Shakio is an ancient Aramaic word that means - the blessed flow of life that nourishes everything. Shakio Institute is a place of radically gentle learning, a community of practice dedicated to the exploration of the depth of the human being.

Shakio is a space for collaborative exploration founded by Dana Ganihar, an experienced Focusing Coordinator and a teacher of the philosophy of Eugene Gendlin,and Baruch Brenner a multidisciplinary artist, rabbi and certified Focusing coordinatorwho investigates and teaches performance art and Jewish mysticism.

Choose Your Path

Learning Streams

Art Of Prayer
Focusing
Focusing
Thinking At The Edge

Shakio's Founders

Baruch Brenner Is an Israeli theater director, actor, singer, teacher, focusing trainer and an ordained Orthodox Rabbi. Over the last 25 years, he has been a leading innovator in integrating spiritual practices with experiential work in theatre, movement and vocal arts. He was the artistic director of the Vertigo lab in the eco-art village, and a research fellow and member of Jerzy Grotowski theater ensemble.Baruch facilitates educational programs and workshops exploring religious and mystical traditions, with an emphasis on Jewish mysticism – Kabbalah and Hasidic philosophy – making them accessible to the general public.

Dana Ganihar, M.Sc., has been a Focusing Coordinator since 2007. Over the last couple of decades, she has led numerous workshops and seminars exploring the work of psychologist and philosopher Eugene Gendlin. Dana has initiated cooperative research exploring the potential impact of Focusing and TAE on diverse fields, such as biology, architecture, creative writing, and religion, in institutions including the Technion, Bar Ilan University, and Tel Hai College. Dana has served as a board member of the International Focusing Institute for three years.

View All Shakio Courses

Discover the full range of opportunities available at Shakio Institute and unlock your potential with our diverse selection of courses. Whether you’re looking to deepen your spiritual practice, enhance personal growth, or gain new skills, we offer a variety of unique and enriching programs tailored to meet your needs.

Testimonials

Testimonials

“Standing in front of the gateways of prayer, taking time to breath, observe, listen. Doing this together, even if within zoom-frames, in conversation and silence, with the lucid guidance of Dana and Baruch..this is a gathering with new and known depths, personal and universal, temporal and infinite – we’ve been blessed to have this opportunity” Prof. Sara Sviri, Writer – The Sufi Anthology

Prof. Sara Sviri, Writer – The Sufi Anthology

“Focusing is the art of paying attention to what exists and what will come into being. Prayer is the opening of the heart to the infinite. Dana and Baruch attentively and delicately take us as partners on a wondrous path of practice and recollection of the secrets we all already know. Highly recommended!” Rabbi Dov Singer, Rosh Yeshivat Makor Chaim

Rabbi Dov Singer, Rosh Yeshivat Makor Chaim

“Working with Baruch and Dana has been a very important and deeply stabilizing experience. Especially when the Corona measurements hit us and fear and insecurity spread I felt I was coming home when entering our shared space. I am so unspeakably grateful for being part of this group where failure does not exist and trials are welcome. Where being human gains a whole new depth.” Judith Weisz

Judith Weisz

“The Art of Prayer opened for me gateways of love towards fellow humans, the world, the future..to the understanding of our communal becoming, and a participation in the processes of creation. Many thanks.” Sigal Golan, Psychotherapist

Sigal Golan, Psychotherapist

“The Gates of Prayer are a profound experience that have brought a deep peace and colorful joy into my conflict ridden life.” Inga von Staden

Inga von Staden

“Touching upon the inner language of authentic prayer, the mystery of communication between human beings and the infinite and connecting with the depth of human experience – this course has provided me with great inspiration. The experience, knowledge and originality of Baruch and Dana transported me from the conceptual to the actual tools of spiritual work”. Yair Harel, Founder – the Piyut Website

Yair Harel, Founder – the Piyut Website

“The course opened for me actual gateways for entering into the my self and from there to explore the sacred space inside. It generated in me new awareness with the field of prayer, based on personal experience of observing my flowing life spring. This is a meeting with mind-diamonds that have been polished with accurate spiritual labour.” Rabbi Avi Luria

Rabbi Avi Luria

“Have found a new way to still be in love with and in this world with this very uncomfortable feeling I am calling pain.” Wendi Maurer

Wendi Maurer

“Profound sense of blessing, to have this opportunity to receive teachings on how to pray, within the context of the war, and to receive these teachings in community, a shared experience.” Milagros Paredes

Milagros Paredes

“I experience simultaneously life as it is more comprehensive as well as more clear – it is both in one, unbelievable.” Pter Nawka

Pter Nawka

“Thank you Dana and Baruch for the deep and wonderful process that you’ve just facilitated on ‘prayer in times of trouble’. I don’t have words to describe how it has impacted my life but I know it’s made a huge and positive difference.” Therese Fitzgerald

Therese Fitzgerald

“Dear Dana and Baruch, I just want to thank you again for offering this course and leading/ teaching us so beautifully. The space to listen, ponder, experience, name and share, was a gift that together, you held so graciously and artfully. It was deeply helpful and enriching for me. The group was blessed with wisdom too, and I looked forward each week to the time together. May you both enjoy abundant blessings amid the pain & troubles of life. “ Maria

Maria

“Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and wisdom. I have learnt about being perception bound, accepting reality, acknowledging subtle changes and listening to my inner wisdom and tapping into the length of days.” 

Vicky Grgic

Vicky Grgic

All Around The World

Shakio Gallery & Events

Join our quiet Whatsapp group, The 'Shakio' community, where we will update about new courses opening, available materials, and free meetings.

Contact Us

Dana Ganihar: +972525060331, dganihar@gmail.com

Baruch Brenner: +972545831360, brenerba@gmail.com

About

Shakio Institute is a place of radically gentle learning, a community of practice
dedicated to the exploration of the Implicit – the embodied wisdom in the process of becoming.

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