The Gathering of Men

Why go in to nature with men?

‘’The goal is to get you out of your head and allow what you feel deep inside. In a safe environment, you will experience that you are not the only one who sometimes struggles to listen to their inner voice and express it.’’

In my general practice as a doctor and also during my own participation in retreats, I increasingly discovered that men are still the little boys from their past, now inhabiting adult bodies, yearning for approval when they display their drawings. They are vulnerable but keep their emotions inside as a self-protective measure. They carry these aspects within them, affecting their relationships, work, and family life. At some point, many men realize that the mechanism that has always protected them no longer works. Clinging rigidly to patterns leads to emotions, outbursts of anger, disconnection, seeking refuge in other relationships, and sometimes even burnout symptoms. Driven by ingrained beliefs, many men have chosen a path, following in the footsteps of their parents, in an attempt to meet perceived parental expectations.

The question is, is this truly your own path, or are you walking the path of others’ expectations? Beyond the loud voice in your head, deep within, there are the whispering voices of your heart and gut that urge you to listen to them because these voices resonate much more with who you really are. When you hear these voices, or when a crisis forces you to listen to them because you’ve neglected them, it’s time to take action.

Then it’s time to go out with unfamiliar men, and collectively search for the little boys within ourselves who simply want to share their drawings with each other, in complete vulnerability. Last February, eight of us went on a journey to Andalusia. It was incredible! An unforgettable experience for all the men. And we’d like to invite you on our next journey! Felix