Who Is This Guy?
Layering traditional practices (meditation, prayer, and ritual) with instantly accessible language and approach, Jason Gonzalez has built and transformed communities throughout the Greater Milwaukee area. With a remarkably soulful style, he touches the deepest chord in even the most obstinate participants’ hearts.
Known to his friends as simply Gonz – he has taken his personal experience as a business executive, community advocate, director of spiritual formation, dean of students, classroom teacher, father, and recovering alcoholic to high schools, churches, all city and state conferences, retreats (corporate and spiritual), and in treatment centers throughout Wisconsin. He has taught classes on Meditation, Social Justice, Spirituality of Nonviolence, Spirituality of Death & Dying, and Morality & Ethics. He states, "In essence, my objective is to inspire others to live creative and engaging lives.”
Beyond the Material
In talking about his approach, Jason states, “I believe that spiritual communities that are rooted in the oneness of the spirit, can lead to the awakening of consciousness, service and stewardship of the world. Basic human needs are vital; however, instead of placing value on external means, we must turn inward. Without a change in a person’s nature (spirit) no real changes in the external circumstances are likely to provide any sense of meaning, purpose, or peace. The only way we can find serenity is to realize that there is a Divine Reality that we all share. In connecting to the Great Reality within, we realize our infinite connection with one another. Unity is discovered within our soul, and the connection is maintained through constant work and service to each other.”
Experience, Strength, and Hope
Jason spent the late 90’s and early 2000’s studying Art from the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design and Theology at Saint Louis University, where he graduated Summa Cum Laude. Unfortunately, despite his education, he suffered years in alcoholic torture and despair. He states, “My alcoholic story is not unique. It is engulfed with misunderstandings, fierce resentment, financial insecurity, disgusted friends and employers, warped lives of family members, and sad parents. There were also countless vain attempts to prove that I could drink like other people, which always led to pitiful and incomprehensible demoralization.” In short, "I couldn’t stop, no matter what. I was absolutely powerless and completely hopeless.”
Then, one day in early June of 2008 he had a thought, “Everything I ever wanted to do will never happen. In fact, everything from this day on will get a whole lot worse. I knew I had to stop, but I didn’t know how.” As he searched for freedom he found a community of people who have suffered and recovered from the same disease. This was the beginning of a process that led to a vital experience which revolutionized his whole attitude towards life, people, and the Spirit of the Universe.
Logistically speaking, by using prayer, meditation, a method of self-reflection, and a strong community of men and women he walked through an intense self-searching process that connected him to the Great Reality within.
Founding a Movement
In 2012 Jason had the idea to create a community for people who were seeking the same experience he had. A place where they can live, learn, fail, and recover while re-building their lives. A few months later, using his own house and his teacher salary, he opened 4th Dimension Sobriety.
4th Dimension is a non-institutional sober-living community that provides a safe and secure home for men and women, 18 and up, who seek a life free from drugs and alcohol. The essence of 4th Dimension is rooted in community, service, and the Spirit. Residents communally live, and work, with one another as they build a firm foundation for a life of happiness, peace, and usefulness.
2018 welcomed the birth of 4th Dimension Recovery Centers (4DR). 4DR utilizes a holistic approach in treatment that both complements and builds on the unique needs of the individual. It offers Day Treatment (PHP), Intensive Outpatient (IOP), Outpatient (OP), and holistic modalities such as meditation, yoga, kirtan, acupuncture, and reiki.