Wisdom's Constraint

A men's retreat on slowing down — to cultivate resilience within relationship

For ECC Groups to participate synchronously,
online, via Zoom

7PM Friday night to Saturday at 4PM
July 31 - August 1, 2025

In this retreat we will consider the effects of modernity’s spell on men. Specifically, the spell of progress — the conviction that whatever is wrong can be resolved by moving faster, working harder, becoming more capable.

Over centuries, a process of enculturation has formed men to be responsible, capable, useful and reliable. Our culture has oriented us to a world of “things,” including other people, nature, even relationships. Things evoke utility. This orientation strains the relational nature of what it means to be human.

We experience this as a crisis of relationality. How we relate to our inner world, to one another, to the systems we move through, and to the living world that holds us all.

Wisdom’s Constraint provides an opportunity to look at what shifts when we orient to see the world and others through the lens of relationship as the defining characteristic.

We will work with practices that help us develop the capacity to stay present, grounded, and connected when things break down, remain unresolved, or cost more than they give.

What is needed at this time we are calling relational stamina; the ability to cultivate resilience within relationship.

Together, we will practice a different rhythm — not a retreat from the world, but a return to the part of ourselves that the world’s pace has worn thin. Your Conveners will be Terry Chapman and Jim Burns.

The retreat will be delivered live, to groups of men in their locality, via Zoom. We invite you to form a group in your area. This retreat is brought to you by the Illuman East Coast Collaborative. There is no cost. 

If something in you is already listening for that quieter rhythm — less performative, more honest, more willing to stay — you are warmly invited.

For questions or to sign up, please email Jim.Burns@Illuman.org. We will provide further information and guidance prior to the retreat.