The Nature Effect:

 

What if the benefits of nature go far beyond getting outside or conquering terrains? Most of us have heard that spending time in nature is good for our health. Many have felt calmer, clearer, or more grounded after a walk, sitting outside for a meal, or spending time among trees and water. But, why does being in nature have such a powerful effect on us? Are you ready...? We're a part of nature. Perhaps, you've noticed a sense of "coming home" or "feeling like a child again" while immersed in a forest, floating on water, or gazing at a crackling fire - that is, if home is a safe, welcoming, and nurturing place. Our child parts are ready to release from constrictions, and run freely.​

 

Personal Growth & the Male Self:

 

We are not teaching anyone how to be men. Instead, we’re offering each person the skills,

space, and opportunity to connect with or discover who you really are. This is the path

toward connecting with self and others through personal truths - welcoming curiosity

rather than defensive judgments.

 

                                                                              Here, we get to the roots of what is truly most important to you, and learn how to

                                                                              practice prioritizing in real life. How much energy are you putting into attempting                                                                                            to control how others see you, define you, or interact with you? Imagine shifting that                                                                                          energy from the need to control to showing up authentically in your relationships, in any                                                                                    environment, and with the mirror. Identity has become misrepresented, such that we are                                                                                    defined by what and how much we do. Two things are true in our philosophy: 1) our value                                                                                  is  inherent, and 2) we can reach contentment without feeling stuck by complacency. 

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The Experience:

 

Invitations during this retreat include: mindfully hiking with curiosity and gratitude - connecting with nature  through meditation, movement, and interactive practices - time and space for introspection - intentional and meaningful conversation, discovery,

and community.

 

Expert guidance in areas of physical, mental/emotional, relational, and spiritual (not religious)

well-being is woven into our daily practices.

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Discovering and experimenting with stories of limitations: A portion of this retreat is inspired

by the Shinto Japanese tradition of misogi, inviting participants to challenge deeply engrained

stories that limit our experiences, turning dated expectations and rules in our rulebooks that are

limiting and burdening into healthy boundaries and agency to get our needs met.

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Nourishing and healthy meals are included with your investment. 

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By the time you leave these forested mountains, you'll notice a sense of calm, contentment, and connection, which is all yours to take with you. Everything you learn and experience, here, is designed to be approachable and sustainable in your own life outside of this retreat. ​Though this experience is cathartic and deeply enriching, it is neither therapy, nor a religious/faith-based retreat. We welcome any adult identifying as male interested in self-discovery, wanting positive male community, and able to navigate forested mountain terrain.