Mens Wilderness Quest
For men, the question of who we are and the direction that our lives are pointing in, does not simply go away with the passing of our youth. Far from it ... as the terrain of a man's life changes, so too does the perspective and primary focus of his existence.
The great mystic poet Rumi once wrote:
From an embryo, who's nourishment comes in the blood,
move to an infant drinking milk,
to a child on solid food,
to a searcher after wisdom,
to a hunter of more invisible game.
Come join us on the Olympic Coast as we gather together in the company of good men to wake up the senses and hunt for the food that feeds the masculine spirit. Nourished by the rugged beauty of the Northwest Coast, the wisdom of timeless stories and the revelation of artistic expression, we will enter into a more sacred relationship with the living world. "Seeing" from this place, we will look at our lives with eyes open. "Listening" from this place, we will go in search of the answers that are waiting to be discovered inside our own hearts.
Our journey will begin here in Seattle, WA and take us across the water on the Edmonds ferry. Once on the other side, we will enter into a different kind of time and space. In Port Townsend, we will be met by mythologist and master storyteller Daniel Deardorff, who will take us even deeper into "a time when there wasn't any time at all." While we are there, we will learn to make a traditional hoop drum that will be yours to take with you when you go home. Following that, we will participate in a healing sweat lodge ceremony designed to prepare the body, mind and spirit for a five day backpacking trip into the sacred wilderness of Washington's Olympic Penninsula. Out on the coast, master tracker Dave Moskowitz will help us discover the signs of an abundant variety of northwest wildlife. In the evenings, we will share food and the stories of the day, guided by Expressive Art Therapist and men's group facilitator Michael Scott Brooks.
Other activities will include, day hiking and tidepooling, learning ancient fire making methods, singing, journaling and expressive art. There will also be plenty of time for time for personal reflection, rest and relaxation in one of the most beautiful settings that nature has to offer.
Cost of $795 includes permits, professional guides and all art materials. Space is limited to ten participants. A non-refundable deposit of $250 will hold your spot. Food and equipment not included. Gas and ferry divided equally. For questions, information, and registration, please call 206-261-5286 or E-mail trip leader Michael Scott Brooks at The Seattle Men's Center.
