Is Men's Rites of Passage (MROP) Right for Me?
Acceptance to the MROP is based on perceived readiness for a deep encounter. In the Men’s Rites of Passage, images and ritual are used from a variety of religious traditions. Though our primary orientation has developed from the Judeo-Christian heritage, the universal nature of what the MROP addresses continually demonstrates that if something is true, it is true, and will resonate in human hearts all over this globe.
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We are fed by the wisdom traditions of forgiveness and radical inclusivity, and the MROP welcomes all men regardless of faith tradition, sexual orientation, race or ethnicity, socio-economic status or any other artificial divisions present in our society. We have welcomed men young and old, liberal and conservative, impoverished and wealthy, Christian fundamentalists, evangelicals, progressives, Buddhists, Catholics, Mormons, agnostics, “spiritual but not religious”, ardent pacifists and proud members of the US military, gay men and those yet homophobic…to say nothing of ethnic or nationality differences…and in almost every case, these men are all deeply moved despite their broad backgrounds and viewpoints.
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The Men’s Rites of Passage are most appropriate for those who are spiritually searching. Though friends and family do come together some times, it is preferable if you approach this experience as a lone seeker. Fathers and sons are normally not initiated together. You may come with friends but expect to be grouped separately to start together from zero with your group. (You will actually find this to be an advantage.)
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The Men’s Rites of Passage is ultimately designed as a once in a lifetime event. You may not make this initiation rite more than once, but you may return to help make the experience happen for other men as an initiator.
Elements of the MROP require a basic mobility and level of health that will allow you to move around and hike on uneven, even mountainous terrain. There is a period of fasting for those who can. However, we have had people in their upper 70’s and those in wheelchairs go through this before successfully.
We will work with you.
HELPFUL RESOURCES:
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Wild Man to Wise Man: Reflections on Male Spirituality by Richard Rohr
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Adam’s Return – The Five Promises of Male Initiation by Richard Rohr
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Soulcraft by Bill Plotkin
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Nature and the Human Soul by Bill Plotkin
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The Solace of Fierce Landscapes by Belden Lane
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Pilgrim by David Whyte
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Creating Rituals: A New Way of Healing for Everyday Life by Jim Clarke