Mission Statement:
At Make Shi(F)T Happen, our mission is to guide individuals on a transformative journey toward whole-self healing, liberation, and community building. Rooted in trauma-informed practices, we offer decolonization and community-building workshops along with somatic work and sound healing facilitated by skilled practitioners, fostering profound introspection and growth.
Whole-Self Healing:
We believe in healing that encompasses every layer of the self – physical, emotional, and spiritual. Through somatic practices, we address not just the symptoms, but the root causes of pain, guiding individuals towards holistic well-being.
Liberation through Decolonization:
Our work is driven by the conviction that personal liberation is interwoven with the collective pursuit of equity and justice. By dismantling the chains of conditioning and exploring the nuances of decolonization, we empower individuals to be architects of their own liberation which inevitably leads to collective liberation.
Community Building:
Inclusive communities are the bedrock of change. We're committed to creating spaces where diverse voices are amplified and celebrated. Through dialogue, collaboration, and shared experiences, we're weaving a tapestry of unity, empathy, and understanding.
Why It Matters:
The path to transformation isn't linear, but it is profound. By embarking on this journey, individuals ripple out a change that reverberates through families, communities, and society at large. Through Make Shi(F)T Happen, we're sowing the seeds of a better world, one healing experience at a time.
Join us in making lasting shifts, reclaiming agency, and building a world where liberation and community reign!
Our focus is liberation through decolonization
We bring together Body, Soul, Mind
A Holistic Approach to Decolonization and Healing
Decolonization and healing are essential components of personal and collective growth. Colonization has had a profound impact on indigenous communities around the world, and its legacy continues to affect individuals today. By adopting a holistic approach, individuals can begin to address the harm caused by colonization and work towards healing themselves and their communities.
This approach involves acknowledging the interconnectedness of the mind, body, and soul and recognizing the ways in which colonization has harmed each of these aspects of our being. By engaging in practices that promote healing and decolonization, individuals can begin to reclaim their authentic selves and reconnect with their cultural heritage.
Mind-Cognitive Decolonization:
Cognitive decolonization involves examining and challenging ingrained beliefs and thought patterns that uphold oppressive systems.
- Recognizing and addressing personal biases and prejudices acquired through societal conditioning.
- Engaging in critical self-reflection and education to deconstruct stereotypes and harmful beliefs.
- Actively seeking diverse perspectives to broaden one's worldview.
Body-Somatic Decolonization:
Somatic decolonization focuses on healing trauma and restoring connection to the body, often impacted by historical and intergenerational trauma.
- Exploring bodily sensations and grounding techniques to release stored trauma.
- Practicing mindfulness and breathwork to reconnect with one's physical self.
- Using practices like movement and bodywork to promote resilience and healing.
Spiritual decolonization involves reexamining and reclaiming one's spiritual or ancestral practices and beliefs, especially in the context of colonization.
Soul-Spiritual Decolonization:
- Learning about and honoring indigenous spiritual practices and rituals.
- Engaging in ceremonies and rituals that promote healing, reconciliation, and unity with nature.
- Acknowledging the spiritual wisdom of marginalized communities and integrating it into personal belief systems.
Why choose us?
Because we are damn good at what we do!
Choosing us means stepping into a transformative experience that's truly groundbreaking. We're proud to be the pioneers who have seamlessly integrated the mind, body, and soul aspects of healing, a holistic approach that's proven to be effective for the past three years.
Our journey began as a labor of love, and today, it's a movement that's scaling towards a brighter future.
By choosing Make Shi(f)t Happen, you're not just choosing an organization; you're choosing a proven path to self-discovery, empowerment, and healing that's been fine-tuned through years of dedicated work. Join us and be part of a community that's rewriting the rules of personal and collective transformation.
Inaugural
Make Shi(f)t Happen Healing Retreat
February 15-18th 2024
A few of the things we offer
Workshops
Embark on a Journey of Self-Discovery
Our workshops are carefully designed to guide you through the transformative process of self-discovery and healing. Led by experienced facilitators, these immersive sessions provide a safe space for exploring your inner world. From decolonization to mindfulness, our workshops cover a spectrum of topics aimed at empowering you to navigate life's challenges with resilience and authenticity. Join us in these engaging and enlightening experiences to foster personal growth and connection.
Meditation and Somatic Breathwork
Journey into the Wisdom of Your Body
Somatic Breathwork is a profound practice that invites you to explore the wisdom held within your body. Through conscious breathwork techniques, you'll release tension, trauma, and emotional blockages, allowing your body and mind to find balance and harmony. Experience the power of breath as a catalyst for healing and transformation, guided by our experienced practitioners.
Grief Retreats
Healing Hearts, Embracing Resilience
Grief is a natural part of life, but it doesn't have to define your journey. Our Grief Retreat offers a compassionate and nurturing environment for those seeking to process their losses and find the path to healing. Through guided activities and heartfelt discussions, you'll gain valuable insights into your grief process. Let us support you on this transformative journey towards resilience, acceptance, and hope.
Reiki and Energy Work
Harmonize Your Energy, Find Inner Peace
Reiki and Sound Healing offer a unique opportunity to realign your energy and achieve a deep sense of inner peace. Our skilled practitioners use the gentle touch of Reiki and the soothing vibrations of sound to restore balance to your body, mind, and spirit. Whether you're seeking relaxation, stress relief, or a profound spiritual experience, these sessions will leave you feeling rejuvenated and connected.
What we've done for our clients
"The online community at Make Shi(f)t Happen has been a true lifeline for me. In this digital space, I've found a tribe of like-minded individuals committed to personal growth, decolonization, and healing. The support and understanding I've received here are unparalleled. It's a safe haven where I can share my thoughts, experiences, and vulnerabilities without judgment. The virtual workshops and discussions have expanded my horizons and deepened my self-awareness. I'm grateful to be part of this empowering community."
Sarah M. 42
"Joining the Make Shi(f)t Happen online community was a game-changer for me. It's a space where I can be my authentic self, explore my identity, and engage in conversations that matter. The virtual workshops on somatic healing and mindfulness have helped me manage stress and anxiety. But it's the sense of belonging that's been the most valuable. This community feels like family—supportive, encouraging, and always ready to lift each other up. If you're looking for a place to grow, heal, and connect, this is it."
Aisha T 37
Join our online Make Shi(f)t Happen Community
“In order to heal the collective, we must heal collectively”-Desiree B Stephens
About Desireé
I am Desireé B Stephens, the founder of Make Shi(f)t Happen(2020).
My journey has been a tapestry of personal experiences woven with the threads of education, decolonization, and community building.
With a deep-seated passion for guiding transformation, I've dedicated myself to the intricate work of dismantling oppressive systems. As an educator, my mission is to empower individuals through knowledge and self-awareness.
My role as a decolonization counselor allows me to navigate the complexities of identity and challenge ingrained narratives. As a community builder, I've witnessed the power of unity through dialogue in shaping a more equitable world.
Make Shi(f)t Happen is not just my vision; it's an evolving movement where healing, liberation, and community converge. It's a privilege to stand alongside change agents, fostering spaces where whole self-healing and collective transformation thrive. Together, we're making the shift towards a brighter, more inclusive future.
"Change begins with the audacity to imagine a better world, the courage to challenge the status quo, and the conviction to make it a reality."
All money in
"In the tapestry of collective liberation, the threads of collective financing and creative financing are woven with the golden strand of reciprocation. Each contribution, no matter how small, is a ripple that expands the circle of empowerment. Together, we not only fund dreams but also nurture a community where giving and receiving become a dance of mutual support, where liberation is not a solitary endeavor, but a collective journey."
Creative Financing