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The Call
In life there are many moments and stages of the unknown. For many the mystery of the unknown can feel frightening, unnerving, disconcerting, ungrounded. Often to bypass these feelings we barrel through them to quickly get to the known as fast as possible so we don’t have to feel the discomfort or unease. When we do this we miss out on something.
We as a people have entered into liminal space on many levels – individually, in our home/family units, as communities, and on a global level. We have left who we used to be, and we have yet to arrive at who we will become. We are in that space in between. These times may seem more heightened in the uncertainty, but the principles of sitting in the mystery with eyes open remains the same.
What we have learned is that slowing down and staying present in the unknown is an important stage in itself to find out who we are now and what strengths and possibilities are emerging to better inform the pathway for forward movement that is akin to what our self and soul and what our people and the world are needing now.
With this social distance era and the fight for equality and justice happening in so many communities the only thing that seems to be constant is change itself. In these changing times there is so much that is uncertain and unknown, and what we have learned from the last 30 years of gathering together is that men need time to share what’s on their hearts and minds and souls, especially in times of big change. In this new age of social distancing we still need to be witnessed and to witness each other.
Perhaps more than ever, we’re needing to adapt and respond to our changing world and how we can hold more intention and attention for the ways we want to show up today and in the future. These times offer tremendous opportunity for evolution, transformation, and change. There is still choice and agency in how we respond to our changing world and there is still support for all of us taking our next deep breath and making our next right steps.
What needs to be said?
What are you needing for self-care?
What is your soul asking of your right now?
What support do you need? What support can you give?
What are these times asking of you?
Come be inspired by each other, be open to listening, healing, and connection. Together we will learn how to better care for ourselves in these times so that we can inspire our circles with clear passion and direction from an open heart.
What Will An Online Retreat Be Like?
If you have been to one of our in-person retreats before you will find this online retreat to have a very similar feel to it. We’ve been doing online courses for several years now, and for men who have experienced those you know that heartfelt connection is possible online. We will have large group councils, guided experiences, small group time, solo time, and much more. You will find the interactions and connections to be just as personable and connective, with ample opportunities for personal and collective growth.
If you haven’t been to a retreat with us before it is important for you to know that everything we do is very experiential – meaning it is not much sitting an listening and more engaging in a variety of experiences and then sharing about those experiences in small groups. So even as we gather online we all will still be standing and engaging in experiences together (which means you are not just sitting there for hours at a time).
How Do You Address Online Fatigue?
We know that many men are experiencing online fatigue. Many of us are in front of screens a good part of each day, and thus the initial response to being online over the weekend as well can feel like too much. We too are feeling the effects of lots of screen time – And we know that the kind of connection provided in this retreat is important for your personal growth and self-care, especially in this time of lack of in-person connection.
As stated above, much of what we do during our online retreats is experiential – meaning you won’t just be sitting in front of your screen the whole time. We will be moving around during many of our group activities. And we also will have times where we spend solo time away from the computer (and encouraged outside).
What Does the Schedule Look Like?
Friday, October 16
6:00 pm – 7:30 pm – Session 1 – Arrival, Opening, and Intention Setting
Saturday, October 17
9:00 am – 10:30 am – Session 2 – Personal Strengths and Gifts
10:45 am – 12:30 pm – Session 3 – Gaining Allies
12:30 pm – 2:00 pm – Lunch and Solo Time
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm – Session 4 – Connecting to Your Lineage
4:15 pm – 5:30 pm – Session 5 – Communal Attunement
Sunday, October 18
9:00 am – 10:30 am – Session 6 – Insights and Integration
10:45 am – 12:30 pm – Session 7 – Next Steps
**If you are joining us for this retreat it is necessary that you are committed to the whole weekend.**
How Do I Make My Environment Conducive to an Online Retreat?
For this retreat you will want to make sure you set an atmosphere that will help you take full advantage of this time. When we are physically together in a room it is easier to set a conducive atmosphere because we are out of our normal routines. In an online retreat we all have to work a little extra to help co-create the atmosphere each from our own homes. To help with this during our session times you will want to make sure you have arranged the following prior to the start of each class:
- Set yourself up in a room that feels comfortable to you, where you can be alone, and where you have the space to move around
- Make sure you have good internet connection
- Have headphones for clearer listening (preferably wireless as some of our activities require moving around)
- Make sure your camera is working (we ask you be on video so we can see you)
- Arrange with partners/children to respect your class time and not disturb you
- Turn off your cell phone
- Close other programs on your computer
- Eat before or after session times
Staff
This retreat will be guided by Jason Geoffrion, PhD and James Churches along with other MLA Staff and Elders. You can view biographies of our staff here.
Registration
Registration is required to attend this retreat. Please click on the link above or below to register.
Upon registration you will receive a confirmation email. Shortly after you will receive an email that will have all the information you will need for the retreat, including zoom information.
Investment
The investment for this retreat is $297.
Space is limited to 20 participants, so sign up now to reserve your spot.
Scholarships & Payment Plans
Finances should never be the reason that keeps you from attending. We believe if you are called to this retreat then you need to be a part of it regardless of your current financial situation. We have two options available to help make this retreat possible for you.
1) Payment Plans – Payments can always be spread out over a number of months.
2) Scholarships – Partial scholarships are available.
If you wish to set up a payment plan or inquire about a scholarship, please contact Jason for the MLA Scholarship and Payment Plan Application Form.
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