Back to the Roots: A Mindful Outdoor Retreat for Men

The past few years have brought their share of challenges, for sure. Predating the effects from the pandemic, Americans, on average, are spending 90% of their lives indoors, are reporting record high experiences of stress, anxiety, depression, and burnout, and are reporting feeling more isolated and disconnected. From increased screen time to heavier reliance upon drugs and alcohol for relief. From increased obligations and demands at work and home to polarization of friends and families in politics, social media, and identities. Many folks have experienced an increased desire to change this new status quo in some way. Perhaps, you're feeling a call toward more simplicity or calm. Maybe you're wanting some time away, or focus on self-care. Even if you're just looking for something fun and engaging to do outside, we've got a great weekend in store for you. In short, humans have been further removed from our natural habitat, therefore, experiencing greater challenges (Louve, 2007). Nature provides medicine for all the above. And, we have science to back up this claim.

You're invited to enjoy a weekend with no obligations, only invitations; no notifications or streaming, just the ambient sounds of the forest and abundant life within it. You'll be guided to shift focus toward the basics, as you pause monotany, gain an increased sense of presence, prioritize what's important to you, and practice actively participating in your life with intention and purpose. This retreat is neither therapy, nor a religious group, but there will be no shortage of healing, self-care, growth, and nourishment of mind, body, and spirit. In addition to the innate healing of nature, we'll be exploring and discussing identity- what rule does masculinity play in your life? Is it helpful, harmful, benign? Are you comfortable in your identity? Do you strive to live up to predetermined rules of masculinity, or do you prefer a more modern, less rigid interpretation?

By the time you leave these forested mountains, you'll notice a sense of calm and contentment, which is all yours to take with you to recreate whenever you like. Everything you will learn and experience, here, is approachable and easily sustained on your own. Perhaps, you'll notice a greater sense of comfort and confidence camping and hiking within the natural world, a strong foundation or more fine-tuned mindfulness practice, a clearer and less convoluted sense of self, and a confirmation of that deep knowing of self and your connection to the outdoors that's always been there, but needed some nourishment. Even if you've been camping and hiking before, even if you already have a healthy mindfulness or meditation practice, even if you already have a healthy relationship to with self and others, you may be amazed at the new depths you'll be able to reach, here, when you have an uninterrupted safe space to press pause on the speed and chatter of your busy life, and let yourself feel nature's restorative properties in this way.

*Showers and toilets are a short walk away on the gounds, and there is running water at the campsite.

*Our site is reserved only for us, so no stress about first-come-first serve lodging.

*Each participant will have his own tent area within our site for plenty of personal space, while our on-site community area allows for connection with your guides and other guys on the retreat.

*Our site is wooded on all sides with plenty of privacy from other campers.

For details about where we will be staying, go to https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234469.

What you need to bring:

Tent (Don’t have a tent, and don’t want to buy one? No problem. Rent one here. If you prefer a hammock, bring that instead. There's room.

Sleeping bag

Sleeping pad

Clothes and shoes appropriate for physical activity outdoors in Georgia springtime.

Water container/thermos

Any medications prescribed to you and necessary for your health

Optional Items:

rain jacket

pull over or light jacket in case the nights get cool

bug spray

sunscreen

sunglasses

hat/cap/bandana

daypack

light (headlamp or lantern)

trail or hiking shoes

backpacking water filtration

Items NOT allowed:

firearms

fireworks

axes

alcohol

recreational drugs

speakers

What we provide:

food for all meals (good stuff, not freeze dried packets)

snacks

water

coffee and tea

first aid

**For a printable version of this checklist, click here.