January 04 & 05
“In the darkness something was happening at last. A voice had begun to sing.”
-C. S. Lewis, The Magician’s Nephew
Life is a Journey // Not a Destination
Putting Illuman’s Five Touchstones
to Work in Our Lives
In our lives we often awaken to the question “What does all this mean?” and “Have I really mattered?” This retreat will look at five words that stand in the place of such a lifelong search: Gather, Connect, Center, Release and Serve. The larger international men’s group called Illuman, to which IN/MI MALES belongs as a chapter, sees these five words as touchstones for authentic male spirituality.
What Will I Learn?
Preparation Details
Check in is from 5:00 to 6:50 pm on Friday. Allow yourself plenty of travel time and arrive early so that you don’t feel rushed. Drumming will begin at 6:50 in the meeting space of Lawrence Lodge. The retreat will begin promptly at 7:00 pm. Please bring a drum or percussion instrument if possible. Extra drums are often available.
There will be a time for socializing Friday night. Bring a nonalcoholic beverage and snack to share. (Alcohol is not allowed at this site.) Dinner will not be served on Friday evening and so eat on the way. Breakfast and lunch are provided on Saturday. The retreat ends at 4:00 pm on Saturday.
Towels and bedding are not provided, so please bring your own. Pillows are provided.
If you have questions, contact Mike Whitman at 989-362-6223 (land line) or 989-701-6719 cell or Tom Pawlak at 989-525-6763 cell, for directions if lost. The drive way getting to the lodge can be tricky. Signs will be posted.
What to Bring:
Clothing that meets the weather – you will be out doors
Gloves, outdoor boots and hat strongly suggested
Journal & pen
Towels & Bedding
Snacks & nonalcoholic beverage
Slippers or shoes for in doors
Drum or percussion instrument
Clock to keep us on schedule
The retreat leader:
Mike Whitman has led retreats and workshops for both young and old for 40+ years. He will lead us and be accompanied by five Elders from our Council of Elders each presenting and creating rituals on the Five Touchstones of Illuman: Gather, Connect, Center, Release and Serve.
