Mainely Men 90 — Fall 2026
Registration is open!
Mainely Men 90 will be held Friday, October 9 through Monday, October 12, 2026, at Pilgrim Lodge
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Our Theme
Our weekend theme is Honoring Our Past, Shaping Our Future. It will reflect on the traditions and rituals that have kept Mainely Men going for 45 years and be led by board members Tim C, Keith P, and Mike N.
Workshops
Birds and Birding: Celebrating the Joy and the Beauty! – In this workshop, we will talk about what makes birds special and how to get the most out of birding (birdwatching). This is a chance to share the adventures and meaningful experiences we’ve had with birds. No expertise needed — just a love of birds! Led by Eric A.
Elderhood, A Time of Wisdom – Our culture gives men little positive mythology for elderhood. If our worth is tied to what we do, what happens when we stop doing it? This workshop offers another view: that our value has always been larger than our accomplishments, and that elderhood is a time to harvest a lifetime of wisdom rather than keep proving ourselves. Together we’ll explore what life has taught us, what remains unfinished, and what we can offer those who follow. This “Fourth Turning” invites the big questions that arise as time grows shorter — Why am I here? What has my life meant? What is mine to do now? Led by Max.
How Do You Want to Die? – “The most wonderous thing in the world is that all around us people can be dying and we don’t believe it can happen to us.” – Yuhistara – You prepared to come here for four days. You prepared for school, bought a car, got married, raised a family, and retired. Have you thought of doing any preparation to die? Here is a starting point to think about this great journey. You wouldn’t go on a trip without thinking about what you want. Why would you undertake this journey without a thought? For the record, you are taking this trip. Bring a pen and a pad to write on. Led by Ralph.
Sharing our Stories and Listening to Support Others – This workshop will focus on practicing supportive listening skills in small groups, with an emphasis on active listening techniques and storytelling—because meaningful listening needs something meaningful to listen to. This workshop will make the process intentional, conscious, and focused. We’ll explore what supportive listening is—and isn’t—through storytelling, small-group practice, and fun and entertaining exercises that bring the skills to life. The goal is to become more aware of how we listen, how we respond, and how we can create a deeper sense of connection through truly listening to one another. Led by Ben.
Shifting Ground — Sexual Identity, Gender, and Orientation in Men’s Lives – Over the past few decades, the social landscape around sexual identity, gender roles, and orientation has shifted dramatically. This workshop is a space to pause and reflect on questions such as How have these changes touched our own lives? What does it mean to be a man? How do men relate with each other? How comfortable are we with the concepts of cis-, trans- and gender non-binary? What role have men’s groups such as Mainely Men played in our understanding of this cultural shift? Led by Muncie.
Walking Meditation – You may have tried different forms of meditation with limited success — until you try walking meditation. It’s simple: choose a landmark and quiet your mind until you reach it. The movement helps, and natural sounds can make it easier to stay mentally still. When you arrive, you can return to your usual inner chatter, then choose the next one or two landmarks where you’ll repeat the practice. Over time, your “chatter” intervals can shorten, and your quiet periods can grow longer. We’ll also explore variations, including walking with eyes closed, walking with another man for support and guidance, and walking backward with assistance. Led by Mike N.