Sons of Now is a men’s group for the metamodern man.

It's an intimate council.

Sons of Now (SON) modernizes the age-old ritual of men gathering around a fire to better themselves. We transform this primal tradition into a group uniquely tailored for our fast-paced, ever-changing world.

It's precisely the kind of initiative our society urgently needs, as we face an unquestionable and dire crisis in masculinity. Anger, confusion, shame—these emotions plaguing the modern man demand open discussion and compassionate support.

Amidst this unique cultural precipice, it can be hard to even know who a man is supposed to be today…Ought we become “alphas” intent on reclaiming power? Hyper-sensitive men eager to apologize for our very existence? Men who performatively adopt indigenous rituals—all sage, whispery voices, and sleek personas?

How about men who, in response to these existential questions, pursue a never-ending cul-de-sac of workshops and personal enlightenment retreats? Or men who continue, unthinkingly laser-focused on building our businesses, deaf to the political and environmental noise? 

SON was created to answer these questions—to help define modern masculinity within a community of men who want to be as well as they can be in this wild world.

Because the “crisis in masculinity” is only part of the story.

Today, men also face emergent and unprecedented opportunities. The information age has created the ideal conditions for men to train their body-mind, equipping themselves to meet modern challenges head-on. In fact, there's never been a better time to be a man committed to personal evolution. 

This group was formed for those who wish to step forward with intention and vitality to be part of the solution, for themselves as much as for others. It is for those who wish to prioritize the mission of their hearts over mere material gain. It is for those who wish to break free from constricting narratives about masculinity and leadership.  

Through this work, we'll nurture a new generation of men: healthy, high-integrity, emotionally adept, and socially impactful stewards for our complex world.

A new vision for masculine leadership

Here, we are not looking to funnel you into any prescriptive version of what it means to be a man. Instead, we’re creating a space for you to discover your authentic Self.

At its core, SON is a process group dedicated to deep transformational work. Think of it as a powerful fusion of group processing, psychotherapy, coaching, and alchemical badassery—all within a supportive community of like-minded men.

The heart of our work lies in rain-or-shine weekly meetings where we engage in honest, open dialogue and share soulful presence. In this space, we support, challenge, and celebrate each other. We work towards helping each one of us to realize our personal visions and dreams. We help each other embody healthy, mature masculinity. And amidst the deep work, there’s plenty of room for laughter and camaraderie.

What sets SON apart is not just its approach, but its intimate size and exceptional members: talented founders, entrepreneurs, executives, spiritual practitioners, and creatives. Consider SON your personal Board of Directors for life. Sound us out, get our counsel, and please, give some too.

Because there is no better way to invigorate your daily state of being and refine your life’s purpose than by regularly keeping council with a group of men deeply committed to your evolution—and their own.

We're curious—what insights might emerge from your dedicated inquiry? How might your understanding of yourself and your masculinity evolve? Better yet, what does our version look like? And how much better can we be, together?

Join us and find out.

What's included

A weekly 2-hour meeting hosted on Zoom with an intimate council of 8 - 10 men. 

A weekly 2-hour meeting hosted on Zoom with an intimate council of 8 - 10 men. 

Annual in-person transformative weekend retreats. 

Annual in-person transformative weekend retreats. 

Goal setting with accountability partners to help refine your purpose. 

Goal setting with accountability partners to help refine your purpose. 

Professionally facilitated somatic therapy, meditations, and breathwork. 

Professionally facilitated somatic therapy, meditations, and breathwork. 

Explorations into classic men’s work: deepening our understanding of our relationship with our fathers/mothers, shadow sides, archetypes, unlived potential, sexual desires, embodying mature masculinity, and general dopeness.

Explorations into classic men’s work: deepening our understanding of our relationship with our fathers/mothers, shadow sides, archetypes, unlived potential, sexual desires, embodying mature masculinity, and general dopeness.

Dedicated time to mastermind, brainstorm, and up-level your professional aspirations.

Dedicated time to mastermind, brainstorm, and up-level your professional aspirations.

A private WhatsApp group for secure messaging, accountability, support, and a few chuckles.

A private WhatsApp group for secure messaging, accountability, support, and a few chuckles.

This group is for you if you

Are a leader who identifies as a man.

Are a leader who identifies as a man.

Want to take your professional or artistic work to the next level.

Want to take your professional or artistic work to the next level.

Are curious about your emotions, deeper needs, and confronting your limits.

Are curious about your emotions, deeper needs, and confronting your limits.

Are seeking genuine community with similarily-spirited men.

Are seeking genuine community with similarily-spirited men.

Want to set goals for yourself in the company of men who will hold you accountable to your words.

Want to set goals for yourself in the company of men who will hold you accountable to your words.

Wish to honor and develop an unshakable tether to consciousness.

Wish to honor and develop an unshakable tether to consciousness.

Have (or are looking to develop) a contemplative or psychospiritual practice such as meditation, yoga, breathwork, dance, Tai Chi, etc.

Have (or are looking to develop) a contemplative or psychospiritual practice such as meditation, yoga, breathwork, dance, Tai Chi, etc.

Can consistently attend weekly meetings and are willing to commit yourself to this group.

Can consistently attend weekly meetings and are willing to commit yourself to this group.

"Joining the Sons of Now has been a top investment I've made in myself, my marriage, and my family. If you are looking for a group of guys to support and challenge you, this is it. "

Steven Schlafman

Founder of Downshift

Why "Sons of Now"?

The name alludes to several aspects all men share in common. The first is our contextual location in relative space-time: this group is designed for modern men.

Yet the “Now” also nods to the timelessness of the present moment, the Eternal Now, the absolute truth of our spiritual nature beyond the confines of space-time and identity.

And finally, while we may not all be literal brothers with siblings, we are all sons—sons of our parents, ancestors, the Earth, the cosmos, our culture. “Son” reminds us of a hierarchy present in the natural world, that we are servants, and not masters, of Life. 

Also cool: "SON" is an acronym for “sons of now.” But we refer to ourselves as "Sons."

Values

These are some of the values and principles we adhere to as a group

Accountability

Show up with integrity towards self and others. Stand behind your words. If you break your word, own it and make it right.

Accountability

Show up with integrity towards self and others. Stand behind your words. If you break your word, own it and make it right.

Emergence

Embrace change and adaptability for an ever-evolving world. Create space for unfolding possibilities.

Emergence

Embrace change and adaptability for an ever-evolving world. Create space for unfolding possibilities.

Willingness

Welcome the unfamiliar, push your boundaries, take bold action, and face challenges head-on.

Willingness

Welcome the unfamiliar, push your boundaries, take bold action, and face challenges head-on.

Honesty

Leave your mask at the door and speak the truth. Go deep within yourself to reveal what is closest to your mind and heart.

Honesty

Leave your mask at the door and speak the truth. Go deep within yourself to reveal what is closest to your mind and heart.

Love

Love as medicine: give generously, accept graciously, and spread the goodness of the human heart.

Love

Love as medicine: give generously, accept graciously, and spread the goodness of the human heart.

Presence

Bring your full self and undivided attention to every interaction. Offer the gift of your complete consciousness to all in your life.

Presence

Bring your full self and undivided attention to every interaction. Offer the gift of your complete consciousness to all in your life.

Embodiment

Shift from mental chatter to bodily wisdom. Cultivate awareness of emotions and somatic intelligence deeper than thought.

Embodiment

Shift from mental chatter to bodily wisdom. Cultivate awareness of emotions and somatic intelligence deeper than thought.

Ritual

Honor the sacred. Practice traditions that nourish nature, timeless wisdom, and the soul. Sanctify the everyday.

Ritual

Honor the sacred. Practice traditions that nourish nature, timeless wisdom, and the soul. Sanctify the everyday.

Interbeing

Celebrate the interconnectedness of all things. Honor the web of relationships that binds us to each other. Be a planetary steward.

Interbeing

Celebrate the interconnectedness of all things. Honor the web of relationships that binds us to each other. Be a planetary steward.

Fire

Allow fire to burn off what needs to be discarded in your life. Do this for other men by giving them courageous feedback, constructive challenge, and your passion.

Fire

Allow fire to burn off what needs to be discarded in your life. Do this for other men by giving them courageous feedback, constructive challenge, and your passion.

Priority

Make this group and the brotherhood a priority in your life. Schedule your weeks around the meetings and prioritize supporting the other men when needed.

Priority

Make this group and the brotherhood a priority in your life. Schedule your weeks around the meetings and prioritize supporting the other men when needed.

Respect

Give other men time to share, wait for them to finish, and hold space for them to process. When offering your council, do your best to be succinct without rambling.

Respect

Give other men time to share, wait for them to finish, and hold space for them to process. When offering your council, do your best to be succinct without rambling.

Annual retreats

We host in-person transformative retreats at least once per year, with locations varying across the US. These are an incredibly powerful way to expand the work we’ve been doing virtually and go deeper together.

The retreats involve men’s work exercises, primal expression, dynamic meditation, time in nature, sacred silence, a shared ceremonial plant medicine journey, and time to unwind and celebrate.

Next retreat: November 14th - 17th, 2024

Hudson Valley, NY

Founder & Lead Facilitator

Alex Olshonsky is the founder of Sons. He’s also the co-founder of Natura Care, the creator of Deep Fix, a practitioner of somatic psychotherapy, and a dedicated meditator. He has studied and trained in a variety of men’s groups, and receives regular mentorship from leaders in the men’s work space. At key junctures, men's groups helped him turn his life around and step more fully into his purpose. Now, he wishes for other men to experience this deceptively simple, yet undeniably powerful force for themselves.

New squads are coming soon

We will be launching new groups and organizing even more in-person retreats. If you would like to be notified when new groups/events launch, leave your email below to get notified.

FAQs

Questions we get asked the most

How much does it cost?

The membership cost is $550 per month and is billed on the 15th of every month.

Why weekly 2-hour sessions?

We are building momentum and intimacy. Trust takes time to cultivate, and our group forms its own collective power through high-integrity conversations, sustained by our shared commitment to personal evolution. Something truly transformative emerges when you meet with the same men—week after week—dedicated to working on yourself and supporting each other. This consistent engagement becomes the crucible for catching your blind spots, stepping more fully into your purpose, and cultivating a magnetic presence. There's simply no better way to accelerate your growth and deepen your impact.

Are there in-person meetings?

Our group convenes weekly via Zoom, with ongoing connection maintained through a private text thread between meetings. To complement our digital interactions, we host immersive in-person weekend retreats at least once a year. These retreats serve as powerful catalysts, translating the momentum from our virtual sessions into life-changing experiences and deepening our brotherhood.

What do I need to bring each week?

Just yourself in a distraction-free space. These meetings should not be sandwiched between your work meetings. It’s best for you—and the rest of the men—to give yourself time and space to mentally, emotionally, and spiritually prepare for the sessions. We will also agree to not consume any intoxicants or substances prior to the meeting. You’ll want to have a safe, private space where you can be loud and express yourself without fear of being heard, as sometimes we do exercises that involve primal expression.

What is your understanding of masculinity?

It is unfixed and evolving. Men are dynamic adaptive creatures living in a dynamic adaptive system. We have never met a man who, beneath the surface, fits neatly into an easy-to-pin-down label such as "stoic" or "sensitive."

The modern man benefits from being a practicing integralist, meaning that we include what is good and beautiful from multiple modalities and perspectives and then transcend them all to create something bigger and better. This means we must not simply discard the best traditionalism has to offer, given that the majority of men still encounter what could be described as ageless challenges. Namely, concerns of living in "right relationship" with women (or any romantic partner) and finding greater purpose in their work and lives.

In general, men benefit from reclaiming the Father archetype, which is grounded, trustworthy, benevolent, and loving. This includes understanding and not detaching from our emotions, providing a safe space for women and those with lesser means, and being able to prioritize other relational elements of life including a conscious relationship with nature.

Depth psychology, classic men's work exercises, and archetypical study can be quite helpful here. We see tremendous value in the works of Carl Jung, Robert Bly, David Deida, and some of the other foundational mythopoetic texts that comprise the "men's work movement." We are steeped in these books, and we will absolutely be drawing upon them in our sessions. And yet, we've also seen some of these texts that form the grammar of modern masculinity be misinterpreted and used as a rationalization for spiritual bypassing and narcissistic behavior, which is something we are committed to avoiding to the best of our ability. We take a critical lens to extract the wisdom these ideas offer.

Today, there's a temptation—and even reward—for men to be artificially sensitive. On the other end of the spectrum, men get triggered into states of insecurity, fear, and aggression by the evolving culture, especially when that culture is largely defined by algorithms and limbic hijacking. We avoid these traps by understanding what we uniquely stand for and living from that expansive and courageous place.

We exist in interesting times, where some of the more traditional "masculine archetypes" are proving outdated and even self-defeating. Evolution always goes beyond what went before, struggling to establish new limits, and then breaking past those limits. Thus, SON is committed to understanding the emergent expressions of masculinity. The truth is that gender has never been a binary, and today there is growing awareness—and much confusion—around this fact. There have always been near-infinite possibilities for whom a man could be.

Fundamentally, we at SONs believe that when men cultivate a sense of expansive consciousness, they provide great power, bravery, safety, vitality, love, and leadership. We build families, businesses, policies, and communities that make the world a better place. In poetic terms, we become stewards of the spirit of evolution. This is a power and responsibility that we, as men, should honor and enjoy.

Is this a high-performance executive coaching group?

No, it is not. This is a men’s group, meaning that the brotherhood itself—and not just the coaching—is the medicine. Men’s groups benefit greatly from diversity of experience, professions/careers, age, skills, race, etc. While SON is not exclusively a “high-performance” group exclusive to founders and executives, this group does attract leaders at the top of their fields. 

What’s the leader's role in the group?

Our sessions are professionally facilitated and incorporate coaching elements. Alex, our lead facilitator, brings a decade of experience to the table. His background spans facilitating community groups, Silicon Valley teams, men's groups, and immersive non-ordinary states of consciousness experiences. This is complemented by years of in-depth meditation and yoga study.

While every group needs a clear captain, SON believes men's groups are most powerful when the leader is also fully engaged in the work. Therefore, our group leaders, including Alex, and group lieutenants, participate in the exercises whenever possible and circumstances allow. This approach creates a more authentic, collaborative environment where growth is a shared endeavor.

What lineages are you drawing upon?

SON blends elements from various men's work approaches, creating a unique synthesis that honors both ancient wisdom and contemporary needs.

Our foundation includes mythopoetic and ritualistic traditions, which tap into the power of symbolism, depth psychology, and archetypes. We incorporate modern 'emotionally-fit' practices, utilizing psychotechnologies like breathwork and somatic therapy to foster nervous system regulation. High-performance coaching and business orientations are integrated to cut through bullshit and drive tangible results. Wisdom traditions, including meditation, yoga, Qi Gong, and consciousness studies, form a crucial part of our approach, as does indigenous wisdom, particularly from Amazonian lineages.

While many groups today focus solely on 'primal' masculinity, emotional sophistication, or hardcore success, we aim to integrate insights from each perspective.

Alex, SON's founder, is trained in various men's work modalities and receives ongoing clinical supervision and mentorship. He's also mentored by Ben Goresky, founder of Evolving Man and Executive Director of the ARKA Brotherhood.

How much does it cost?

The membership cost is $550 per month and is billed on the 15th of every month.

Why weekly 2-hour sessions?

We are building momentum and intimacy. Trust takes time to cultivate, and our group forms its own collective power through high-integrity conversations, sustained by our shared commitment to personal evolution. Something truly transformative emerges when you meet with the same men—week after week—dedicated to working on yourself and supporting each other. This consistent engagement becomes the crucible for catching your blind spots, stepping more fully into your purpose, and cultivating a magnetic presence. There's simply no better way to accelerate your growth and deepen your impact.

Are there in-person meetings?

Our group convenes weekly via Zoom, with ongoing connection maintained through a private text thread between meetings. To complement our digital interactions, we host immersive in-person weekend retreats at least once a year. These retreats serve as powerful catalysts, translating the momentum from our virtual sessions into life-changing experiences and deepening our brotherhood.

What do I need to bring each week?

Just yourself in a distraction-free space. These meetings should not be sandwiched between your work meetings. It’s best for you—and the rest of the men—to give yourself time and space to mentally, emotionally, and spiritually prepare for the sessions. We will also agree to not consume any intoxicants or substances prior to the meeting. You’ll want to have a safe, private space where you can be loud and express yourself without fear of being heard, as sometimes we do exercises that involve primal expression.

What is your understanding of masculinity?

It is unfixed and evolving. Men are dynamic adaptive creatures living in a dynamic adaptive system. We have never met a man who, beneath the surface, fits neatly into an easy-to-pin-down label such as "stoic" or "sensitive."

The modern man benefits from being a practicing integralist, meaning that we include what is good and beautiful from multiple modalities and perspectives and then transcend them all to create something bigger and better. This means we must not simply discard the best traditionalism has to offer, given that the majority of men still encounter what could be described as ageless challenges. Namely, concerns of living in "right relationship" with women (or any romantic partner) and finding greater purpose in their work and lives.

In general, men benefit from reclaiming the Father archetype, which is grounded, trustworthy, benevolent, and loving. This includes understanding and not detaching from our emotions, providing a safe space for women and those with lesser means, and being able to prioritize other relational elements of life including a conscious relationship with nature.

Depth psychology, classic men's work exercises, and archetypical study can be quite helpful here. We see tremendous value in the works of Carl Jung, Robert Bly, David Deida, and some of the other foundational mythopoetic texts that comprise the "men's work movement." We are steeped in these books, and we will absolutely be drawing upon them in our sessions. And yet, we've also seen some of these texts that form the grammar of modern masculinity be misinterpreted and used as a rationalization for spiritual bypassing and narcissistic behavior, which is something we are committed to avoiding to the best of our ability. We take a critical lens to extract the wisdom these ideas offer.

Today, there's a temptation—and even reward—for men to be artificially sensitive. On the other end of the spectrum, men get triggered into states of insecurity, fear, and aggression by the evolving culture, especially when that culture is largely defined by algorithms and limbic hijacking. We avoid these traps by understanding what we uniquely stand for and living from that expansive and courageous place.

We exist in interesting times, where some of the more traditional "masculine archetypes" are proving outdated and even self-defeating. Evolution always goes beyond what went before, struggling to establish new limits, and then breaking past those limits. Thus, SON is committed to understanding the emergent expressions of masculinity. The truth is that gender has never been a binary, and today there is growing awareness—and much confusion—around this fact. There have always been near-infinite possibilities for whom a man could be.

Fundamentally, we at SONs believe that when men cultivate a sense of expansive consciousness, they provide great power, bravery, safety, vitality, love, and leadership. We build families, businesses, policies, and communities that make the world a better place. In poetic terms, we become stewards of the spirit of evolution. This is a power and responsibility that we, as men, should honor and enjoy.

Is this a high-performance executive coaching group?

No, it is not. This is a men’s group, meaning that the brotherhood itself—and not just the coaching—is the medicine. Men’s groups benefit greatly from diversity of experience, professions/careers, age, skills, race, etc. While SON is not exclusively a “high-performance” group exclusive to founders and executives, this group does attract leaders at the top of their fields. 

What’s the leader's role in the group?

Our sessions are professionally facilitated and incorporate coaching elements. Alex, our lead facilitator, brings a decade of experience to the table. His background spans facilitating community groups, Silicon Valley teams, men's groups, and immersive non-ordinary states of consciousness experiences. This is complemented by years of in-depth meditation and yoga study.

While every group needs a clear captain, SON believes men's groups are most powerful when the leader is also fully engaged in the work. Therefore, our group leaders, including Alex, and group lieutenants, participate in the exercises whenever possible and circumstances allow. This approach creates a more authentic, collaborative environment where growth is a shared endeavor.

What lineages are you drawing upon?

SON blends elements from various men's work approaches, creating a unique synthesis that honors both ancient wisdom and contemporary needs.

Our foundation includes mythopoetic and ritualistic traditions, which tap into the power of symbolism, depth psychology, and archetypes. We incorporate modern 'emotionally-fit' practices, utilizing psychotechnologies like breathwork and somatic therapy to foster nervous system regulation. High-performance coaching and business orientations are integrated to cut through bullshit and drive tangible results. Wisdom traditions, including meditation, yoga, Qi Gong, and consciousness studies, form a crucial part of our approach, as does indigenous wisdom, particularly from Amazonian lineages.

While many groups today focus solely on 'primal' masculinity, emotional sophistication, or hardcore success, we aim to integrate insights from each perspective.

Alex, SON's founder, is trained in various men's work modalities and receives ongoing clinical supervision and mentorship. He's also mentored by Ben Goresky, founder of Evolving Man and Executive Director of the ARKA Brotherhood.