May 16-18, 2025 - weekend retreat
Desire
without Demand
3-Day Retreat Sign Up
We have few examples of men knowing, naming, and pursuing their desires in healthy ways. As we watch oligarchs and bully politicians take what they want from our institutions and society with entitled abandon, they are often cheered and celebrated.
We have plenty of examples of the Dictator - men who believe they are entitled to getting what they want and will do anything to get it. We have plenty of examples of the Doormat - men who virtually erase their wants in the name of keeping the peace.
In this workshop, we will dive into our relationship to the “D”-word behind it all, Desire. There is great power - and attraction - in masculine folx owning their desire. But liberation exists only where we find the strength to own our desires without any demand or attachment to their fulfillment.
We will explore the reasons so many men struggle to even know our desires - other than a few socially sanctioned ones like status symbols, certain kinds of sex, and “being left alone.”
We will practice knowing, embracing, and stating desire in invitational ways that are free from demand, shame, entitlement, and avoidance.
Join us for a three-day, two-night weekend retreat Friday-Sunday May 16-18, to explore what masculinity can look like outside the constraints of patriarchy. Facilitators John Helmiere and Ben Mustin will lead a full weekend gathering where men and masc folx explore embodiment, play, imagination, and openness as a path to experience masculinity based in empathy, strength, and love.
The location, Wellspring Spa and Resort is located on the broad shoulders of Tahoma, a sacred gathering point for Salish and interior Northwest cultures since time immemorial. Immersed in the deep forest and including hot tub and sauna facilities that will be open exclusively to retreat participants, the Wellspring Spa and Resort is a love letter to the land and a place of deep respite and nourishment. Programming will include practice of deep connection with the land and place.
This workshop is open to any men/masc folx; the content will build off previous workshops, but attendance to previous workshops is not necessary!
THE DETAILS:
When: 6pm Friday - 12pm Sunday, May 16-18, 2025
Where: Wellspring Resort - 54922 Kernahan Rd E, Ashford, WA 98304
Cost: $570* for shared lodging
Retreat costs cover all meals and program fees for shared lodging on a first-come first-serve basis. First sign ups will have first choice of sleeping options. Late registrants can choose between floor/air mattress sleeping options or book a cabin directly through wellspringspa.com at their own expense.
One private room is available for up to 2 attendees for an additional cost of $300.
Additional private cabins are available to book through wellspringspa.com
*Early Bird Pricing - available through April 30
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