Times are hard for men who feel alone. Old views which define strength as the strong silent male with the pretty girl are often mixed with new views in which men are praised for openly revealing themselves.

Despite these invitations to open up, though, most men, in fact, most people, still spent a good deal of their lives feeling separate and alone, and even when others do try to connect, most men keep their distance.

What keeps men from connecting? Are men simply trying to protect themselves? Is it just that men have issues with trust and intimacy? Or is it simply that most men struggle under conflicting messages as to what a "real man" is like?

In truth, and despite the apparent logic in these answers, none of them really address men's struggles with aloneness. In this workshop, we will explore an alternative, less blaming, and more loving view: that both men and women form their ability to connect with others by age four or earlier; more over, that this ability is based more on giving and getting needs met than on gender.

In the company of good men, then, on Sunday, September 29th, we will gather together to share openly and with love our wisdom and courage about this often felt but little understood side of ourselves: our "aloneness."

A Few Notes About This Journey's Challenges: Part of what we will be asking you to do will involve the gathering process itself. Thus, we will begin promptly at 9:30 AM and go straight through until 4:30 PM. During this seven hours, although we will be taking short breaks, we will be asking that you remain within our gathering place. This means we will be asking you to not break to eat nor for cigarettes nor for phone calls (except, of course, in cases wherein you have a health issue which could be seriously compromised by these requests). In fact, we will be asking that you "check" your beepers and cell phones at the door or better yet, leave them home. This is a sacred space, and we want the entire focus to be on your work and on you. Thus, for this seven hours, put yourself first. Your loved ones can wait.

Also, this work is stressful, and we want you to be as comfortable as possible. Dress casual, bring a sitting cushion or small folding chair, and please remember to bring something to drink (e.g. large bottle of water, juice, etc.).

To register: call Ed D'Urso (845 893-3160) or Steven Paglierani (845 627-7404). Seating is limited to about twenty five men so please call early. The fee is $75 in advance, $85 at the door; however, for any man under financial stress, this fee is negotiable.