Mainely Men 87 — Spring 2025

Mainely Men 87!

Friday, May 16 through Sunday, May 18, 2025!

What to expect at Mainely Men Gatherings

Scroll down for what will eventually become complete workshop information, the weekend schedule, and the weekend’s menu!

Our pinky will be Matt Lee, and our theme will be along the lines of “I am a man with lots of feelings, and they are all fine.”

Early life experiences may have led to habits of stuffing feelings or behaving in ways that don’t allow us, as men, to feel fully or authentically because of internalized messages to “man up.” We will explore this phenomenon and other topics that men bring to the weekend.

This is Matt Lee (seated on the couch), with his daughter, Pepper Lee!

Workshops related to our theme

Accept Yourself – Here, we invite men to confront the societal expectations that have long encouraged us to suppress feelings and hide our true selves. We will explore the toll of emotional denial on mental and physical health, the strain of maintaining facades in relationships, missed opportunities for personal growth, creativity, and fulfillment, and the danger of accepting oneself as a victim. In a non-judgmental space, participants will be guided to recognize and challenge destructive societal norms, develop emotional awareness and intelligence, and cultivate vulnerability, self-acceptance, and authenticity. Join us on a journey of healing and empowerment toward embracing our whole selves. Facilitators Don and Eric are long-standing members of Mainely Men.

Unpacking Identity: A Journey of Self-Discovery for Men – Join us as we share personal experiences of learning to accept our true identities. In a supportive environment, we will reflect on the backgrounds, upbringing, and significant life events that have shaped our understanding of ourselves. We will have the opportunity to deepen our understanding of our own identity and its complexities, connect with others who have navigated similar challenges and triumphs, and cultivate a sense of community, empathy, and support. Come prepared to share your story, listen to others, and embark on a journey of self-discovery and growth. Facilitators Steve and Rudy are experienced workshop leaders and long-standing members of Mainely Men.

Additional workshops

Chi Gong (Sunday morning, before breakfast) – Chi Gong is a series of gentle, slow exercises, combined with breathing, to center the body and mind. Our session will be done standing. Many people find it both relaxing and energizing. Perfect for starting the day! Mike Noonan is a chiropractor and practitioner of Tai Chi, Chi Gong, and energy medicine.

Energy Medicine – This Workshop will include an introduction to research on energy medicine, including acupuncture, distance healing, and electric therapy. There will be demos on willing attendees. There will be time for electroacupuncture (without needles), Bio-Energetic Synchronization Technique (B.E.S.T.) energy balancing sessions, and needle acupuncture treatments. Mike Noonan D.C., Dipl. Ac. has been performing energy treatments for over 30 years as part of his chiropractic practice which includes acupuncture, electroacupuncture, and B.E.S.T. energy balancing.

Kegels Are Not Just for Women: They Can Help Improve Men’s Sexual Health – Kegel exercises strengthen the pelvic floor. We will learn the benefits of male Kegels in addition to companion exercises and stretches. I am not a health expert, but I recently learned first-hand the incredible benefits of doing male Kegel exercises as recommended by a physical therapist to help with a deteriorating leakage issue after a prostatectomy. I did them daily and discovered the most remarkable “side effect” – regaining a strong virility I had not had since before my surgery. Whether leakage is an issue for you or not, Kegel exercises may improve your sexual performance now and for the long run. Wear loose clothing, such as light sweatpants or gym shorts (better if with no underwear). Also, we will be sitting on the floor, so bring a yoga mat or blanket. Rich is one of our newest participants of Mainely Men and is sharing his knowledge from lived experience.

Mom – One of the most intense Mainely Men workshops I recall was when we opened up about our fathers. I feel like it is time to give our mothers their due! This will be a discussion group where we all will have a chance to talk about our experiences and relationships with our mothers. Mike Noonan has led workshops about relationships with dads/fathers.

Pack Cuddle – A shoes-off, clothing-on (underwear is okay), non-sexual, guided group touch experience. By signing up you agree to being touched. Men will lie down in a large heap. There is deep, slow breathing, and sometimes sounds that indicate happiness. Arms gently find their way so that men feel “held.” Men may cry from a sense of safety and belonging. Men will shift positions for comfort. This will cause others to move in response, and a new cuddle will form. Men will need to bring a blanket or sleeping bag. Doug Bird has been involved with men’s groups for over 40 years.

Silent Meditation in the Buddhist Tradition – A brief introduction will be given to practices of silent meditation. A few simple chants will be shared to recite optionally. Then we will do a half hour of sitting meditation with a short break in the middle. After another break, we will have an optional discussion to reflect on our experiences. Led by Ben, a practitioner of meditation and new participant of Mainely Men.

The Energy of Life – Many religious and new age practices talk about energy, life force, the etheric, and the auric. It goes by various names: Ki, Chi, Prana, Breath of Life. How can it be understood across the spectrum of practices and viewed as a whole? If you have a sense of any of these words you can understand them all. In this workshop we will discuss this phenomenon and how it applies to our lives. Ralph Parks, adjunct faculty at Eastern Maine Community College, is well-studied in this topic and the author of a book by the same name, available on Amazon.

Topic Raffle – A staple offering at every gathering, this “raffle” is an open discussion of random topics. Each man anonymously contributes a topic for the group to discuss. Men then choose at random from these topics. Each draw can lead to laughter or thoughtful contemplation. Facilitator Jacques is a regular contributor to Mainely Men and will be a new facilitator for the topic raffle.

Useful Knowledge for the Youth of our Old Age – When we were young, time seemed to travel in a straight line. Around 60 it begins to curve back around, and now in my 70’s, I see my time as a circle. The DOING of our lives circles round and round, covering the same territory over and over, learning new lessons about old experiences. In this workshop we will celebrate what we have done so that we may be free to focus on the work of the Elder: namely who we are when the doing is done. As our bodies and minds diminish, according to Einstein’s Law that “energy can neither be created nor destroyed,” as the material part of our life diminishes, what is it which increases in equal portion? There are lessons to be learned by doing, and lessons to be learned by BEING and understanding why we are here. As men in the youth of our old age, we will sit in circle and turn our attention to what this new time of growing and learning in our old age is about. What’s next? Max Rivers is an NVC trainer, marriage mediator, one of the founding brothers of Mainely Men, and a wise-elder in training.

Yoga Nidra – Yoga Nidra, which is derived from the tantras, is a powerful technique in which you learn to relax consciously. Yoga nidra is the state of dynamic sleep. Yoga nidra is a systematic method of inducing physical, mental and emotional relaxation. In this structured session, we will lie down and be guided through a visualization where the goal will be to remain aware – and awake – and reach total relaxation by turning inward, away from outer experiences. This will follow some gentle stretching exercises for which chairs will be available for your use. Clothing will be optional; wear loose clothing or none at all. Please bring a blanket or sleeping bag large enough to lay on and another to cover yourself with. Led by Eric, a practitioner of yoga.

Registration

Please note that in response to your feedback, we have updated our registration guidelines.

Registration includes same-day registration while offering an incentive to register early.

Register and pay in full by May 2 at the advance registration rates shown below.
Registration after May 2nd, including same-day registration, will incur a $50 surcharge.
Payment in full is required at time of registration either by PayPal or use of a debit or credit card through the PayPal portal.
Any cancellation will result in a full refund minus a $25 cancellation fee.
First-time participants will receive a 25% discount off either the advance or late registration rate (whichever applies).

Advance Registration – through 05/02/2025			Late Registration – starting 05/03/2025
Annual Income	Returning Participant	First-time Participant	Annual Income	Returning Participant	First-time Participant
Under $20,000	$140.00	$105.00	Under $20,000	$190.00	$155.00
$20,000 – $30,000	$215.00	$160.00	$20,000 – $30,000	$265.00	$210.00
Over $30,000	$255.00	$190	Over $30,000	$305.00	$240.00

A note about food and accommodations:

Hearty meals are prepared by Pilgrim Lodge staff. When you register, indicate whether you have vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or other special dietary needs, and we will try to accommodate.
Requests for financial, dietary, or accessibility accommodations must be included during the advance registration period. They cannot be honored with late registration.

We have a limited number of partial scholarships available for returnees; inquire in advance with our registrar, Bill Walsh, at

Past Workshops

See our past workshops

Weekend Schedule

Friday

3:00–5:45 – Greeting and Registration
6:00–7:00 – Dinner
6:30 – Camp Director Information / Board Introductions / Pinky Announcements
7:00–7:30 – Newcomer orientation
7:30–9:30 – Opening Circle Ceremony / Heart Groups
10:00 – Quiet Time (Please be respectful of sleeping attendees)

Saturday

7:00–8:00 – Breakfast
8:00–9:30 – Workshop Session 1
10:00–11:30 – Workshop Session 2
12:00–12:45 – Lunch
12:45–1:15 – Group Photo
1:30–3:00 – Workshop Session 3
3:30–5:00 – Workshop Session 4
5:15–5:45 – Heart Groups
6:00–7:00 – Dinner
7:30–9:00 – Cultural Event / Bonfire / Board Games
10:00 – Quiet Time (Please be respectful of sleeping attendees)

Sunday

7:00–8:30 – Breakfast / Heart Groups
9:00–10:30 – Workshop Session 5
10:30–11:00 – Mainely Men Board Round Table
11:00–12:00 – Closing Circle Ceremony
12:00–1:00 – Lunch
1:00 – As-needed Cleanup of Pilgrim Lodge (cabins and Old Lodge)