Men's Summer Retreat Inspired by the Music and Poetry of Bob Dylan
Jun
21
to Jun 23
Retreat, Workshop, Summer, Illuman of Minnesota

Men's Summer Retreat Inspired by the Music and Poetry of Bob Dylan

  • Osprey Wilds Environmental Learning Center (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Save the Dates…

Men's Summer Retreat Inspired by the Music and Poetry of Bob Dylan

You’re invited to join us for our annual in-person summer retreat this coming June 21-23, 2024 at the Osprey Wilds Environmental Learning Center.

Join us for this year's summer in-person retreat, which coincides with the summer solstice, to renew ourselves and find our voices through writing, reflection, and council circles, illuminated by the wisdom, challenge, and beauty in the music and poetry of Bob Dylan. LEARN MORE & REGISTER

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Lent Mini Retreat for Men
Mar
2
9:00 AM09:00

Lent Mini Retreat for Men

Fr. Kevin Anderson is presenting this half-day retreat. The focus is on getting men better… that is, better in dealing with struggles, better in growing with spirituality, better at embracing the goodness of the resurrection instead of the pain of staying crucified on one’s cross.

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Transforming Quarter-Life and Midlife Crises into Golden Masculine Presence
Feb
2
to Feb 4

Transforming Quarter-Life and Midlife Crises into Golden Masculine Presence

Transforming Quarter-Life and Midlife Crises into Golden Masculine Presence: Deepen Your Alignment with Purpose, Passion, Meaning, and Spiritual Interconnectedness

A Unique Men’s Retreat Experiential written and presented by Jeffry Jeanetta-Wark, MA. LICSW, and Dr. Michael Obsatz

Our desire to evolve within each of life's stages creates various existential yearnings. This retreat focuses on the following four aspects:

  1. Finding Meaning and Purpose: Transform isolation into compassionate actions to help alleviate suffering.

  2. Preventing Crisis: Explore ways to prevent quarter/midlife crises by aligning with our authentic self.

  3. Navigating Aging and Legacy: Competently enbrace wisdom, patience, and "paying it forward" as we approach life's later stages.

  4. Embracing End of Life: Make dedicated efforts with joy, peace, and wise acquiescence in preparation for the next journey.

Insufficiently resolving the tension within these can lead to experiencing life crises.

Through this retreat, Jeffry Jeanetta-Wark and Dr. Michael Obsatz guide men who may be experiencing quarter-life or midlife crises towards a more holistic and fulfilling life, encouraging self-reflection, connection with others, and a deeper understanding of their life's purpose.

Through personal reflection, group discussions, and ritual space, participants will connect with other men of good character, make time for their own deep reflection and growth, and find their wild, untamed edge of spiritual expansion.

Participants will learn how to use personal and effective skills grounded in the following areas:

  • Differences between a quarter-life and midlife crisis.

  • Concepts of andropause and a “Dark Night of the Soul.”

  • Components that typically constitute a quarter-life or midlife crisis, and how to prevent or manage such crises.

  • Tasks for maturing into more healthy adult masculinity to better navigate challenges.

  • Ways to move from shame-based and fear-based reactions into wholeness, maturity, compassion, empathy,
    and connection.

  • Practices for creating deeper accord with one’s essential self and one’s soul through cultivating an intentional gratitude practice.

  • Embracing life's joy, peace, and wise acquiescence of one’s next big journey.

Quarter-Life Crisis:  Typically occurs in one's 20s to early 30s and is marked by feeling trapped, uninspired, uncertain, and anxious about one's life's direction. These individuals may grapple with disillusionment, seek meaning, and question the quality of their lives. These challenges can serve as a wake-up call to live more authentically and soulfully.

Midlife Crisis:  Generally affects individuals aged 45 to 65 and beyond. Common experiences include lifestyle dissatisfaction, spiritual lethargy, existential questioning of life's meaning, energy depletion, irritability, and lowered sex drive. This prompts reflections on mortality and cultivating wisdom vs. despair. There's a strong desire to leave a positive legacy.

Jeffry Jeanetta-Wark, MA, LICSW

Jeffry is the owner and lead clinician of the Center for Integrated Well-Being, Inc. (CIWB), a holistic psychotherapy practice in Roseville, MN founded in 2004. He is a senior level social worker, a holistic psychotherapist, and educator with more than 32 years of experience. Jeffry has worked in the Twin Cities metro area as a licensed school social worker, a program coordinator serving young fathers, a former site coordinator with the Father's Resource Center, and more. He has been involved in men’s work since 1988. Currently, Jeffry provides psychotherapy, and leads men’s retreats, groups, and trainings. He is a national speaker/keynoter on issues of authentic manhood and the curriculum author and lead trainer for Authentic Manhood Programs (AMP).

Dr. Michael Obsatz

Dr. Michael Obsatz is Professor Emeritus at Macalester College in St. Paul, MN. He taught education and sociology classes for 40 years, including Institution of the Family, Death, Dying and Bereavement, Male Socialization Issues and Violence, and Human Sexuality. Mike's book, ‘Raising Nonviolent Children in a Violent World’ won the 1999 Minnesota Book Award and the Catholic Press Association Award. He also wrote ‘Healing Our Anger’ and ‘From Stalemate to Soulmate.’ His website iswww.mentorsmatter.us and he's on Daivd Tillman's webstitewww.lifesjourney.us. Mike is a mentor, filmmaker, workshop leader, men's group leader, father, grandfather, and husband. He had a private therapy practice for 20 years. Mike's passion has been men's work, and his mentors have been Abraham Maslow and Robert Bly. He was a member of the Board (Visioning Circle) of the Franciscan Retreat Center called "Claire's Well" in Annandale, MN for 28 years. He was mentored by three Sisters of Little Falls, MN in Franciscan Spirituality, including Richard Rohr's books. Mike can be found at Mentors Matter and on David Tillman’s website, Life’s Journey

EVENT DETAILS:

  • The cost for the event is $299 per person

  • Lodging will be in the Lakeside building. The rooms sleep 2 to 5 individuals.

  • Please bring your own bedding and pillow. A sleeping bag and pillow are recommended. There is a limited amount of bedding available for rent from Camp Onamia for $10, but if at all possible, participants are asked to bring their own bedding.

  • There may be time for wandering the grounds of Camp Onomia. Please bring the appropriate cold weather clothing.

  • The following meals will be provided: Friday dinner; Saturday breakfast, lunch, and dinner; Sunday breakfast and lunch. If you have any dietary restriction, please let us know in the Registration Form.

Participants are REQUIRED to complete a Medical Form prior to attending the event. Please click on this link to access and complete the Medical Form.

Do not let a lack of funds prevent you from attending. There are scholarships available. Reach out to convener@illumanofmn.org for more information.

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Nov
4
9:00 AM09:00

Praying - with our hands and feet

Illuman of Minnesota Fall Retreat

     Because we are committed to the inner work of our brothers we are going to spend some time looking at compassion and love for ourselves. Because we believe in the outer work, we will prepare ourselves to take that compassion and love out into the world where there is brokenness and pain.

     Using our hands, our whole self, we will explore how we talk to God in prayer and how we listen to God in meditation. We will meet in small group discussion council circles. After lunch we will move our feet and drive to visit the George Floyd Memorial site in South Minneapolis as an act of witness, love, and compassion.

 

When: Saturday, November 4th, 2023 - 9 am to 2:30 pm (In-Person only)

Where: United Theological Seminary, 767 Eustis Street Suite 140, Saint Paul, MN 55114 (near Hwy. 280 and I-94)

Cost: $30 - lunch included

 

Your Leaders:

 


Payment for Illuman Fall Retreat - Saturday, November 4th, 2023
Payment for Illuman Fall Retreat - Saturday, November 4th, 2023
$30.00
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Jun
21
to Jun 25

Men's Rites of Passage (MROP)

  • Osprey Wilds Environmental Learning Center (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

The Men’s Rites of Passage is not just another Catholic/Christian men’s retreat, but five days of formal male initiation. These teachings on the “mysteries” and the accompanying rituals of Passover have been met with a very strong response in recent years.

Men’s Rites of Passage 2017

Unfortunately, the proven way to lead males on this journey has been lost to the West for a thousand years. Franciscan priest Fr. Richard Rohr has reclaimed the ancient patterns of rites of passage and designed a modern day retreat for welcoming men into the male spiritual community.  Fr. Richard’s work in this area addresses the reality that if men are not led through an inner journey of powerlessness, they will inevitably misunderstand and abuse power.

Over 4,700 men have now been initiated through these rites of male initiation over the past 15 years. Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, (the creator of the MROP) and MALEs have trained teams of men to do the same. Illuman of MN is offering a Rites of Passage event this summer, June 21-25, 2023 in Sandstone, MN.

The Rites of Passage are best for those who have already done some men’s work and who are on a serious spiritual journey. It is best to make this experience as a lone seeker. Fathers and sons are normally not initiated together, nor is it a buddy experience. You may come with friends, but expect to be assigned to a home group where you will be anonymous and start from zero together.

Click on the link below to go to the Registration menu for details and a link to the application form. An application process is required, which is not a “first come, first served” process, but rather a discernment process about an applicant’s readiness.

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Mar
18
9:00 AM09:00

"See What You've Been Missing" Retreat

 

Illuman of Minnesota Presents a Half Day Lent Retreat

“See What You’ve Been Missing”

Consider this: Your mind is constantly sabotaging your potential for both presence and happiness. All your negative emotions, including stress, are the result of what you are most blind to. Breakthrough, research-based tools strengthen the part of your brain that allows you to see a larger reality while shedding healthy light on the part of you that self-sabotages.

This hands-on retreat will teach you how to face life’s challenges in a more positive and present mindset, with less stress. Presenter is Timmy Gallagher of eVOLUTe Performance, Philadelphia, PA.  Timmy is a certified professional leadership & performance coach with a specialization in Mental Fitness.

You will experience learning in:

  • Presence Exercises: Learn and experience how to use your self-command ability to develop greater mastery over you own mind, quiet the negative, and activate the positive region of your brain.

  • Saboteur Interceptor Muscle: Intercept your top Saboteurs the moment they try to hijack your thoughts, feelings, and actions. Expose the lies, limiting beliefs and damage of our Saboteurs, so they can no longer blind you.

  • Sage Muscle: Practice an illuminated way of seeing with the Sage Perspective that every problem or challenge can be converted into a gift and opportunity. This is self-generated through the 5 Sage Powers of Empathize, Explore, Innovate, Navigate, and Activate.

Event Details:

  • When: Saturday March 18, 2023, 9:00am to 2:00pm

  • Where: Christ our Light Parish, 804 7th Ave. S., Princeton, MN 55371

  • Cost: $30 (includes lunch)

introducing: Timmy Gallagher

Timmy is a certified Professional Leadership & Performance Coach with a specialization in Mental Fitness from Philadelphia, PA.  

His experience, knowledge, and wisdom has evolved from his various roles as a government servant, corporate leader, not for profit volunteer, college level educator, endurance athlete, spiritual elder, caring father, and loving husband. The totality of his roles and experiences revealed his calling to share his desires and talents as a coach.

Certified as a professional leadership and performance coach from the Brown University - School of Professional Studies, a Positive Intelligence Coach, and an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) with the International Coaching Federation (ICF).

His unique variety of positions and purpose has empowered him to help men as a performance and leadership coach with a specialization in mental fitness.

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AVATAR: Time to Awaken to a More Illuman-ated State
Feb
3
to Feb 5

AVATAR: Time to Awaken to a More Illuman-ated State

“Awaken, in order to die--so that you can truly live.”  - Jeffry Jeanetta-Wark

The movie AVATAR (2009), was nominated for several academy awards and remains the highest grossing movie of all time because it is one of the most potent consciousness-raising movies in the last 50 years. Together we will learn what this film can say to you while it supports your personal, communal, and spiritual growth. As you join us, be ready for an unparalleled opportunity to connect with other men of good character; to make time for your own deeper reflection and growth; and to find your wild untamed edge of spiritual expansion.

During our time together, and among other topics, we will address the following elements per the movie Avatar:

·      Your personal path(s) of sacrifice on the road to Initiation of elevated consciousness

·      The four central spiritual dimensions highlighted throughout the movie

·      Places you might personally (consciously and consciously) treat others unjustifiably

·      We will see how ancient Egyptian, Hindu, and Russian mythologies dance with elements of Native American and Ancient Greek cultures in this movie

·      The thematic arc of the Hero’s journey, and where it might pertain to your own life

·      The arc of traditional stages of initiation, and where they might pertain to your own life

·      The opportunity to meet your own inner AVATAR

·      The idea that the men of MN Illuman might expand on a shared vision celebrating differences in spiritual directions; and including leadership for the welfare of self, others, communities, the Earth, and global citizenship

Facilitator Jeffry Jeanetta-Wark, MA, LICSW is the founder and Clinical Director of the Center for Integrated Well-Being, Inc. (CIWB), a holistic psychotherapy practice in Roseville created in 2004.  He is a senior level social worker, a holistic psychotherapist, and educator with more than 31 years of experience. He has worked in the Twin Cities metro area as a licensed elementary school social worker; a program coordinator serving young fathers; a former site coordinator with the Father's Resource Center, etc.

 Jeffry has been involved in men’s work since 1988.  Currently, he provides psychotherapy, leads men’s retreats, groups and trainings. He is a national speaker / keynoter on issues of authentic manhood and the curriculum author and lead trainer for Authentic Manhood Program (AMP). Jeffry is dedicated to supporting males to develop greater presence, accountability, and high character. His vision for men is the following: connecting authentically with self, serving others as well as the world with courage, and effective skills to last a lifetime." Jeffry can be reached at authenticmenstherapy.com

Event Details:

  • The cost for the event is $275 per person

  • Lodging will be in the Lakeside building. The rooms sleep 2 to 5 individuals.

  • Please bring your own bedding and pillow. A sleeping bag and pillow are recommended. There is a limited amount of bedding available for rent from Camp Onamia for $10, but if at all possible, participants are asked to bring their own bedding.

  • There will be time for wandering the grounds of Camp Onomia, and there will be a bonfire. Please bring the appropriate cold weather clothing,

  • Friday night we will be viewing the movie Avatar as a group, then on Saturday and Sunday we will be reviewing the themes of the movie and breaking into council circles to discuss.

  • The following meals will be provided: Friday dinner; Saturday breakfast, lunch, and dinner; Sunday breakfast and lunch. If you have any dietary restriction, please let us know in the registration form below:

ENTER YOUR REGISTRATION INFORMATION HERE

Participants are required to complete a healthcare form prior to attending the event. Please click on this | link | to access the heathcare form.

Do not let a lack of funds prevent you from attending. There are scholarships available. Reach out to convener@illumanofmn.org for more information.

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Jun
24
to Jun 26

Exploring the I-Thou Relationship with Each Other, Creation, and Often Marginalized People

  • Osprey Wilds Environmental Learning Center (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

A Weekend Retreat For Men

Exploring Relationships with Each Other, Creation and the Often Marginalized

 
 

Retreat Overview

This summer retreat will focus on being in a true relationship with ourselves, others, and the world around us. These teachings will be surrounded by time in council circles, experiencing ritual and wandering in the beautiful natural environment of Osprey Wilds. We are so blessed to have Okoyeagemon come and lead this Retreat.

Okogyeamon. ASDIC Metamorphosis Executive Director

Okogyeamon (Herbert Perkins, PhD) currently lives in west-central Minnesota, Montevideo. He grew up in the lower-income community of Willowbrook-Compton-Watts, then, a Southern California, predominantly Latino-Black, poor, working-class community.  After completing college and teaching at a SF Bay Area, Mountain View, California high school for a year. He took a teaching position in East Pakistan, now called Bangladesh.  Then a monk, Brother of Holy Cross, he taught in the village school of Bandura-Hashnabad and a high school in the principal city of Dacca (1962-1969).

 

The intermingling of contrastive cultures of Willowbrook-Compton-Watts (Black, Latino, Asian) and of Bangladesh – contrastive experiences of color/colorism, caste and ethnicity, religion, language, and customs, provided the foundation for subsequent inquiry, study, learning and teaching. Bangladesh acquainted Okogyeamon with an ancient and culturally rich social environment allowing him space for critical questioning of the givens of ethnic-racial identity in a context absent anti-black racism. Working in this culturally diverse, religiously plural context – among Muslim, Hindu, and Christian people, he became well acquainted with Islam and Hinduism. This experience widened his perspectives and values (especially on spirituality) far beyond the limitations of his Christian upbringing and parochial education. Later cultural enrichment included study in Ghana (one month Fulbright-Hays, group scholarship) and travel in India, Kenya, Europe, and Mexico.

 

Okogyeamon is co-founder of Antiracism Studies Dialogue Circles with Margery Otto JD and current Executive Director, ASDIC Metamorphosis.

In addition to his ASDIC Metamorphosis work – program direction, curriculum writing, workshop facilitation, Okogyeamon is pastor of First Congregational Church, Montevideo, MN.

 

Event Details:

  • Two Options

    • Option 1: A one-day retreat with Okogyeamon on Saturday, June 25th from 9am to 8:30pm. Lunch and dinner are provided.

    • Option 2: Arrive Friday afternoon or evening for individual reflection time, followed by drumming and a bonfire at 8pm. Dinner is not provided on Friday. Stay overnight (in Crosby Lodge or in your own tent near Crosby). A light breakfast will be provided at Crosby on Saturday before the retreat. Then stay over Saturday night for more drumming and a bonfire. Join us Sunday for some additional activities, brunch, Illuman updates and a closing ritual. We plan to be wrapped up by noon. Showers will be available in Crosby for individuals who choose to tent.

  • Suggested Donation of $200

  • Crosby Lodge: 14 rooms with private bathrooms, 2 – 4 men per room, 4 wood bunkbeds/room. Located next to the dining hall. Bring your own bedding. Weather permitting will meet outside or in Crosby Lodge meeting room.

  • Please complete a healthcare questionnaire before attending the event here.

  • COVID-19 Requirements: All participants must be fully vaccinated. Proof of vaccination status will be required as part of the on-site registration process. Individual’s decisions to mask or to not mask will be honored. Full refunds given to anyone who feels any symptoms the day of and chooses not to attend.

Registration

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WILD and WISE
Sep
4
1:00 PM13:00
Illuman, Retreat, Virtual, Workshop\

WILD and WISE

Brothers,

You are invited to a workshop for the real spiritual lives of men. This workshop is sponsored by Ohio Illuman and will be led by Steve Robach, an initiated man from Illuman of Minnesota. Steve will guide us through WILD and WISE, the journal he created to help lead men along the Journey of Illumination. Details of the event are below. We hope you will join us, and please also urge the men in your community to consider joining us. Your participation matters!

Date: Saturdays during September 2021
Time: 1 PM - 3 PM CENTRAL
Retreat Leaders: Steve Robach
Location / Platform: A Zoom link will be provided to registrants
Cost: $40
More Information

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WILD & WISE: Exploring Your Spiritual Legacy
Feb
5
to Feb 6
Winter Retreat, Virtual

WILD & WISE: Exploring Your Spiritual Legacy

Every man has a spiritual legacy, a history of his searching for meaning, purpose and encounters with life’s mysteries. Whether conscious or unconscious, these experiences reflect the shape of a man’s soul and the lasting imprint he leaves on those he loves and the world around him.

Join this online Zoom gathering of men for an exploration of the spiritual realities embedded in everyday life. Our retreat facilitator, Steve Robach, will use the Wild and Wise journal he created to invite participants to reflect on and share some of the stories that make up their spiritual journeys

All men are welcome! - More information

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Soularize 2020 - The Masculine Path to Healing
Oct
15
to Oct 18
Soularize, Illuman

Soularize 2020 - The Masculine Path to Healing

Illuman of Minnesota Invites You to
Soularize 2020:The Masculine Path to Healing

Details & Schedule

  • Featuring globally recognized teacher Fr. Richard Rohr.

  • Thursday, October 15 - Sunday, October 18, 2020

  • This event will be held virtually on Zoom.

  • Cost for registration is only $99.

  • All men are welcome, regardless of ethnicity, class, education, sexual orientation, or religious affiliation. No previous attendance at a Men’s Rites of Passage is required.

  • Event registration is NOW OPEN!

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