a full-body, soul-forward practice that moves with and through you.  

Visit https://hotelcalifornian.ticketsauce.com/e/yoga-sound-soul-with-super-sonic-yoga/tickets for information and tickets