Sounds like stepping backwards - feels like a loss, a letting go. The captain calls retreat and just like that the warriors fall back. Do we all need to retreat sometime or at all? The retreat industry is in full swing - there are a dozen or so sites in my neck of the woods that offer that particularity - and what do they offer and to whom?

Here, at Rivenwood I am offering my first men’s retreat - a place for the would be warriors to do some spiritual development - for it is the spiritual warriors in our men that we need - anyone can pick up a sword and wave it. Check out my six year old son, given any strife and its the wooden sword or my very sharp kitchen knives.

What I long for is more grown up men - myself included. Those who have gone into their shadow - got quiet enough to dig down through their muck and mire - know this part of them - but also where the treasure is - sitting close to the site of the wound. Out here - we will dance our pain, our longings and that which we are becoming - so yes, the time has called: Retreat Men! Retreat from the office, the home battle fields and step back, arms downed and turn and face the river