Protective Barriers Melt Away

From the Moment I arrive at Saratoga Springs I am fully welcomed and smudged in an ancient Indian ritual. Then, barriers that I put up to protect me all melt away.  It may have been the sweat lodge, or it the drumming and chanting around the campfire that does the trick, but whatever it is, ManSpirit to me is a chance to really get to know my fellow men.  

I believe we are all here to make a difference in our own unique way. to be honored for being the peaceful warrior that we each are, to be responsible for our actions and also to have fun.  ManSpirit is a celebration of manhood, a time to welcome young man in to manhood, and a time to practice being as  supportive and as friendly as we can to others.

Rev. Sunbear 

A Dreamscape of Open Hearts

Attending the Man Spirit Fall Retreat is like entering a dream scape where men open their hearts, share deeply and get to know each other in wonderful ways! It is not only a viable environment to learn about yourself and get close to other men, it is a richly personal spiritual journey of discovering  a more illuminated and inspired path of your destiny. Man Spirit is an event you will never forget and will always cherish!

Neal Grace

A Path to a Surprising Realization

A simple suggestion from a friend brought me to the 1996 Manspirit Fall Retreat... the beginning of an inside-out path leading to the surprising realization that I am an equal to all other men. 

Every fall since, I've attended the retreat without hesitation: How could I ever refuse a continuing invitation to this soul-healing ritual? Once my heart opened to other men as equals even for just a moment, the realization grew to a driving force on a path away from isolation and blame. 

Now, I arrive at the retreat and step into the palpable sensation of connection - we are, indeed, One. 

More Confident, Self-Assured, Creative and Playful

I asked Peter Stickney what was the most valuable thing he got out of his 20 something years of associate with ManSpirit. He said:

“I learned to ‘show up’ through ManSpirit, and how to be more confident, self assured, creative and playful.”

Peter has retired from the Core Planning Team a few times, but he keeps coming back for some reason.

Men Can Really Interact With Each Other in a Loving Way

Roger VIncent has been serving on the ManSpirit Core Planning Team for a long time because, as he says, “ManSpirit keeps me in tune with my spiritual community and it shows me how men can really interact with each other in a loving way.”

You can see Roger on Sundays in the Social Hall at the Center for Spiritual Living, Santa Rosa, where he is staffing the registration table for this fall's retreat.

Things are Different This Year

Things are different this year, we have to register early to secure the facility. So if you plan to attend, you need to register right now. If you aren't in Santa Rosa, use the contact menu item above to connect with any member of the CORE team.

Roger says, “ManSpirit continues to feed my spirituality with strong memories and experiences.”

This year, Dr. Edward Viljoen will be facilitating at the retreat.

Consistent Group of Male Friends To Share My Life With

Ask men, why do you value ManSpirit? Their answers are beautiful.

Daniel Celidore

“ManSpirit has provided a consistent group of male friends to be with and with which to share my life.”

Tom McCurry

“ManSpirit is a place where ordinary men come together in heartfelt and spiritual connection and are authentic with each other.   The conversations at ManSpirit are about really living life and what is going on inside of us rather than about surface things.

If you've attended ManSpirit before, why do you value it?

Have you registered?

Looking forward to seeing you there,

Edward Viljoen

It helps me understand that I’m not traveling alone...

Dominick Favuzzi is inspired by the concept of service to others. His service to ManSpirit on the Core Planning Team is very important to him, because, as he puts it:

“The men of ManSpirit are a part of me and they accept me as a part of them. That is important to me because it helps me understand that I’m not traveling alone.”

I asked him what he has received from attending the annual Men's Retreat at Saratoga Springs each fall. He said:

“ManSpirit has given me a sense of community and sharing, and provides for me the opportunity to help other individuals in the group.”

This year, Dr. Edward Viljoen is facilitating at the retreat, presenting a unique experience to spend time with him and the men of the Center.  This retreat is open to all men, BUT, registration is taking place right now.

How?  Social Hall at the Center for Spiritual Living, Santa Rosa on Sundays, OR contact one of the Core Team Members on the menu above for more information.

It's Easier Now For Me To Come Back To Day To Day Life Now

Dixon Delzell, member of the Core Planning Team of our Men's Group, ManSpirit, said:

“I appreciate the opportunity to step outside my daily life into sacred space.  I appreciate being able to connect with other men while surrounded by that sacredness.”

He was talking about the annual fall retreat, this year taking place at Saratoga Springs.

“ManSpirit has made it easier for me to come back to day to day life while preserving the sacred connection I experience at the retreat.”

2013 ManSpirit Retreat is on September 26 through 29 at Saratoga Springs.

Registration is open right now.  

$425 per man.

Watch these posts for more information

This year we’re happy to have Dr. Edward facilitating at the retreat where we will be  Stepping Into the Mystery.