HEART OF MEN

I have done several men's retreats with Ton and Jan. And oftentimes I have thought: "I'm leaving right now!" Every time the retreat called upon me to stand for what is mine. For what I feel is important, for that which is close to my heart, and to bring that to the group. It calls for courage and boldness. And the little child in me often rebels. "You're not going to say something like that!" The connection and brotherhood that grows in just a few days time has brought me so much. Friendships, insights, serenity, more authenticity, ... That I am allowed to be man amongst men in equality.

I vividly remember my first Heart of Men. To dare to speak in front of all these men that I didn't know, and even more, to be vulnerable in front of other men that I didn't know. To be allowed in such a group that we all grapple with insecurities, doubts, judgements, and the feeling of not being enough. To honor and see each other in those feelings. Without wanting to be right, and without trying to change anything about it. That it is allowed to just be there. That is brotherhood. That is strength. That is authenticity. That is love.

Every time I am impressed by the amount of space that can be created in a men's group by slowing down and intention setting. Pain and confusion are shared there in openness and are allowed to be healed and receive insight. Pure alchemy!