Men: Feel the spirit

On the weekend of September 12-14 a group of men will gather to explore and celebrate the sacred journey of
masculinity.
Like their ancestors the world over have done for thousands of years, they will create a ritual space for inner vision and healing. Exactly what will emerge is hard to predict, but for certain it will contain the sweet and powerful nectar of a man’s heart, soul and strength.
That has been our experience over the past 20 years each time we have convened the Michigan Men’s Spirit Camp, and I am convinced that this year will be no different, for it is our birthright as men.
Founded and nurtured by
Jeffrey Duvall, Spirit Camp draws inspiration from the pan-cultural traditions of our ancestors and contemporary mythopoetic leaders like Robert Bly and others. We borrow from a variety of healing traditions to create a camp where we meet each other as kin; where our work roles are less important than our ability to listen, empathize and reflect; where we offer our imagination, our visions, our dreams to heal our wounds, feed our souls, and enliven our hearts.
As this year’s camp leader I want to invite any and all men 16-years-old and up to join us at Spirit Camp alongside the pond on the private tract of forest 20 miles west of Clare. Leave at home the the iPods, the cell phones, alcohol and drugs, and come just as you are. Set up your tent among the pines, or roll out your sleeping bag in the studio and be with other men. We will feed your body and your soul.
What kind of man benefits from the Spirit Camp experience? In our 20 years we have welcomed men: straight, gay and bi, from all races and all walks of life. We have welcomed soldiers, salesmen, clergy, farmers, therapists, attorneys, teachers, physicians, students, carpenters, et cetera. Men with challenges benefit from Spirit Camp: men who live alone or with others; men who have it all; men who have little; old men facing divorce, or death; young men who are adrift and rudderless; men with addictions; men who wish to know themselves better; men who need the love of other men; men who work too much; men who long for a deeper sense of the sacred journey life holds for them; men who want a wholesome retreat away from the noise of the commercial culture.
What we gain is a renewed sense of connection to our fellow man and the sacred energies that animate us all. We experience the pleasure of revealing our fears and passions through the language of story, poetry and movement. Our stories weave together to tell Our Story. A man often finds his greatest life and passion is grounded smack dab in his engagements, service and loving. And in doing so he is uniquely prepared for the challenges of the coming seasons.
As you consider whether to accept my invitation to join us at the
Michigan Men’s Spirit Camp, ask yourself these questions: Is there a story that you long to hear? Or one that needs to be told by you? Is your heart full? Do you love your family enough? Do you have something more to give? Are you called to join other men to explore and celebrate the mystery of this dance that is Spirit Camp?
Bring all your answers and your questions and we will welcome you to the Michigan Men’s Spirit Camp.
Contact camp leader Steven Holl at steven@soulworks.org for info on how to participate. View On Our Website