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JOURNEY OF ILLUMINATION

We are pleased to invite you into this Journey of Illumination (JOI), a process for continued spiritual growth and transformation of men.

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This process challenges you to show up and pay attention daily to the need to overcome the weight of your routine in order to realize a full, intense and well-grounded spiritual journey.  Doing so is not easy, but does involve clear elements...

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Our Five Touchstones

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Centering

Show up and observe.

We are men grounded in the power of the here and now.

Gather

Gathering

Show up and get together.

We are men who listen deeply to each other's stories.

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Connecting

Show up and share.

We are men who choose another to walk with - shoulder to shoulder.

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Releasing

Show up and let go.

We are men who let go of the ways that no longer serve us.

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Serving

Show up and serve.

We are men who honor the earth and serve the whole human community.

Sound good so far?

By choosing to participate, you will enrich and enliven your existing spiritual practices, and create or restore balance in each step of your journey through a commitment to do the work that is the essence of spiritual discipline. What drives this process is accountability, both to yourself and others.

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As the product of the collective efforts and consciousness of hundreds of initiated men, the Journey of Illumination awakens men to two essential challenges of the Journey—to choose a specific action (show up) and to be present (pay attention) in the body, the heart, and the mind.

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Your personal investment in yourself and in the process is very important so that a group of elders can be raised up who embody the full potential that men may achieve. While much of the “work” will be on your own, we will walk together in preparation.

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This is indeed an exciting time and we trust that the Spirit has much to teach us and lead us into. Thank you for your willingness and openness.

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We do not walk this journey alone!  An important aspect of the JOI is the pairing of each man with a mentor.  Your mentor will connect with you at different times of the journey to check-in on how things are going for you.

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Your mentor is not your Spiritual Director or counselor but rather a man who can encourage and challenge you based on what you share is happening in relationship to the different elements of the JOI.  Check-ins can occur in person or by phone and are not limited by geographic location.

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JOURNEY OF ILLUMINATION (JOI) PRACTICES

  • Silent Retreat

  • Vision Quest

  • Lectio Divina

  • Faith Sharing Groups

  • Death Lodge

  • Guided Retreat

  • Yoga

  • Guided Meditation - Deep Imagery

  • Labyrinth

  • Fasting

  • Contemplative Prayer/Centering Prayer

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Following is a list of books that we have found supportive for the male spiritual journey. Journaling and/or daily reading and reflection is encouraged:

 

Note: We have set apart the 30th of each month for fasting, study, prayer, and/or service for yourself and other men. We invite you to join the Illuman community in this distinct practice.

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If you feel you are ready to act, then you might be ready for your Men’s Rites of Passage or you may need to connect with a home group in your area. Click here to find the Regional Contact in your geographic area. These men can offer guidance and help you connect.

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