I attended the Men Connect Solstice from Friday 19/06/2026 to Sunday 21/06/2026.
The solstice theme is based around the Winter Solstice which translates to the shortest day of the year and the longest night of the year. In some older traditional cultures the Solstice was seen as a time for moving from the darkest times to lighter times as evidenced by longer sunlit days.
This solstice weekend differs from other Mens Wellbeing events in that there is a focus around deeper enquiry into what is no longer serving my life now and then what is my new way of daily living.
I found the questioning process leading to deeper insights was well crafted and gently delivered. Appropriate time for contemplation was allowed with pens and pads provided for a written record. It is difficult to express how challenging I found the enquiry process followed by how joyous was the outcome.
The written outcome summary of another way of being was attached to the effigy which was ceremoniously taken to new location where with more ceremony it was set alight. My outcome statement began with “I am” to give it more weight and ownership.
Beyond that process the weekend included a sound bath and free time on Friday night which led to a musical jamming session with guitars, a flute, percussion and singing.
For me this was one of the most spontaneous joyous musical interludes of many gatherings. Whilst some were jamming others sat in the teepee chatting around a brazier for warmth.
Saturday night was a banquet dinner at a shared long table in brightly decorated marquee. The evening was jovial with entertaining stories accompanied by laughter and connection. Someone remarked what a jovial, joyous almost raucous meal without the need for alcohol ( in accordance with Mens Wellbeing guidelines around alcohol)
The community that was created immediately responded to requests for assistance with tasks like washing up and setting up or dismantling equipment.
Based on this experience I will return for Men Connect Solstice 2027.
In Love Pravas