Mainely Men 86 — Fall 2024
What to expect at Mainely Men Gatherings
The theme for MM86 was “Strong at the Broken Places”
“The world breaks everyone and afterward many are strong at the broken places.”
Our theme was inspired by this quote by Ernest Hemingway: “The world breaks everyone and afterward many are strong at the broken places.” Challenges and hardships are a part of life and may initially break us, but we all have the capacity to overcome the trials that come our way and emerge stronger and more resilient.
Workshop information is below, but first…
Let us introduce our pinky, Tim Carpenter!
The pinky is the face and vibe of the weekend. Pinkies change with each gathering, and for MM86 we were fortunate to have had Tim Carpenter!
Tim Carpenter grew up in rural northwestern Pennsylvania as the oldest of four brothers, an experience that offered both advantages and challenges and taught him early the importance of seeking allies along life’s path. He went on to earn degrees in mathematics, music, and education, and found community in men’s groups, choral singing, covenant groups, and the family he built with his partner. Gardening became a source of joy and a steady teacher. He was no stranger to brokenness—or to the ongoing journey toward strength and wholeness.
Workshops for “Strong at the Broken Places” included:
“Strong at the Broken Places” – Using Hemingway’s quote as a starting point, we explored how brokenness—physical or emotional—can become a source of strength and how we mend and rebuild the parts of our lives that feel fractured. Led by Tim.
Stoicism: No Thanks! Well, Maybe… – We examined Stoicism as a practice of distinguishing what we can and cannot control, and how challenges can become opportunities for growth rather than signs of weakness. Led by Ralph.
The Journey Matters More Than the Outcome – We discussed how brokenness can leave us feeling isolated or hopeless, and how accepting where we are—and embracing companions along the way—helps us move forward. Participants also created mosaics from broken tiles as a metaphor for beauty emerging from fracture. Led by Tim.
Additional workshops included:
Broken But Beautiful: A Rock Painting Workshop – Participants painted rocks as symbols of resilience and discussed strength in adversity. Led by Rudy.
Energy Medicine – An introduction to acupuncture, distance healing, and electric therapy, followed by demonstrations for volunteers. Led by Mike N.
Love Magic: A Secret Recipe for Happy Relationships – A session on communication, managing differences, and nurturing healthy relationships. Led by Eric.
Making Sense of the Hammered Dulcimer – A beginner‑friendly introduction to the hammered dulcimer, with instruments available to try. Led by Keith.
Pack Cuddle – A guided group touch experience with a focus on consent. Led by Doug.
Philosophical Questions to Stretch Your Mental Legs – Participants drew big‑picture questions and explored them together. Led by Rudy.
Reading Walt Whitman – A relaxed session reading and discussing the life and work of Walt Whitman. Led by Kent.
Remembering Our Fathers – A sharing‑based workshop reflecting on childhood, father figures, and their influence. Led by Steve.
SOS (x2): Sharing Our Sorrow, Soothing Our Soul – A supportive space to voice grief, loss, or regret and move toward healing. Led by Jon.
The Stories We Tell Ourselves – Participants explored the personal narratives that shape identity and experience. Led by Chris.
Trusting the Creative Process – A playful workshop encouraging imagination, risk‑taking, and creative exploration. Led by Chris.
Past Workshops
- See our past workshops