Description
Too often, we go through life on autopilot, automatically reacting to people and events around us instead of responding mindfully, consciously to life as it is. Learning to live consciously is both the first of MenLiving Five Suggestions and the great benefit of the ancient practice of Mindfulness. Please join us for the next Mindful MenLiving retreat in which we will focus on the deep, quiet introspection of meditation and Mindfulness as we walk the path to living more consciously as men.
Please join us as we continue to evolve the combination of Mindful Man, “Mindful MenLiving” A new iteration of Mindful Man of the past and MenLiving, a unique men’s organization whose vision is a world of healthy, intentional, connected men. During this weekend retreat, we will explore how Mindfulness helps us shine the light of awareness both on the forces that have shaped us as men and how those forces live on within us to this day. Only when we do that can we begin to let go of the hurtful parts of the past that can bind us to those beliefs.
As always, we will explore our topic by practicing mindful meditation and movement in a caring, safe, and supportive environment conducted largely in noble silence. In addition, Tony Schmidt will bring his experience as a facilitator and organizer in MenLiving to incorporate processes that support connection, healing, and growth as men in our modern society. We will conclude each evening with a men’s circle to share experiences. Throughout the weekend, we will include other facilitated processes that encourage authentic self-reflection and connection in alignment with MenLiving’s 5 suggestions for living fully.
This retreat is appropriate both for men who are new to Mindfulness and meditation and for experienced practitioners.
Prices: $475 for double occupancy. $445 for single occupancy. Fees cover 2 nights lodging, towels, bedding, the meeting room, and six vegetarian meals starting with dinner on Friday. All rooms have private baths. NOTE: If rooms at the retreat center are sold out, you can stay at a nearby Hotel and your retreat fees will be adjusted accordingly.
About the Retreat cost: In the past, we have followed the ancient tradition of Dana. Going forward, the attendance fee will cover the full retreat costs. You are always welcome to donate to MenLiving, but this will no longer be solicited.
Location: Retreat Center at Cedar Valley 5349 County Road D West Bend, WI 53090
Times and dates: Registration begins promptly at 4:30 p.m. on Friday Dec 6, 2024 followed by dinner at 5:30 and our initial program beginning at 6:30. Please arrive no later than 4:30 so you can get your room assignment and enjoy dinner before we settle in and begin. A schedule of events will be clearly posted outlining the remainder of our time together until we conclude and depart at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, Dec 8.
Comfort: Please wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes. If you use a meditation cushion or bench, please bring it. Chairs will be available for meditation. In addition, there will be free time to walk the beautiful grounds of the retreat center, so bring appropriate shoes or boots. Please note that much of this retreat will be conducted in Noble Silence.
The facilitators: Besides Tony Schmidt, Shaun Emerson will facilitate meditations, personal growth, and connection practices. David Haskin has passed the proverbial torch to MenLiving to continue this men’s work and mindfulness tradition that he cultivated for many years with Mindful Man. We are grateful to David’s work and wish to continue this tradition with the support of MenLiving.