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The Men's Center of Los Angeles
Beverly Hills/Woodland Hills
in Association with
Sacred Path Productions
Newsletter for December 2006
Voicemail: (818) 348-9302
Web Site: www.menscenterlosangeles.com
Contact: info@menscenterlosangeles.com
Our Mission:
"Bringing good men together and bringing out the best in
them"
Our Approach:
Helping develop a greater sense of purpose and fulfillment for
men by fostering vision, passion, authenticity and intimate connection
to self and others
Our Services:
Psychotherapy for individuals, families, and groups, as well as
our Sacred Path and Call to Adventure Retreats,
Workshops, Seminars, and Monthly Men's Gatherings
MAN
UP COLLOQUIUM JANUARY 20
Sacred Ways
Kayak Retreat February 1-4
IN THIS ISSUE:
A Message from the Director
Upcoming Events - Mark Your Calendar
- ManUp Colloquium on Saturday, January 20, 2007
- Sacred Ways Kayak Retreat February 1-4, 2007
- Ongoing Men's Groups
Timothy Aguilar: A Prayer for the Holidays
Brian Courtney: Remembrances of the Retreat
From the Daily Om: People Who Don't Get It
Recommended Reading: Failed States
Movie Review: The Queen
Greywolf's Native Spirit Lodge In New Larger Quarters
Men's Teams
Important Web Links
CD's by Sacred Path Members Available
Sacred Path Alumni Yahoo Group
Contribute to the Newsletter
A Message from the Director -
Dr. Stephen Johnson
 November
29, 2006
Seasons Greetings,
During our Saturday night ritual at the October men's retreat
each participant was invited to make a declaration concerning
something that he was willing to step into, take a stand for
or change about his life. If you were one of the 60 men who
made that declaration, I'm wondering how often you have given
thought to the statement you made that night standing before
all of the others who witnessed and championed the commitment
you voiced. Have you re-declared your statement at any time
since then? Have you been walking your talk and witnessing evidence
that you are resulting what you declared? New Years is a time
of resolutions. Many are made and few are kept. Will this New
Year reveal the resolution of the declaration you made while
standing in front of the fire on the stage before your brothers,
who all shouted HO in unison, as you spoke. It's truly
up to you. If you weren't with us on retreat please consider
making a declaration that you are willing to bring into right
action. I trust that in 2007 you will manifest your declaration
to the fullest possible extent.
I had mentioned, during my closing statements at the last
retreat that we would host some programs periodically between
the fall and spring retreats. In January we will kick off our
campaign to enroll participants for the 20th annual spring Sacred
Path Retreat. This will be our 6th Call to Adventure Rites of
Passage Retreat for fathers and sons, boys and mentors. Our
lodge leader, Andrew Soliz, is pouring water in his new Stone
People's Lodge in Ojai. He informed me that he is holding up
to three lodges per week. Additionally, he and Scott Ewing are
producing a retreat in Nevada during the early part of February.
Go to AndrewÕs web site for further details on his programs.
The Men's Center will launch our first one-day program on Saturday,
the 20th of January. I will be conducting a Man Up colloquium
for a select group of men who will work with me in a setting
designed to stimulate deep and authentic exploration leading
to a lively discussion and interactive conversation regarding
the pertinent issues in our lives. This event will take place
at the Marriott Courtyard Hotel in Sherman Oaks. A light breakfast
and lunch are also provided in the cost of the event. If you
would like to be included in this intimate gathering, let me
know and I will provide you with further information.
With the Thanksgiving holiday behind us and the Christmas and
New Years holidays fast approaching, we are firmly ensconced
in the season of giving and new beginnings. It's tempting to
get caught up in the frenzy of it all and lose sight of the
true meaning of the season. One need not be a Christian to appreciate
the simple message underlying the commercial element driving
this time of the year. It's a message of peace, love and renewal.
With all of the strife and disparate energies pulling people
apart throughout the world, the message of Christmas reminds
me of the importance of the lessons embraced by truth, love
and simplicity. I strive, in the midst of the complexities of
life, to slow down enough to be mindful of what's really important.
Not always an easy task, but a rewarding one when accomplished.
My wish for you and your loved ones is that the spirit of this
season will brighten your days and overshadow any challenges
that you are facing and reward you with the blessings bestowed
on those who walk the Sacred Path.
Merry Christmas,
Stephen
To learn more about the Executive Director of the Los Angeles
Men's Center and Sacred Path Productions, go to: www.drstephenjohnson.com
Upcoming Events - Mark Your Calendar
ManUp Colloquium
on Saturday, January 20, 2007.
A colloquium for men will be held at the Marriott Courtyard
Hotel in Sherman Oaks. It will be led by Dr. Stephen Johnson
and will deal with pertinent issues in men's lives,including
relationships, aging, sexuality, intimacy, anger, longing
and other issues. A light breakfast and lunch will be served.
The group will be limited to 20 men, so act promptly if you
are interested. The cost for the day is $150 including meals.For
more information, contact: info@menscenterlosangeles.com
Sacred Ways Kayak
Retreat February 1-4, 2007.
Join the Sacred Ways Community as we take a rare .jpg) journey
through stunning Black Canyon on the Colorado River. We meet
at the Hacienda Hotel in Boulder City, Nevada on Thursday
night, Feb. 1st at 10 PM for an orientation. Early the next
morning we'll enter Sacred Space as we ask Earth Mother if
we may spend some time with her on the river just below Hoover
Dam. We will experience prayer in a vapor cave, stand beneath
a hot natural shower, and meditation in a hot spring pool.
We'll also sit together in a sweat lodge that we have built
on the shore where we camp for the night and come together
for a twilight chant.
If full payment for your reservation is received
before December 15, the cost is $350. If you reserve after
the 15th, the cost jumps to $395, so save $45 by acting quickly.
Cost includes admission to all ceremonies, kayak, paddle,
and life vest rental, first night's shared rooms at the Hacienda
Hotel in Boulder City, Nevada. Participants will be responsible
for their own transportation to the hotel, camping gear, firewood,
clothing, shelter, and all food and beverages. Reservations
are processed in order and are effective only when full payment
is received. Due to launch permit availability, we are limited
to launching just thirty boats for this magical retreat. PLEASE
DO NOT DELAY!
Send name, address, and full payments
to:
SACRED WAYS
4196 Eagle Flight Drive
Simi Valley, CA 93065
Weekly Men's Groups
are available in Woodland Hills and Beverly Hills. Both Stephen
Johnson and Dan Franklin have room available in their weekly
therapeutic support groups held in Beverly Hills and Woodland
Hills. More information at: info@menscenterlosangeles.com
Timothy Aguilar: A Prayer for
the Holidays
Hey Santa,
First, thank you for allowing me to still sit on your lap.
I still feel like a kid at times, although I realize I may
be heavy with my earthly burdens; I trust they are not too
heavy for you. I'm grateful they call you Santa, because in
this moment you are my
Saint, so, if you would, please pass on these prayers to GOD
for me. What I want for Christmas is this: that each and every
one of us can feel more PEACE. That we remember that we are
the gift. That we remember it is what is in our HEARTS (not
our hands) that will touch another in a lasting way. That
we remember that our LOVE is precious and valuable beyond
measure. That we remember our innocence. Although life may
have taught us differently, we were born BEAUTIFULLY IMPERFECT.
I trust I am not asking too much. I just wish for us all
to remember.
Thanks, Santa.
Love,
Timothy
Brian Courtney: Remembrances
of the Retreat
To whom this may serve....
I've given a lot of thought and feeling about how I can share
the gifts I received at the Sacred Path Weekend without giving
away too much, but still giving you a sense of my experience.
Going to this weekend was like going back to my roots. Sacred
Path was one the very first men's retreat weekends I attended
back in 1995.
The 3 high points of the Sacred Path Weekend for me were:
1. HEALING.
I got a huge healing Friday morning,
Saturday afternoon, Sunday morning,
Listening to 55 or so men drumming their
own inner heartbeat & feeling a deep
connection to First Soul. I got to see
men trust each other to cry & weep.
I got to feel healing take place in the
sacred container as I & other men let go.
I got to see men share their pain and laughter.
It was a great healing experience for men & for me.
2. EMPOWERMENT.
Seeing men together in a sacred container.
Seeing my Life as a man as it was reflected in
another man's share.
The weekend model, which resonates in many ways
with my weekend, was magical & ironic.
I saw a brown Raven fly at night above the pathway
I was walking along and perch on branch to my left.
I felt a deep connection to that bird, an omen,
because I had never seen a bird fly at night,
under the stars in the moonlight. Wow!
How surprising it was to walking on that sacred
path. A very empowering moment for me.
3. RELEASE.
I got to let go and really be me in whole new
way. I really allowed myself to be accepted as
a man in other men's lives.
Through the drumming, which lasted & lasted,
I got to release my body through Dancing around
the center Altar with other men.
To really feel Free for many moments on this
weekend by letting my guard down & feeling safe.
I got to release that I am not on my own,
longing for my dad to show up for the first
time since I was born.
I now have all these men in my life that I
really got to share my life with on a deeply
profound level. I opened myself up
to have these men in my life.
I think my dad would be proud of me.
Thank you men! I am blessed by you.
& To all my relations
– Brian Courtney
Proud Stallion with Eagle Eyes
From the Daily Om: People
Who Don't Get It
[Those of you who read my article "Mother Nature
vs. Human Nature" a few issues back will remember a description
of people who would rather cut down living trees to have their
"view" of buildings in the valley than to see those
trees as an integral and growing part of the view. This article
describes them in more spiritual terms. – R.M.]
You may be someone who understands the true nature of reality,
perceiving deeply that we all emanate from the same source,
that we are all essentially one, and that we are here on earth
to love one another. To understand this is to be awakened
to the true nature of the self, and it is a blessing. Nevertheless,
people who just don't get it are seemingly everywhere and,
often, in positions of power. It can be frustrating and painful
to watch them behave unconsciously. We all encounter individuals
of this bent in our families, at work, and in all areas of
public life. It is easy to find ourselves feeling intolerant
of these people, wishing we could be free of them even though
we know that separation from them is an illusion.
It helps sometimes to think of us all as different parts
of one psyche. Just as within our own hearts and minds we
have dark places that need healing, the heart and mind of
the world has its dark places. The health of the whole organism
depends upon the relative health of the individuals within
it. We increase harmony when we hold onto the light, not allowing
it to be darkened by judgment, anger, and fear about those
who behave unconsciously. It's easier to accomplish this if
we don't focus on the negative qualities of individuals and
instead focus on how increasing our own light will increase
the light of the overall picture.
When dealing with people who seem very unconscious, it helps
to remember that every one must find their own way to awakening
and that the experiences they are having are an essential
part of their process. Holding them in the light of our own
energy may be the best way to awaken theirs. At the same time,
we are inspired by their example to look within and shed light
on our own unconscious places, sacrificing the urge to judge
and surrendering instead to humble self-inquiry.
Recommended Reading: Failed
States
Sacred Path members can send in their
own reviews and recommendations of personal favorites, whether
they be novels, poetry, short stories, or nonfiction dealing
with men's work, essays, anecdotes, sources of inspiration,
etc. Each review could include a short blurb on the author,
or perhaps a short piece taken from the work. Send your favorite
reads to Rich Manners at:
jyngleman@sbcglobal.net
Failed States
by Noam Chomsky
263 pages
The world's foremost critic of U.S. foreign policy exposes
the hollow promises of democracy in U.S. actions abroad
–
and at home.
 The
United States has repeatedly asserted its right to intervene
militarily against "failed states" around the
globe. In this much anticipated follow-up to his international
bestseller Hegemony or Survival, Noam Chomsky turns
the tables, showing how the United States itself shares
features with other failed states – and therefore is
increasingly a danger to its own people and the world.
Failed states, Chomsky writes, are those
that are unable or unwilling "to protect their citizens
from violence and perhaps even destruction" and "regard
themselves as beyond the reach of domestic or international
law." Though they may have democratic forms, Chomsky
notes, failed states suffer from a serious "democratic
deficit" that deprives their democratic institutions
of real substance. Exploring the latest developments in
U.S. foreign and domestic policy, Chomsky reveals Washington's
plans to further militarize the planet, greatly increasing
the risks of nuclear war; assesses the dangerous consequences
of the occupation of Iraq, which has fueled global outrage
at the United States; documents Washington's self-exemption
from international norms, including the UN Charter and the
Geneva Conventions, the foundations of contemporary international
law, and the Kyoto Protocol; and examines how the U.S. electoral
system is designed to eliminate genuine political alternatives,
impeding any meaningful democracy.
Forceful, lucid, and meticulously documented,
Failed States offers a comprehensive analysis of a global
superpower that has long claimed the right to reshape other
nations – toppling governments it deems illegitimate,
invading states judged to threaten its interests, imposing
sanctions on regimes it opposes – while its own democratic
institutions are in severe crisis. And its policies and
practices recklessly place the world on the brink of nuclear
and environmental disaster. Systematically dismantling the
United States' pretense of being the world's arbiter of
democracy, Failed States is Chomsky's most focused
– and urgent – critique to date.
This has truly been one of the most difficult
books for me to read, not only because Chomsky makes use
of the English language to its greatest extent, but because
his material forces me to look at our government –
whether Democratic or Republican – and our culture
in ways that make me extremely uncomfortable. I am forced
to stand and gaze at the world from a new vantage point
in which we are not the "good guys" that we are
made to believe we are, and that we have not been "good
guys" for a long, long time – starting with the
presidency of James Madison and continuing in a strong line
of continuity to the present. We are forced to see how the
government of the United States finds democracy at home
and abroad acceptable if and only if it is consistent
with the government's strategic and economic interests.
This book is an absolute must for those of us longing to
see the real "man behind the curtain" who pulls
the levers. Please don't miss it!
– Rich Manners
Warren Gilmore: Movie Review
- The Queen
I didn't want to see this movie, but it wasn't my turn
to choose. If I had any idea how great it was, I would have
chosen to see it  twice.
In twenty-five words or less, the movie is a behind-the-scenes
look into the problems that the Queen and the Royal Family
had in dealing with the death of Diana, Princess of Wales.
Tony Blair, the young and bold but newly elected Prime
Minister of England (a role well played by Martin Sheen),
had the overwhelming job of relaying the feelings of the
English people to an inconsiderate Royal Family. There are
numerous film clips of Princess Di showing that she was
truly "the People's Princess" and was revered
by the British populace.
Much of what happened during the week of Princess Di's
death is a matter of public record, but director Stephen
Frears takes us into Buckingham Palace and Balmoral Castle
in Scotland, with the utmost respect to the Royal Family,
but with a definite characterization of the individual members.
The rest of the Royal Family was well cast, especially
James Cromwell, who played Prince Philip. Helen Mirren played
the queen wonderfully. Her character was hampered by a lack
of rapport with Diana as well as her own personal reserve
which had been built up during her lengthy reign. The drama
of the film lies in how the queen comes to understand the
error of her ways and how it disturbs her as a human being,
resulting in a change in her outlook. There are several
touching scenes that point out the effect on her.
Don't miss it!
– Warren Gilmore
Greywolf's Native Spirit Lodge
in New Larger Quarters
The Native Spirit Lodge has moved to a facility 2 1/2 times
larger than the old store. It is now located at 22559 Ventura
Boulevard in Woodland Hills, two blocks west of Shoup on
the north side of the street. Greywolf and David have augmented
their stocks of stones, crystals, carved turquoise, necklaces,
bracelets, and Native American goods including pipes, talking
sticks, drums, rattles, various smudges and more. They also
have a complete supply of Tibetan Singing Bowls. Hours are
Wednesday through Sunday, 12-6 PM. The phone number is still
(818) 703-7046. Remember to ask for the Sacred Path discount
price when you purchase your goods.
Men's Teams
A new group will be forming in the Venice/Pacific Palisades
area. For more info on joining and meeting times, contact Nick
Rath at (310) 454-2965, or e-mail him at: nrath@adelphia.net
The West Hills Group is now filled to
capacity. For those interested in adding their names to the
wait list, contact Ross Avery at (818) 762-5022, or e-mail him
at rossandarlyn@sbcglobal.net
The West Side Men's Group is now filled to capacity. For
those interested in adding their names to the wait list, contact
Mark Kreher at (310) 581-6616 or e-mail him at: mark.kreher@verizon.net.
You can also contact David Sacks at (323) 369-3344, or e-mail
him at: sacks.d@gmail.com
The Thousand Oaks/Calabasas Men's Circle is currently meeting
monthly. If you live near this geographic area and have an interest
in participating in a men's group, contact Matthew Burke at
(818)774-1000, or e-mail him at: matthewburke@singerburke.com
for more information.
David "Stongbear" Myers is heading up a team in the
San Gabriel Valley. If you're interested in joining, talk to
Strongbear at (818)541-9499, or e-mail him at: strongbear46@msn.com
Important Web Links
The LAMC web site now has a page dedicated to links to various
individuals and organizations who may be of assistance to members.
You'll find therapists, counselors, authors, realtors, health
resources, men's issues resources, assistance in fathering,
musicians, Native American and interfaith teachings, ceremonies
and camps,mid-life issues resources, and a lot more. If you're
reading the newsletter on a PDF file, simply paste this link
into your web browser to go to the Links page: www.menscenterlosangeles.com/links.html
CD's by Sacred Path Members Available
You can purchase the excellent CD's by Sacred Path brothers
Ed Munter, Tommy Holmes, Christo Pellani, Rich Manners
and Albert Marrewa.
Ed's CD's, Tracking Down the Soul and Soul Journey,
are available at www.innerpathproductions.org
Tommy's self-titled album can be ordered from www.TommyHolmes.com.
Christo's second album, Soundscape Pyramids – Resonance
Forms, is available at info@soundformation.com
Rich's CD, Speechless, featuring the voices of Mimi
Manners, is available at jyngleman@sbcglobal.net
Albert's Relaxing Into Now is available at www.albertmarrewa.com
In addition, talks by the Director of the L.A. Men's Center,
Dr. Stephen Johnson, are available on the LA Men's Center web
site, as well as several CD sets of past retreats. Go to
www.menscenterlosangeles.com
Sacred Path Alumni Yahoo Group
What does Sacred Path do to support men after they have completed
their retreats? The Sacred Path Alumni Discussion Group is one
answer to that query. It provides a means for our community
of men to have ongoing e-mail contact and discussions with their
fellow Sacred Path Retreat graduates. Membership is restricted
to graduates of a Sacred Path retreat. The simplest way to sign
up is to send an e-mail (its content is irrelevant) to: Sacred_Path_Alumni-subscribe@Yahoo.groups.com.
You can also join from the Sacred Path Alumni's home page:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/sacredpathalumni.
Once you have become a member of the discussion group, you
can begin using our Sacred Path Alumni Yahoo Group immediately.
Members are able to use any or all of the following features:
Contribute to the Newsletter
Does your creativity need an outlet? Here's a chance for your
unique words to appear on the printed page (or at least a computer
screen)! Send us an article, an anecdote, a poem, a joke; whatever
tickles your fancy. Please address your e-mails to Rich Manners
at: jyngleman@sbcglobal.net.
Bribes will be cheerfully accepted!
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