It is no exaggeration to say that the world stands at a crossroads, a moment of decision whether to be beholden to our past – the wounds passed down by our fathers and forefathers, or those we have accumulated in our own lives – or whether we will listen to the call of our descendants, those who will come after us, begging us to create a more whole and hopeful world.

When we fail to awaken, we find ourselves stuck in the patterns of the past, performing life to someone else’s script… futilely trying to meet the demands of our flawed fathers, our frenetic culture, or an increasingly dehumanizing marketplace. This is mere surviving, not thriving.  But when we awaken, we discover our freedom and our power to choose something something better.

When we awaken, we open the door to healing, connection, and clarity about our deep purpose. We are freed to leap into service and to the creation of beauty. And we learn our limitations, what is ours to do… and what isn’t. This too is a kind of freedom.

When we awaken, those around us sense our integrity and are often inspired to deepen their own lives and join us in the work of transforming our lives and the world. We leave a legacy for those who come after us, an inheritance not of wounds or dysfunction, but of humility and hope. Problems and pain don’t vanish, yet we learn to hold even those with a deeper sense of compassion and even gratitude.

This is Awakening. This is what we are about at Awaken 2024, Illuman’s annual men’s gathering. Join us October 31-November 3 just outside of St. Louis for stories, rituals, contemplative practices, and nature wanderings, that will help us grasp this gift of a fully awakened life.

What kind of life do you want to live? What kind of legacy will you leave behind? 

Click Here for More Details and to Register

AWAKEN 2024 DETAILS

When: Thu, October 31 – Sun, November 3

Where: Lake Williamson Center, Carlinville, IL (1 hour north of St. Louis)

Cost: Early-Bird Rate of $650 through August 31st. Includes 3-nights lodging and nine meals. (Scholarships are available – click here to apply.)

 

Illuman welcomes all male-identified persons without regard for religion, race, ethnicity, class, education, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic that might make you feel excluded. You do NOT need to have participated in any previous Illuman programs in order to attend Awaken.