Description
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. When we do that, can we begin to let go of the hurtful parts of the past that can bind us to those beliefs.
Please join us as we unveil the next generation of Mindful Man, “Mindful MenLiving” A hybrid of sorts between 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 and Shaun Emerson will bring their experience as facilitators and organizers in the MenLiving organization 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 and throughout the weekend we will include other facilitated processes that encourage authentic 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: $280 for double occupancy. $308 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: The prices for this retreat cover only the expenses of putting on this retreat and do NOT include compensation for the teachers. Following an ancient tradition, facilitators will gratefully accept dana, or a free-will offering, at the end of the retreat if you are able and if you find the teachings helpful.
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 December 1, 2023 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, December 3.
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:
In addition to Tony Schmidt and Shaun Emerson, David Haskin, a co-founder of Mindful Man, will be facilitating meditations and dharma talks. David has practiced meditation since 1971 and is an ordained member of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh’s core practice community, the Order of Interbeing. He teaches Mindfulness widely, including to men’s groups, prison inmates, and those in recovery.
