The spiritual centre of our men's work in the Nelson region, this event has meet twice yearly since the mid 1990’s. Men share food, lodging, connection and deep circle work.
Our Spring Weekend for Men will be held at the Rotoiti Outdoor Education Lodge, our traditional home. We’ll connect over an evening meal around 6 pm on Friday, followed by an introductory circle, sharing our intentions for our time together. Our weekend will evolve from that process. We’ll finish up around 1 pm on Monday.
This weekend will offer the opportunity to step outside our daily lives. Learning from past experience, we’ll use both sharing circles and open space, plus walks around Lake Rotoiti and up Pinchgut Track, and one on one connections, to build our sense of community of men. And if that seems like too much activity, you may wish simply to chill on the couches…
Circles
We do have the structure of circles morning and evening, with the afternoon free as open space. This year we can discuss if we wish to replace the Saturday evening circle with a concert, or dance, whatever may appeal.
Connection & Offerings
The invitation to each man is to ask for what you want. There will be opportunities to offer processes, facilitate a discussion on a topic that is real for you, walk in nature, or simply to take time out. This is not a workshop, but an opportunity to co-facilitate our time together, to use the power of the circle to share of ourselves, and to explore issues close to our hearts. Ask for what you want, and don’t regret later not having done so.
Over the past 4 years there has been a focus in open space to support Hardy, Victor, Alek, Hilary and others in their Top of the South Men’s Initiative, which is initiating new circles, and bringing men together in the International Men’s Day event at Victory. Our Rotoiti event is the heart from which this initiative has emerged. The new men who come to Rotoiti from the new circles bring their life experiences to add to the mix, enlivening our circle.
In the kitchen preparing food for others is one way of nurturing our community of men, in our circles is where we deepen our connection, and in our play where we celebrate as men.
What to bring
Bring your own breakfasts and food to share for combined lunches and dinners, which we will prepare communally.
Please bring your guitars, drums and voices, and sense of play.
Do come prepared to take responsibility for what you need and to participate fully. Be ready to embrace the richness of a shared enlivened experience with open-hearted men. And if it feels right, please actively spread the word and possibly invite another man or two to come with you.
Cost
Accommodation will be $55/night, less if money is tight. As a group we'll support your attendance.
