Having been on a number of retreats in the past, I was looking forward to this one with the usual mixture of trepidation and anticipation of something personal and special. That is a huge understatement of my experience from the weekend. Johan’s experience, guidance and love helped make this a life changing event full of emotion with the unexpectedly powerful bond of 18 strangers that was breathtakingly beautiful to be a part of. I will be forever grateful for the forces that brought me to the weekend.
Positive Growth – Authentic Self retreat WC – 06-08 Nov
Dear Johan
A mere thank you can in no way express the gratitude I feel for you facilitating the amazing weekend we have just had.
Returned home last night feeling at a loss & yearning for the physical and mental stimulus you introduced us all to, not negatively I add – positive growth in small steps & the possibilities are endless. You introduced me to a new way of hugging, heart to heart and that will be the only way for me going forward.
Once more thank you again for the beautiful safe space you created, the family you introduced me to and the awareness of the possibilities beyond the mask.
Much love
Amazing weekend – Authentic self retreat – 09-11 Oct 2020
“Wow!! What an amazing weekend! The activities were great, which facilitated and allowed for positive introspection. It was also so good to see that many of us men are fighting similar battles or dealing with common issues – it just goes to show that you cannot judge a “book” by its cover. Thanks so much.”
Very Grateful – Authentic Self retreat – 09-11 Oct 2020
Hi Johan,
While it is not exactly straightforward to describe the experience (it is very complex, part of a much larger and older process and also something that is continuously developing) I can thank you already for the opportunity to give feedback since the reflection will help me to give order to this complexity. I have a good support network and coping mechanisms which I am confident will help me navigate the next few weeks of insight.
The retreat has helped me to see aspects of myself that I had neglected for a very long time and very much to the detriment of myself and those around me. This is a very difficult thing to see and acknowledge, so the context of ‘acceptance’ was really useful in ensuring that the identification of parts of the self that have been rejected did not result in further and more effective rejection, but may lead instead, in the medium term, to substantial meaningful integration. The extent of my long-standing war against myself was made visible to me in a safe environment and I now feel ready to progress to meaningful spiritual action in addressing the condition, while continuing the slow process of healing the damage caused. I am very grateful to you for the work that you do.
Desire to pursue – Authentic Self retreat – 09-11 Oct 2020
The retreat was much needed to connect with men again. On a spiritual, physical and sensual level. Not only have I become complacent in my solitude but I have realised that my solitude is a safety net to protect me from being vulnerable again. It amazed me how much emotional pain some of the guys had to work through. It caused me to self-reflect and see if I am not suppressing layers that I hide behind. It was hard not to see everyone again after we returned home, as the bond one develops with the guys forms quickly and strongly. After the retreat I feel like I have a new desire to pursue parts of my life that I have been neglecting.
Celebrate my manhood – Authentic Self – 09-11 Oct 2020
This weekend was life-changing. I have been doing a lot of spiritual groundwork and I was dissatisfied with my sex life being at odds with the spiritual teachings I follow. This weekend showed me that tantra the missing piece that helped me integrate my sex life into my spiritual universe practice.
Physically, I reached my first full body orgasm and it lasted two days with consistent waves of energy… it spurred me on to do my own research…
Ultimately, it has helped me on a leap forward to swop out a self-harming sex habit and thinking for tantra, celebrate my manhood and penis and go deeper spiritually
A valuable experience – Authentic Self 09-11 Oct 2020
The retreat was an amazing experience. It was good to reconnect with men that I met at previous workshops, and to build relationships with new men that I met for the first time. It surprised me that such a brotherhood developed between men across a wide age range. The retreat also facilitated the most difficult journey, namely the inside journey to discover your authentic self. This was, for most men, an emotional experience, but Johan as facilitator created a safe space for this rediscovery and reconnection. Thanks for a valuable experience.
A brotherhood of camaraderie – Authentic Self retreat 09-11 Oct 2020
As always, time well spent on self-development, growth and exploration. Thanks to the facilitator, it is easy to surrender to the activities done and each one has a lesson to be learnt. Not only are you personally affected, but the pain and suffering of your fellow delegates are sincerely felt. Through a brotherhood of camaraderie, one is supported and elevated to a level of self-belief and trust. Once again, a fantastic step forward to self-discovery and personal growth.
Thoughts and Reflections – 24 Sept 2020
Hi Johan,
Thanks for the check-in. The thoughts and reflections originating from the experience with you and the group, have certainly started an internal conversation.
Thank you for your thoughtful facilitation and constant reassurance throughout.
Amazing Day – 24 Sept 2020
Dear Johan,
I just wanted to thank you for an amazing day yesterday. I absolutely loved the workshop and learnt so much about myself and others at the same time.
Minus the nudity and a few explicit details, I went home and told my wife, all about the day. She was very excited for my part and told me that she’s glad I’m attending these men’s forum workshops and discovering new aspects about myself and about being a man. I’m working myself up to hopefully attend a weekend retreat next year sometime.
Thank you once again for being part of my personal journey and enjoy the weekend and upcoming retreat!!!
Regards,