Posted on by Tenneson Woolf

Slow & Steady — A Most Needed Theme

Tomorrow I begin another Men’s Retreat. It’s in the San Rafael Swell, through terrain like what is in the above photo. It’s a four day trip, hosted by the brilliant Lucas and Marshall of Unplugged — I love the way they encourage and host rewilding. Camping. Long hikes. Circle. Stories. Campfires. Questions that matter. It’s men seeking meaning and purpose together. It’s land that teaches, tests, invites, appreciates. As land so often does.

Themes and intentions often arise for me when a gathering is closer. This morning, that theme feels near and clarifying. “Slow & Steady.” That’s the one I’ll carry with me in 8 mile hikes and climbs. Slow & Steady is a physical requirement for me, among much younger men. I hold no illusions about that. My body is more suited these days for Slow & Steady. Tortoise, not Hare.

But here’s the thing that I notice this morning. This theme isn’t just for this men’s retreat and for these demanding hikes in these learning-filled days. This theme, Slow & Steady, has been beckoning to me for quite some time, over the last few years in particular. My default fulfillments of speed and efficiency, that have served me very well in my life, haven’t felt, well…, as fulfilling. It’s as though my psyche, not just my body, has been hungering for its new mode. Slow & Steady. Which is to say, clear. And purposeful. And with less fret. And with more kindness. And with more integration. And with more celebration.

And, and, and.

Slow & Steady. I’m grateful for the clarity. I’m grateful for other men leading. And inviting what is real in these days to come.

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Gifts of Circle - Question Cardsasd
Gifts of Circle is 30 short essays divided into 4 sections: 1) Circle's Bigger Purpose, 2) Circle's Practice, 3) Circle's First Requirements, and 4) Circle's Possibility for Men. From the Introduction: "Circle is what I turn to in the most comprehensive stories I know -- the stories of human beings trying to be kind and aware together, trying to make a difference in varied causes for which we need to go well together. Circle is also what I turn to in the most immediate needs that live right in front of me and in front of most of us -- sharing dreams and difficulties, exploring conflicts and coherences. Circle is what I turn to. Circle is what turns us to each other."

Question Cards is an accompanying tool to Gifts of Circle. Each card (34) offers a quote from the corresponding chapter in the book, followed by sample questions to grow your Circle hosting skills and to create connection, courage, and compassionate action among groups you host in Circle.

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This set of Note Cards (8 cards + envelopes)  quotes a few favorite passages from poems in In My Nature. I offer them as inspiration. And leave room for you to write personal notes.

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This set of Note Cards (8 cards + envelopes)  quotes a few favorite passages from poems in Most Mornings. I offer them as inspiration. And leave room for you to write personal notes.

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