Can men connect to others? Do real men even want to?

If we were to take seriously opinions like that of author John Gray (Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus), then men prefer being alone to being connected. But is he right? In a word, "NO!" Unfortunately, too many people, men and women alike, put opinions from so called experts before their own truths and life experiences, especially when it comes to things like men and connecting.

What is the truth about men wanting to connect to others?

Start with these two, simple statements. One; men are "people" first, men second. Two; all people, men and women alike, feel pained by aloneness and so, want to connect.

Add these two statements together and what do you get? The idea that despite the ignorant belief that a man is more of a man if he can stand alone, reality is, we men need and want to connect to others, including to each other.

Can men learn to see this truth; that they prefer connecting to aloneness? Yes. But only if we can find the courage to help each other to see past what for us, may be the worst lie; that we prefer to stand alone.

In the company of good men, then, on Sunday, January 19th, we will gather together to share openly and with love our wisdom and courage about this often misunderstood side of ourselves: "connecting with others."

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.