When we meditate, pray, ritually use psychedelics, do yoga, chant, encounter sacred text, we enter a space where the rules of daily living are suspended. We have an experience and leave transformed. We gain insight, learn/accept a little more who we are, decide how to respond to challenges.

 The same happens in games. We enter a space where the rules of everyday life are changed, we play, we are transformed. Maybe in a soccer games we don’t solve the world’s problems, but we do learn a little more about how we move through the world. Johann Huizinga termed this phenomenon the magic circle.

 In roleplaying games like Dungeons & Dragons, players create a character with abilities, equipment, powers, and personalities, then go on an adventure with other players. I’ve played such games for 40+ years, learning much about myself. Many people now use games for education, building social skills, and in therapeutic settings.

I have been working with people on their spiritual lives and existential questions the last 2 decades. Now I help people with such questions by playing games. You can be one, in a group or individual sessions.

Play a wily wizard, a peace loving warrior, a flashy thief--all while learning about yourself.  

We will make a character with whom you can explore questions about life, the universe, and everything. Then we’ll play 6 games with a group, every other week. Each game will include short opening and closing meditations, where we will set intentions for the game and reflect on how things went. In-between games you’ll have the opportunity to meet 1:1 with me for spiritual direction where we can go deeper into the experience and any other aspects of your spiritual life.

A new 6 week session starts Tuesday, March 9th, evenings.

When I first discovered Dreamchaser by Pete Petrusha of Imagining Games I immediately saw that it could be used for personal work. I became friends with Pete, edited part of the rule book, beta-tested the games, and then ran it at conventions. Pete then brought me on to adapt the game for use in therapy and spiritual direction. 

Sessions are 1:1, anywhere from weekly to monthly. You will create a character that is either yourself or a fantastic version of yourself--an astronaut, a soothsayer, an aspiring wizard, etc. Through play we will delve into personal questions and goals. 

All games and spiritual direction sessions with Menachem Cohen. Menachem is a spiritual director, rabbi and game designer. Much of their work is in the design and use of roleplaying games for spiritual and existential work. 

No D&D experience required. All games will play on Zoom. 

Racism, sexism, homophobia, white supremacy & other forms of hate will not be tolerated. Groups will create covenants for behavior & expectations.

For more info email menachem@whatmakesyoucomealive.net