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Sunderland

We are a spiritual group of men who come together to support each other, listen deeply and share our truth. In this way we aim to grow as men and build a supportive network to aid us in our lives.     

Our meetings will begin with drumming followed by a few minutes silent contemplation. We then share where we are on our journey through life. A talking piece is used which adds space and therefore a different quality of deep listening to each other compared to the normal conversations out in the world. We use the process called Way of Council to ensure we create a safe place where men can be heard and not interrupted.  

We share on whatever comes up in terms of our feelings and emotions, in a safe place, while being authentic and real and not trying to fix each other.... There is no hidden agenda other than helping each other, by our presence and listening, to become fully who we are meant to be.

Our gatherings are open to all men, regardless of age, ethnicity, religious faith, sexual orientation, education, experience, ability or disability. Whether you are a curious one-time attender, or seasoned follower of The Male Journey, you will be welcomed with love and with acceptance.

We meet monthly, normally on the second Saturday of the month 7-10pm. In the Summer we meet on the beach at Seaburn around the fire and in the colder months we meet at the Eagle Building.  201 High St E, Sunderland SR1 2AX

For further information please use the form below.

 

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Wye Valley

Group Aims:

  • To be a safe space to communicate authentically, ‘be real’ with other men.
  • To listen deeply and affirm each of our journeys
  • To celebrate our humanity and masculinity, as we explore our spirituality around the fire.
  • To commit ourselves to learn how to live with each other and learn about ourselves as men as we share responsibility for the group.
  • To encourage each other to affirm and embody our learning processes as men, by undertaking rites of passage.

All are welcome. We are part of a national network of men’s groups called the Male Journey UK

Where and when we meet: Our monthly gathering is on the 3rd Wednesday, 7:00pm is gathering social time followed by prompt start of the  sharing circle from 7:30 - 9:30pm.

Who we are: These are the Five Touchstones from the Male Journey UK

  • Centring – we are men grounded in the power of the here and now.
  • Gathering – we are men who listen deeply to each other’s stories
  • Connecting – we are men who choose another to walk with - shoulder to shoulder.
  • Releasing – We are men who let go of the ways that no longer serve us.
  • Serving – we are men who honour the earth and serve the whole human community

In our sharing:

  • The practice of the Way of Council is the approach of our monthly meetings
  • We are not here to ‘fix’ each other, but rather to listen and reflect on what is heard.
  • We speak from from ‘I’ statements
  • There is no crosstalk - by that is meant that we do not need to agree or disagree with, comment on, judge or critique. We just receive what is said.
  • Everyone is invited to share, but no one is obliged.
  • We are men transforming men through a power greater than ourselves.
  • Confidentiality must be respected at all times. This means that anything which is said in the group stays within the group and is not discussed outside of the group, without permission.

Our time of sharing includes a social time, a transition time, then out of a period of silence we take turns to speak or respond to what comes, often on an agreed broad theme. This is usually introduced by a member(s) of the group who has agreed to be the facilitator or ‘Stoker’ for that circle. In the transition time and sacred space we are open to what expression may come, for instance: in song, percussion or embodied movement as well as or instead of words.

We meet: at a Tintern farm that provides the venue at a modest cost in support of the work. Suggested contribution for the evening is £5 or whatever you can afford.

More information: We would suggest it is helpful to visit www.malejourney.org.uk to get background for our practice. In addition: Wild Man to Wise Man – Reflections on Male Spirituality’.

Richard Rohr, St. Anthony Messenger Press, Cincinnati, Ohio, 1990.

Contact: Francis O’Leary through the form below or via WhatsApp on 07815788029

 

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Reading

We will start with short silent sitting and then share where we are on our journey through life. A talking piece will be used to create a sense of ritual and therefore a different quality of deep listening to each other compared to the normal conversations out in the world.

We will use the process called Way of Council to ensure we create a safe place where men can be heard and not interrupted.  We aspire to welcome, value, affirm, listen to and care for other brothers in a space which is sacred because it is safe, inclusive, without judgement or a desire to provide answers, where everyone doesn't need to perform to be accepted. There is no hidden agenda other than helping each other, by our presence and listening, to become fully who we are meant to be,  embracing all that we are and can be as men.

Our gatherings will be open to all men, regardless of age, ethnicity, religious faith, sexual orientation, education, experience, ability or disability.

If you are interested in co-convening or attending, please contact Geoff Taggart (rites 2022) on 07894 705219

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Isle of Wight

We are a group of men who meet to support each other and share wisdom for life's journey. 

Our monthly circle is open to all men who are interested in personal and spiritual growth work, with the intention of maturing into positive mentors in society.

Through our circle, where we are all equal, we provide a safe space for men to share what is on their heart, openly and without judgement

The aim of our circle is to facilitate men in sharing their journeys, discovering their gifts and finding their true selves.

Our group operates on two Rules and four intentions which underpin our sharing circle;

The Rules

- Confidentiality; What is said in the circle stays in the circle.

- Not "fixing"; We do not come to the circle to be "fixed" or try to fix or heal others. 

The Intentions

- We speak from the heart

- We listen from the heart.

- We speak spontaneously, without rehearsal.

- We are "lean of speech" and get to the point.

A typical meeting will include; drumming, silent meditation and a sharing circle or "council."

We welcome new members with no experience of this kind of work necessary; silent participation is completely valid and accepted. Our group is open to men of all ages, all faiths or none.

We meet on the first Thursday evening of every month at the Unitarian Chapel, High St, Newport, Isle of Wight.

If you are interested in finding out more, please use the form below.

Isle of Wight
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