Rabbi Matthew Ponak

Get Directions View On Larger Map

Contact Information

Company Name
Mekorah Institute
Company Logo

Visit Website
https://mekorah.com
Schedule Appointment
https://calendly.com/matthewmekorah/60-minute-session
Online Social Profiles
Location
Oak Bay, British Columbia
Canada
Emails Sent To
info@mekorah.com

Company Details

Hours of Operation
9-5 Monday to Friday
Accepted Forms of Payments
credit card or e-transfer
Credentials
Rabbinic Ordination from Hebrew College (Newton, MA) - 2020
Masters of Contemplative Religions from Naropa University (Boulder, CO) - 2012
Certified Focusing Professional from the International Focusing Institute - 2021 (a somatic self-awareness modality)

About Rabbi Matthew Ponak

Hi, I’m Matthew.

I help people reconnect to their inner wisdom, calm, and strength.

Where I started (I think you’ll resonate…)

After growing up as a fairly happy kid, I found that adult life was overwhelming. Despite a decent social life and real interests, there were many days in my early twenties when I just couldn’t get out of bed because of anxiety. At the same time, I had begun exploring my spiritual life and greatly admired authors who described their inner states as blissful and clear. However, all the books in the world did not seem to help me find balance when I was overcome by stress. 

Then The Shifts Began…

I saw a counsellor who specialized in Somatic Spirituality. The first few sessions were noticeably calming and transformational. I learned techniques for addressing the roots of my anxiety that not only alleviated the overwhelm but also allowed me to gain self-understanding, confidence, and insight into my challenges so I could plot a course of action for my life. I also learned that powerful spiritual moments could be felt in my body. Overtime my baseline anxiety decreased as I learned to approach my inner dimensions with more curiosity and less fear and aggression.  I had a lot more resilience to everyday life, a connection to my passions, and a new ability to start living them out. Most importantly, I had reestablished a connection to my own inner wisdom—a source of guidance whenever I’m in need.

Now, I’m Here to Serve You!

My inner guidance ultimately led me to become a rabbi and spiritual counsellor so I could help people who feel disconnected from themselves. The same spark of curiosity I felt towards my own unfolding self-knowledge I now also feel towards the inner journeys of the clients whom I serve. There are few feelings as satisfying as witnessing someone work through a difficult situation and realize an innate truth about who they are. One person at a time, it is a privilege to help people find more calm, trust, and awareness inside.