Gosh, I don’t even know you but reading this made me happy for you!
Good on you for the follow through. I can picture the joy that gathering brought, and what it likely continues to bring in terms of the benefits on so many levels. I hope the wives encourage more of these!
I really enjoyed reading about your retreat experience Blake. I love that you shared your full process, from the flicker of the inspiration, to the fear, to the putting the idea out there and bringing the retreat to life. Your story reminded me of something an old AA sponsor said to me years ago when I was scared to speak at this huge speakers meeting. She told me that she could guarantee that if I shared from my heart, at least one other person in the room would have a similar feeling or experience. Grateful for this reminder and congrats on your retreat!
And that one other person having a similar experience, the connection of that, is much more valuable than we often give it credit. Thanks for sharing Ashley!
So wonderful! Fellow isolated private practice therapist here, so I feel you. As you say, though, there is something particularly special and sacred about men doing this with one another. Bravo on letting an inkling become a reality 💜
Thanks Kaitlyn! I think you’re right on. Why do you think it’s particularly special with men? I have my thoughts on why but I’m always curious to hear another’s perspective on it.
Totally. Most of my male clients say the same thing, too. We know they all need and want it, it’s the permission and space to lean into it that is lacking.
I have started doing retreat weekend (I call them boys weekends) with two of my old friends, we have known each other since 1990. They did not know each other well before we have met up twice now and the third weekend is booked for February.
The weekends do not have a theme and agenda as such, I leave that open, and it’s a circuit breaker to get away and be somewhere and do what ever. So, they are not focused on drinking or any sport and are in the country to get away from all the normal stuff of life.
I figured I wanted to bond with men I respect and like and this was how I started it in my case. Mostly we talk and rant as grumpy older men, it great.
Blake, this is very encouraging and inspiring. Thanks for putting this story out there. It definitely gives me fresh reminders of the good of just launching and risking and trusting myself to figure it out as I go. Thank you!
Wow great read. I’ve often thought about making a retreat and then get lost on all the possibilities and jump way ahead about branding it. This post brought me back to the simplicity of creating something. (And also, just great writing, poetic at times, and the photos were poetry in themselves) Thank you for sharing Blake!
Thanks Katie. I really appreciate that encouragement! Also you totally should create your own retreat and not overthink it. Let yourself be surprised by what can happen!
Gosh, I don’t even know you but reading this made me happy for you!
Good on you for the follow through. I can picture the joy that gathering brought, and what it likely continues to bring in terms of the benefits on so many levels. I hope the wives encourage more of these!
Thanks for your kind words!
I really enjoyed reading about your retreat experience Blake. I love that you shared your full process, from the flicker of the inspiration, to the fear, to the putting the idea out there and bringing the retreat to life. Your story reminded me of something an old AA sponsor said to me years ago when I was scared to speak at this huge speakers meeting. She told me that she could guarantee that if I shared from my heart, at least one other person in the room would have a similar feeling or experience. Grateful for this reminder and congrats on your retreat!
And that one other person having a similar experience, the connection of that, is much more valuable than we often give it credit. Thanks for sharing Ashley!
So wonderful! Fellow isolated private practice therapist here, so I feel you. As you say, though, there is something particularly special and sacred about men doing this with one another. Bravo on letting an inkling become a reality 💜
Thanks Kaitlyn! I think you’re right on. Why do you think it’s particularly special with men? I have my thoughts on why but I’m always curious to hear another’s perspective on it.
Because nearly every man I know craves that level of emotional intimacy but doesn’t know how to come across it and foster it.
Was just going to come on here and say the same thing, Kaitlyn. I know my husband would love a weekend like this with other men🙏🏼
Maybe encourage him to sign up for my newsletter! Ya never know when something like that is in the works 😏
I definitely will!
🏃🏼♀️ 📝
Totally. Most of my male clients say the same thing, too. We know they all need and want it, it’s the permission and space to lean into it that is lacking.
This is a huge passion of mine. Creating these spaces for this kind of authenticity to exist between men. So thanks for y’all’s encouragement!
Hype squad 👯♀️
Delightful. Thanks for this gentle nudge.
You’re more than welcome. We all need that gentle nudge.
How beautiful! Thank you for sharing!🙏
Thanks Natalie!
It's great to read this, Blake. A need become a dream become a reality.
Thanks Russell! Means a lot particularly coming from you as your writing style is an inspiration to me.
Man how I wish to be in community with other men like this face to face.
I have started doing retreat weekend (I call them boys weekends) with two of my old friends, we have known each other since 1990. They did not know each other well before we have met up twice now and the third weekend is booked for February.
The weekends do not have a theme and agenda as such, I leave that open, and it’s a circuit breaker to get away and be somewhere and do what ever. So, they are not focused on drinking or any sport and are in the country to get away from all the normal stuff of life.
I figured I wanted to bond with men I respect and like and this was how I started it in my case. Mostly we talk and rant as grumpy older men, it great.
Highly recommend.
Blake, this is very encouraging and inspiring. Thanks for putting this story out there. It definitely gives me fresh reminders of the good of just launching and risking and trusting myself to figure it out as I go. Thank you!
Stoked you're doing this work, brother. Sounds like your retreat was just what folks needed. Congrats, and blessings on your future offerings.
Gathering men with the intention to drop in, open, and connect is where it's at for me. So much healing can happen in these containers!
Wow great read. I’ve often thought about making a retreat and then get lost on all the possibilities and jump way ahead about branding it. This post brought me back to the simplicity of creating something. (And also, just great writing, poetic at times, and the photos were poetry in themselves) Thank you for sharing Blake!
Thanks Katie. I really appreciate that encouragement! Also you totally should create your own retreat and not overthink it. Let yourself be surprised by what can happen!