About Rev. Misa Hopkins and the New Dream Foundation

Introduction by Susan Gold

It may not be a common practice to most of us to refer to the experience of those who have come before us in coming to a deeper understanding of how to walk our own paths.  When we speak of the "wisdom of the elders, we perhaps think that this ancient tradition belongs to a culture other than our own. 

When I was invited to attend a Women's Water Bowl Ceremony with Rev. Misa, it was the first time that I sat in a women's circle.  It was during my experience in that circle, with Misa facilitating a sacred ceremony for women, that I realized the great wealth of wisdom and compassion available to me through a true understanding of and participation in  sisterhood.

The awareness that the wisdom of the womb of creation was my birthright came readily through my experience of sitting in traditional ceremony with a contemporary woman.  Misa is, first and foremost, a woman like any one of us.  She is also a gifted woman in the clarity of her quest for self awareness and dedication to assisting other women, and men, along a spiritual path.  Although Misa is younger than I am, I am honored to regard her as my elder because of the wealth of experience and wisdom that she shares so willingly and lovingly. 

The key, in this tradition of honoring elders, is that each woman who has come before us in this lineage was raised with the guidance of spiritual wisdom around her in every moment of her life.  Misa now shares these sacred traditions, practices and rights of passage that have been so deeply honored and respected throughout the time when all life was honored in a way that has been so sorely lacking in our current world, including a true honoring of the sacredness of all women. 

My own heart longs for a deep healing of the woundedness of heart that currently resides in nearly every aspect of our people and our planet.  In this I am so grateful to our elders, who, despite their own difficulties, still honor and revere the sacred principles of giving forward to others what has been gifted to them from the Creator of all things holy and beautiful.

Misa's strength and gentleness as a healer and in ceremony is unmatched. Whenever I have participated in ceremony with her I totally trust that she knows what she is doing. I am amazed at her ability to hold space in such a loving and authentic way. Her commitment, her training, her experience and her heart shine through in such an unobtrusive, quiet way that she makes it appear effortless. She's a natural, fulfilling her purpose, following her calling.     - Richard Bienvenu, Musician, Author, Hurricane Katrina Survivor

Misa was born to create ceremony. Her deep love for Spirit, nature and people, is evident is everything she says and does.  Misa magically weaves together just the right elements of prayer, ritual and song in a beautiful, breathtaking fashion.  I have had the privilege and honor of participating in numerous ceremonies, counseling sessions, and classes with Misa since 1995. Misa colors her life and the lives of those who have the joy of being close to her with rich depth and meaning.     - Snow Thorner, Life Coach, Director of Safe Cell Phone Now

My association with Misa spans many years.  Her dedication to walking her path and following Spirit is impeccible. In Ceremony, Misa taught from the heart, connecting us to unseen worlds leading to the Divine.  I gained a new sense of power and purpose.        - J.N.,Kailua-Kona, HI

When it comes to ceremonies I can't think of anyone I would rather have facilitate than Misa.  Misa has personally helped me through several transitions in my life using ceremony as a tool. She brings with her a powerful medicine of her experience and her songs as well as a very strong intuitive side that guides her to do just what is needed at just the right time.  I highly recommend her to anyone considering a Ceremony for any purpose.   
  - Kaleah LaRoche, Singer, Songwriter, Performing Artist, Spokane WA