Fellowship by the fire
Recently I have been facilitating and guiding mens talking groups titled Fellowship by the fire, coffee is drunk, sticks are whittled and conversation flows as it needs to. This offers a space for men to talk about whatever topics they need to at the time in a non judgemental, open and respectful space. Men's group work is something especially close to my heart, there's a different flow and energy when men come together, with the intention of being candid and honest about the woes and troubles they're going through, as well as sharing the joys and triumphs.
“If you want to go fast, go alone
If you want to go far go together “
A sense of community and shared experiences reassures us that whilst we may not feel it, these are universal troubles even though the individual experiences are ours alone.
By gathering by the fire rather than in a pub or sports centre we tap deep into the ancestral memory, we gaze into the flames as we share our thoughts and ruminations both to those we are with and the Fire itself.
When whittling the intention isn't necessarily to produce a spoon or a finished project it's more the engagement of the hands to allow the mind to roam free as the body is busy.
Often “busy hands idle minds” allows the conversation to flow in a way sitting opposite one another with the expectations to talk openly and honestly doesn't. The task or the fire gives a focus point to allow the conversation to come naturally and unguarded.
Below is the testimony of one of the attendees
“I’ve attended two ‘Fellowship by the Fire sessions’ so far and have found both to be very interesting and relaxing for me…
I’ve felt able to talk openly about the issues that are currently affecting me in a nonjudgmental group with other members sharing and offering encouragement, support and understanding…
Would highly recommend Sam and his sessions for many reasons but as someone who struggles with his sleep being in the fresh air helped me to sleep like a log…
Looking forward to my next session…”
Evidence of the effectiveness of time spent around the fire for both physical and mental wellbeing.
I'll be running Fire by the Fellowship sessions in Bedfordshire, UK on the following dates if you wish to join me
5th September
14th September
28th September
I'll also be running a Mens therapeutic guided retreat on 11th-13th October in Bedfordshire UK.