This retreat is for those who identify as men and want to explore the legacy of masculinity — healing its wounds, reclaiming its beauty, touching our ancestral strength, and reshaping it for future generations. It is grounded in the Plum Village mindfulness tradition, with space for each person’s unique experience and voice.

• What does it mean to be a man rooted in presence, humility, and strength?
• Who am I, and who are we beneath the armor we were taught to wear?
• How do I relate to other men when performance gives way to authenticity?

This retreat invites you into a space of sincere practice and shared reflection. We will enjoy the crisp autumn air while connecting around the fire, and hiking through the golden falling leaves. Through sitting and walking meditation, Dharma sharing, deep listening, and circle practice, we’ll explore the arc of our lives—from the messages we received as boys, to the identities we perform as men, to the possibilities we long to grow into together.

Your retreat facilitators:

Austin has experience working with men’s issues both professionally and personally. He has a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and has led multiple men’s groups in a mental health setting. He was ordained as a monastic in the Plum Village Tradition in 2015 and returned to lay life in 2020. His relationship to practice and spiritual work is rooted in maintaining the integrity of his root spiritual tradition while also allowing space for creativity, humor, and play. Austin is both nervous and excited to be organizing his first men’s retreat at Morning Sun.

David’s most enduring joy in life has been offering and receiving the gifts of true friendship and community. He first ordained as a monk with Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh in 2005 and spent several years living in the Plum Village tradition monasteries before finding his niche in community lay life. His new book, “Thriving Together: 9 Principles for Cocreating True Community” illuminates the real struggles, joys, and deep satisfaction of cultivating mindful community. David is a white-presenting Chinese-American cis man, committed to learning about the resiliency of his ancestors who both caused and were harmed by intergenerational trauma. Some of David’s favorite things to do are drinking tea in nature with friends, Sangha game nights, conscious dance, drinking poetry, and sunset meditations.

Gary Honey Bear “HB” is a developer, musician, and practitioner of Buddhist and psychological inquiry. He brings a deep commitment to healing, clarity, and relational presence. His path is recovery, art, and dharma—drawing fro
m trauma-informed recovery (including ACoA), Plum Village mindfulness (ordained in the Order of Interbeing in 2009), and music rooted in improvisation and deep listening. Whether in silence or in song, HB seeks the rhythms that restore relationship and reveal what matters. Through music, facilitation, or quiet care behind the scenes, he serves as a bridge between inner work and outer action—creating spaces where people can meet themselves, and each other, with honesty, compassion, and courage.

Logistics:

Arrival for the retreat is Thursday, October 2nd, from 4pm to 6pm. Departure is on Sunday October 5th, after lunch at 1pm. Please provide your own transportation to and from MorningSun.

This is a small retreat and spaces are limited.   You will receive confirmation of your space upon registration and receipt of payment.

Accommodations:

• Dormitory Beds:  We have several rooms available in El Cielo (our retreat building) (beds for 10-14 people depending on whether folks are alone, or couples, or in a ‘pod’).  We also have a few dormitory beds available in our simple living yurt.
• Camping:  Our campground is primitive, with flat sandy sites, outdoor showers and composting toilets. You must provide your own tent and camping equipment. Campers will also have access to the first floor toilet and clothes washing machine in El Cielo.
• Commute: You may also choose to commute in and out if you live locally. Please register for the program below (as a commuter), and also book your local accommodations separately (you need to do both).
• You may book at hotels and rentals offered by airbnb, vrbo, etc in the area. Please note that you need to provide your own transportation to and from MorningSun during your program if you register as a commuter.

Cost: There are two parts to the program cost:

• The Program (offered on an affordable sliding scale: $220 – 460)
• Accommodations (costs vary from commuting (free), to camping ($45), to dormitory rooms ($160))

Financial Assistance:  Anyone who wishes to attend the retreat will be welcomed, no matter of financial ability. If the lowest tier is still too high for you you can self-select some financial assistance from within the registration form.  If you need a full scholarship please contact us.

REGISTRATION FORM (registration will open August 10th, the form will be available then) 

For more questions, please email us at morningsunoffice@gmail.com