武士道
Bushidō
APRIL - MAY 2024
“Men need their core depth reflected back to them through the eyes of other men. It changes a man. It restores him.
It inspires him to elevate himself and give more than he knew was possible.”
— John Wineland, From the Core
Why join a men’s group?
Too often, men are not afforded spaces to let their truer selves shine without fear of judgement. In a well held container bolstered by confidentiality and authenticity, men are able to receive feedback from their peers. When they may step off their individual path, the men around them can offer ways to return.
They can verbally process their days or breathe through the fear and adrenaline of speaking something that until that moment had never been put into words. They can offer the wisdom they have received or uncovered on their unique journey through life.
This is the power of a gathering of men committed to calling each other higher and accepting each other just how they are, in that exact moment.
What is Bushidō?
8 weeks of Zen-inspired circle.
Inspiring conversations with men in the community.
No specific format week to week; we will meet what emerges in the moment.
A closed circle; the same group of men each week.
A smaller circle - 7 participants maximum.
Light facilitation with occasional group work.
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The full list of agreements can be found here.
All men will be provided with a print copy to keep, and one to sign at the first circle.
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We will be seated low, so please bring something that allows you to comfortably sit on the ground; eg a BackJack, cushion, etc. Imagine you were going to meditate for a long time—what would you sit on? How would you seat yourself so you can offer your full presence?
Water is good too :)
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As with everything, you will get out of this what you put in, so I’d love for you to make each circle. That being said, life happens, so please let me know as soon as possible on that day if you will not be able to join us.
During our orientation call, you will have a chance to tell me any days you already have something else scheduled, so we know that you will be gone.
Please Note: Attendance to the first and last circles in mandatory, and there will be no hybrid option—Bushidō is solely in-person.
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I am committed to having a space where all participants feel at ease and able to speak openly. If you have concerns about a member of the group, or if you feel that someone has broken one of the agreements of Bushidō, please let me know via the means more comfortable to you: audio message, text, phone call, etc.
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I put together a reading list you can find below—my standout favorite is From the Core by John Wineland.
WHo am i?
I’m John — former Starbucks store manager and financial advisor, current preschool teacher. Out of the classroom you can find me at my café du jour playing some poor chess, connecting with my dearest friends, or listening to a podcast about the ancient world.
I’ve had long fascinations with archetypal masculinity, polarity, and mythology. I’ve trained with Authentic Relating and practiced Imago Dialogue as a conflict-resolution framework. With my former partner I co-facilitated a 6-week circle for couples. That experience, as well as the men’s group I was in last year, taught me that this work is my soul work, and I’m so excited to sit with you.
Disclaimer (who am I not?)
I am not a licensed therapist and cannot provide professional mental health advice. This space is not intended to be a substitute for group therapy or other forms of professional care. If you are experiencing emotional distress, please reach out to a qualified mental health professional.
when and where?
Session 1: April 2nd
Session 2: April 9th
Session 3: April 16th
Session 4: April 23rd
Session 5: April 30th
Session 6: May 7th
Session 7: May 14th
Session 8: May 21st
All sessions will be held at my home in downtown Boulder from 6:30 to 8:30.
For safety reasons, the specific location will be given to each participant during an orientation call.
whats the ante?
Early-bird pricing of 120 for all 8 sessions (pricing ends 5pm MST, March 25th, 2024).
Complete pricing of 160 for all 8 sessions.
Interested?
Please fill out the form below, and I will respond soon to set up a time to connect with you.