Men's Retreats
What I learned from my Men’s Retreat
Seven things I learned running a Men’s Retreat near Berlin
I have just come back from running a men’s retreat in the woods in Brandenburg near Berlin. It’s time to reflect, think about what I will take with me and put out the call for the next gathering.
So what have I learned from the men who joined me? They know they are missing something important and feel untethered to their own lives.
- By Andrew G. Marshall
- Men's Retreats
1. Men are longing for deeper connection
"Definitely helped me make leaps towards growing up." T. (39, Germany)
- Men are longing for deeper connection to themselves and each other.
- They are tired of being shut off from the people they love and love them.
- They are just waiting for the tools and a safe-enough environment to open up.
2. The importance of like-minded people
"Bringing together men from all walks of life and all corners of the world to explore what it means to be a man today in a safe, interactive and fun space." D. (52, Germany)
The importance of meeting like-minded people when you’re on a journey of self-discovery and self-improvement. Sometimes, it feels like nobody gets you or sees the progress that you’re making but meeting others on the same path, you realise you’re not alone.
3. We are too easily distracted
"Opens vital new dimensions." H. (44, Germany)
Although everyone was horrified that there was no wifi (and we were so remote that mobile signals did not reach our Seminar House), stepping away from 24-hour news and social media updates was extremely calming.
4. The importance of reconnecting with nature
"A fantastic way to find yourself in midlife." R. (45, UK)
Every morning, I would come down to the jetty and watch the mist rising from the lake. My internal rhythms were being set to another frequency. I felt an opening up, a calming down and a connection to something greater than myself.
5. We are cut off from the wisdom of our ancestors
"Enlightening to get in touch with my intuition." J. (38, UK)
One of the most popular moments of the day with the participants, and my personal favourite, was reading one of the Grimms Fairy Tales out aloud round a camp fire. These are the collected wisdom of the generations that came before us.
Jung called it ‘collective dreaming’ and unlocking the messages embedded in the story and sharing what they mean – in different ways, to different people – was extremely powerful.
6. How well men work together for greater good
"I would recommend it to anybody looking to turn up more powerfully and consciously in their lives." S. (42, UK)
There were twenty-three men in the circle and beforehand I had wondered how I could support all of them. But I had underestimated how much, the men had each other’s backs. They were simple tasks needed for the smooth running of the retreat too and everyone mixed in to perform them – not as chores but joyfully as a service to others.
7. The journey has only just begun
"A surprising and unique joy." H. (44, Germany)
We hope that one giant push will change everything but our coping mechanisms were inserted long ago (when we were children). They sort of worked in the past, but they are out-of-date and need upgrading. However, they take time to be found, worked on and rooted out.
Change is slow. It doesn’t matter because the ball has started rolling. You just need to pay attention, be brave and carry-on. You can always reach out for the support and understanding of other men on the same path.
Ready to join us?
"Reminded me that I am not alone." K. (50, Sweden)
You could also join my next Men’s Retreat, happening April 2026. The call has gone out. Are you going to hear it? What’s stopping you? I do hope to welcome you onto my next Men’s Retreat.
Andrew G Marshall.
An excellent listen on a related theme: Conroy Harris: Rites of Passage and Mentoring: How to Become an Adult
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