Rising in Brotherhood retreat
During the last weekend of October there was the Rising in Brotherhood retreat. It was the first Wild & Sacred Men multi-day retreat.
We gathered as an international group of ten men. The group was led by Oskar Kroes and Amit Chaturi.
We started of connecting with one another and the world around us. We used our bodies to embody whatever was alive within us.
We lit the candle of brotherhood together and burned candles to shine light on the vulnerable parts within ourselves that also have every right to be there.
Because it was the time of the Celtic festival of Samhain (the original Halloween), which celebrates those who dwell in the shadows and just out of eyesight, the men went into the woods at nightfall to face whatever that was for them. They did not carry any torch or device and did not know how long it would take before they were taken from their assigned spots.
Upon their return we lit a campfire, around which we shared and danced. Especially the dancing part turned out to be far outside the comfort zone of many brothers. And therefore, it was very liberating.
The second day, we started at sunrise at the shore. While the sun was rising, we breathed and sang together. Some of us even decided to start the day with a fresh dive.
Later that day, we engaged in Sacred Combat. More about this further ahead in this Wild & Sacred Talk.
We ended the retreat with a good talk. And in smaller circles, the men made agreements to themselves about how to integrate insights they had during the weekend, while the others would be holding them accountable.
This retreat helped all of the men ahead in the processes that were going on in their lives. The power of the event was that no one was facing their processes alone. Of course, everyone would have to do their own work, but while being in brotherhood, there's so much more connection, comfort and power.
"we have startet a yourney who showed us what we are abd what we are hiding behind a mask or habbits... we have learned to accept and love ourself. We have found ways to go forward and keep moving.
Personal i have made defently a change and know now what i want and what not. I am greatfull for all this.
Speciali i have not met other men i got new brothers and i am proud off every one of them.
Thanks a lot for this experiance"
-Michael Pellegrini (Switzerland)
"Within no time in a respectful safe environment among men. It does not matter where you stand in life or where your journey starts, it is starting now!
Your choice. Back to the basics. Opening up, learning by doing, challenging and supporting each other, to go deep. Let go, of fear or burdons. Looking for edges, by tackling all the assignments (layers in you) together, as brothers.
-Lou Monfrooij (The Netherlands)