MLA offers rites of passage for each of the important stages in the life cycle of a man, as well as specific programs for children, families and the community. Through this integrated work, we are creating an affordable and accessible continuum of support for men, and a versatile vehicle for achieving our mission of inspiring, encouraging and supporting men into beneficial living.
Some retreats are offered every year, while others offered periodically. Please check out our current list of programs highlighted under the Programs tab.
RETREATS:
Men’s Weekend Retreats – A three- or four-day gathering of men with deep intention and guidance into the soul and purpose of each man. Soul Retreats are a chance for men to unearth and move obstacles that stand between us and our best selves, and an opportunity to build bridges to our visions and aspirations of who we can be in the world.
Art of Leadership – Leadership is an Art – a process of exploration into our own depths, into our family history, into the power of council and ritual, and then out among our communities. As an art, leadership involves the courage to face the creative edge of uncertainty and to leap boldly into the unknown. Leadership is a talent we all possess, one that we can develop and practice to free our creative power in service of our self, our families, our businesses and communities.
Father & Son Retreats – Of all human relationships, the father-child bond is perhaps the most misunderstood and maligned. This relationship can be the cause of much confusion and lead to tremendous suffering and pain in families and in the world. And yet, a healthy father-son relationship can be one of the most powerful and profound relationships, healing ancestral lineage and planting seeds for strength and love in the generations to come. Father & Son Retreats provide a place to explore, heal, share and cultivate this complex relationship.
Initiations to Manhood for Teenage Boys – Even with all the benefits of our modern society, we have lost the sacred Rite of Passage for boys. Without such pivotal experiences as a Rite of Passage, the transition to manhood can be precarious, parent relationships may be strained, and social, emotional and vocational maturity are vulnerable to underdevelopment. Our Rites of Passage initiation bring this traditional ceremony to the modern world through guided and facilitated wilderness retreats, that celebrates and supports the entire family system and community growth.
Vision Fasts – These pan-cultural ceremonies have been an integral part of a healthy humanity for thousands of years. Communities around the earth continue to center their love, personal meaning, healing and spiritual existence with the experience of solitude, fasting, prayer, deep soul connection, mystery and vision in nature. This is a time to reflect on your current challenges, gain insight into your life’s purpose, release what no longer serves and take the next steps toward the life you are meant to live.
Elder Initiation – Go beyond perceived limitations about growing older and being less than excited about life and future possibilities. Explore the question, “Now What?” from a place of empowerment and excitement. Eldership is about claiming your sovereignty and life experience, and sharing your gifts of blessing and mentoring for younger men. Step into unique power to be of service to your family and community. Claim your bigger vision to ensure your entire life is one of fulfillment and happiness.
Deepening Our Soul Work – Men’s In-depth Retreat – This retreat offers participants a personal and communal forum to remember and enliven their deep soul needs. Together we will explore and challenge some of the resistances that may block living into our best selves and our own self-care. This work generates greater capacity to deeply bless all our internal relationships and our outer relationships and builds bridges between our personal soul work and the soul work of the world.
MEN’S GROUPS:
True North: Open Men’s Groups – A bi-weekly group open to any man in the community. This is a space for MLA alum to have a regular place to stay connected to the MLA community of men, as well as a place for new men to gain exposure to the powerful work MLA provides.
Men’s Retreat Follow-Up Groups – These Men’s Groups help men bring the insights and breakthroughs experienced at a Soul Retreat into their daily lives. Over the years we’ve noticed that many men come to a MLA retreat, have a peak experience, and then struggle afterwards to integrate breakthroughs into their daily lives. This group will explicitly address how to land back into your life with the guidance of a skilled MLA facilitator and the support of other men who were present during the weekend retreat.
Radical Soul Care for Men – Transforming Ourselves – Giving our Gifts – The challenge for this group is to address the ways we distract, suppress, numb, avoid, and otherwise get off track from what our hearts and souls are calling for. This group is about tracking our aliveness and making every day a move toward our whole, vibrant, and generative self, and naturally bringing our gifts to relationships, community and the world.
TRAININGS:
4 Gateways Coaching – The 4 Gateways Process is a simple and effective means for generating transformative experiences for anyone, anytime, anywhere. The 4 Gateways model creates new possibilities in the moment and provides opportunities to try them out. In the end, you guide clients to bring new awareness into their inner life, their relationships, their careers, and their world.
COMMUNITY OFFERINGS:
Community Talks – This monthly gathering is an open forum for men and women who are interested in personal development and growth to discuss topical issues affecting the community. All are welcome to this moderated ongoing conversation offered to the community by the MLA facilitators and other community members.
INDIVIDUAL WORK:
Mentoring On Men’s Issues – Specializing in council process, family/relationship issues, child custody, ritual soul work, men and wilderness, solo quests, sustainable business, social justice, conflict facilitation and mediation for individuals on a one-to-one basis or in groups, and through public talks and seminars.
Initiation Ceremonies and Rites of Passage – For men and boys of all ages of varying lengths, arranged individually or by groups.
