Weekend Program Men's Retreat

Report of Mens' Retreat 5-7 September 2003 It is always a little difficult to describe to others a 'Men's Retreat' and its purpose, or to share an experience of the spirit. It can be said that a retreat is a conscious process of removing oneself from everyday life; a time of reflection, of insight and awareness. In the Bahá’í sense, it includes a spiritual focus, and in the sense of man, a candid appraisal of the paradigms of our male heritage and the possibility of charting a new course to fulfill the noble and gentle potential of the male wing of humankind. The twenty men who came to the Retreat at Yerrinbool were from a wide range of backgrounds, ages and cultural experience, but it was as a close and caring family that we parted at the end. The topics of discussion included ideas of self-concept and self-image, equality, relationships, health and the practice of living in inspiration. We were guided, sometimes with great hilarity, in the art of Tai Chi and expanded our experience of meditation. Habitual life-patterns were recognised and challenged during an energetic game with a large exercise ball and after dinner there were card games, generous humour and warm conversation. The weekend was too short, but I'm certain that all of us will keep its memory close to our hearts. Above all, I personally experienced a profound sense of that particular gentle strength, kind-heartedness, humour and courage that leads me to long for a World where Spirit is paramount and the beauty of the human potential is manifest.   The Men's retreat is held once a year for men of all ages. The main purpose of the course is to develop bonds of friendship between the group, as well as learning how to cope with everyday situations that men go through. If you have read the report you can deduce that all in all it's a lot of fun for everyone that goes, and it has to be said that once you go, you'll wanna go again. You can apply for the course online or off-line. When applying off-line, you need to print the application form, fill it up and send it to the Programs Administrator by mail or fax. If you pay your fee by a cheque, it needs to be in Australian Dollars and payable to Yerrinbool  Bahá’í Centre of Learning. To enroll online, fill out the online application form.