Story
a Men Alive weekend retreat for personal growth,
supportive fellowship, and community healing
Sky Meadow Retreat, Stannard, VT
http://www.skymeadowretreat.com
Humans tell stories. Story is central to all cultures across all times. There is the story of ourselves. The story of our culture, our nation, our world. There is the story of Men Alive. Story is not the same to everyone, and, the same story told by different people will be different. What is Story? What is your story? Why do we tell Stories? Can a story ever be True? Are stories important? What isn't a story? This weekend you are invited to explore some of these questions, ask some of your own, and maybe find a deeper understanding of the nature of Story and your relationship to it.
At the weekend, we agree on group norms for safety and confidentiality; celebrate and bond through ritual and co-creating meals; share our stories, laughter and tears in small groups; dance, make music, and write poetry together; and, connect non-verbally through drumming and in nature. The weekend is drug and alcohol free, the kitchen is meat-free, and all activities are optional. Please plan to pay between $110 and $160, according to your means; however, no person will be turned away for lack of funds.
All masculine-identified persons are welcome.
Please register ASAP with Dave Huesman at davidhuesman@comcast.net.
-Men Alive Purpose-
Men Alive is a nonprofit organization formed to bring men together. All men are welcome. Our vision is to create a safe environment in which men can express themselves as individuals, find the companionship and support of other men, and build a community of caring based on respect and acceptance.
Our purpose is to participate together in activities that bring meaning and richness to our lives as men. We see ourselves in the context of the larger Vermont and World communities as a resource for men to find companionship and support. It is a hope that this purpose will be fostered at our weekend gatherings.
-Tentative Schedule-
The schedule will be revisited Friday evening and Saturday morning and modified consensually as the group sees fit. Also Friday evening, and at other times, opportunities for stepping up to be of service--cleanup, facilitating workshops, etc.--will be provided.
Friday
6:00 PM Registration
7:00 Potluck snacks (please bring something to share)
7:30 Safety Talk
8:00-ish Opening Ritual -Team:Dave,Miles,Seth,Michael
+ Opening Circle
11-ish Snacks still available
Saturday
7:00 AM Writing Activity - Sam
8:00 Breakfast/Bag lunch prep -Sam & Nils
9:30 Circle/ Small groups and/or large group
12:30 Bag lunch with group
1:30 Brief check-in/ Small groups and/or large group
3:00 Sweat preparation
5:00 Group activity or free time
7:00 Dinner (* COORDINATOR NEEDED *)
8:30 Open Stage - Gary
Sunday
7:00 Sweat lodge - Nils
11:00 Brunch -Phillip (there may be waffles!)
12:00 Clean-up
1:00 Closing Circle
2:00 End
-Food-
Meals are created, shopped for, and prepared by Men Alive volunteers. If you have special dietary needs, please bring the appropriate foods. Sky Meadow kitchen is meat free and they prefer that meat not be used for meals. If essential, meat that is already cooked is acceptable.
-RSVP-
Space is limited. Reserve your spot by contacting our registrar, Dave Huesman at davidhuesman@comcast.net
-Fees-
Each man should expect to pay on a sliding scale between $110 - 160 for the weekend. Please pay in cash. However, no person will be turned away for lack of funds.
-Other Considerations-
In order to honor the purpose of Men Alive and this weekend, we ask that you consider making the commitment to be present from open to close (Friday - Sunday). We invite you to include yourself in all activities.
-What to Bring-
Clothes appropriate to the season, Slippers (no shoes indoors), bed linens (to fit double beds) or sleeping bag, pillow case, towel, all things musical including drums, meaningful special objects, pictures, personal items, drums, pen or pencil and journal or notebook for writing activity and personal reflection, flashlight, poetry, writings, drums, pictures, artwork, any items for the Men Alive scrapbook, sunscreen, insect repellent. Did I mention drums?
Most of all bring your fear, bring your passion, bring your desire not to come, bring your sense of humor, and your grump.
-Please Do Not bring-
Meat to cook (see food section above), dogs or other pets, alcohol, recreational drugs, guns, RV's
-Arrival Time-
We ask that you arrive at Sky Meadow no earlier than 4pm and prior to 6:00pm.
-About Skymeadow-
Sky Meadow Retreat is located on a 150-year-old homestead at the end of a road in the town of Stannard, in Vermont's Northeast Kingdom. The 120 acres of land includes open fields, forests with trails, ponds for swimming, and a hilltop with magnificent views of the Green Mountains.
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