UNITY, DIVERSITY, INDIVIDUALITY

"We hold this to be the highest task of a bond between two people, that each should stand guard over the solitude of the other… once the realization is accepted that even between the closest Human Beings infinite distance continues to exist, a wonderful living side by side can grow up, if they succeed in loving the distance between them which makes it possible for each to see the other whole and against a Wide Sky."

The Wide Sky Men's Council was created by Ray Bunch and a group of men in 1990. The concept of the council is inspired by the works Robert Bly. The title of the council is inspired by the Rilke poem paraphrased above. Our intention for the Wide Sky is to be a place where the unique expression of life that individual men are, will be acknowledged, listened to, recognized, empowered and most of all, appreciated. The Wide Sky provides the safety of a ritualized container, bounded by honor, integrity and compassion. The wild and woolly raw energy of maleness via drumming, dancing and story telling opens the door to authentic, heart felt expression. The safety of the container allows for the full recognition of our shadow side, without even a hint of judgment or evaluation. The depths of love, rage, tenderness, humor, hurt and caring are allowed full expression.

To write words on a web page about the exquisiteness and poignancy of what occurs at a typical Saturday Wide Sky Men's Council gathering is like asking for poetry of the highest nature. The joy and despair of life is allowed, encouraged and never forced. Individual autonomy is fully respected. It is a great place to hide out or to act out… you will be loved and included either way. Anywhere from 13 to 30 people may show up. There are drums a plenty for all. And time is always set aside for individual sharing. Each Saturday is unique with the day's activities and story planned by the designated leader of the day. The themes of each gathering tend to loosely follow the sacraments of the seasons in the spirit of our forefathers. The meetings are highly participatory; The leadership changes each month so everyone gets a chance to tell the story or conduct a ritual. There is no 'right way" to do anything, only the way you do it. The women in our life (the feminine energy) seem to love it that we do this. They participate in spirit only, however the additional testosterone that gets generated is appreciated. Our annual camp out is a three day epic story in itself and anyone who has been to one seems to always return. They are great! A place to belong, a place to be heard, a place to be seen, a place to be accepted and appreciated, no matter what. This is the Wide Sky Men's Council. Join us on the third Saturday of alternating months.

HO.
-James B. Dohn, D.C.