Walking with men in Spain – Andalusia
Why go in to nature with men?
Why would you go out with a bunch of strangers, leave your safe environment, and bid farewell to your everyday life? I myself recognize these questions all too well. In 2019, I signed up for a men’s safari in Tanzania. I had little affinity for groups of men. Despite being a member of a gentlemen’s fraternity during my studies in Maastricht, I never truly felt secure within a group of men who, when together, would engage in alpha male posturing through jokes at the expense of another man or vie with each other to showcase their success in life.
In my general practice as a doctor and also during my own participation in retreats, I increasingly discovered that men are still the little boys from their past, now inhabiting adult bodies, yearning for approval when they display their drawings. They are vulnerable but keep their emotions inside as a self-protective measure. They carry these aspects within them, affecting their relationships, work, and family life. At some point, many men realize that the mechanism that has always protected them no longer works. Clinging rigidly to patterns leads to emotions, outbursts of anger, disconnection, seeking refuge in other relationships, and sometimes even burnout symptoms. Driven by ingrained beliefs, many men have chosen a path, following in the footsteps of their parents, in an attempt to meet perceived parental expectations.
The question is, is this truly your own path, or are you walking the path of others’ expectations? Beyond the loud voice in your head, deep within, there are the whispering voices of your heart and gut that urge you to listen to them because these voices resonate much more with who you really are. When you hear these voices, or when a crisis forces you to listen to them because you’ve neglected them, it’s time to take action.
Then it’s time to go out with unfamiliar men, and collectively search for the little boys within ourselves who simply want to share their drawings with each other, in complete vulnerability. Last February, eight of us went on a journey to Andalusia. It was incredible! An unforgettable experience for all the men. And we’d like to invite you on our next journey! Felix
What can you expect?
‘’The goal is to get you out of your head and allow what you feel deep inside. In a safe environment, you will experience that you are not the only one who sometimes struggles to listen to their inner voice and express it.’’
Ray Klaassen and I will co-facilitate the group together. We don’t believe in hierarchical leadership. We are part of the Tribe. We mirror each other, and sharing in vulnerability creates safety within the group. Each day begins with bodywork and visualization on the Yoga platform. The view is breathtaking. There’s no better place to start the day, and through a sharing session, the intention for the day is set. After a hearty breakfast, we prepare for a workshop or a beautiful walk in the surroundings. It’s convenient to bring a waterproof hiking backpack for water and a potential lunch. The walks are around 10 kilometers. If you have limited mobility, we can adjust your schedule accordingly. There are a maximum of 3 hikes (Hiking boots are recommended). Even though the hikes are not very strenuous, it’s advisable to have a reasonable level of fitness so that you can walk for about 3 hours in principle. Andalusia is not flat, so there may be some occasional uphill climbing.
Are you ready transformation?
On this 6-day journey of the soul, Ray and Felix will guide you together. Each day will begin with body work and setting your intention for the day.
The workshops will be led by our breath coach Erwin van Houwelingen (see Meet the Tribe for his Bio) and by Ray and Felix. Each Tribe has its own dynamics. In the Tribe, you come to receive, but you can also contribute. Sometimes it may be the intention for a participant to introduce a certain method that resonates with the group. Last time it was a family constellation.
Finca Pura Vida, the place where we stay, holds so much magic and silence that it finds the right way for everyone to integrate the impressions and processes gained. In this power spot, with a lovely swimming pool, you can process the impressions gathered between workshops. You can do this alone or with one of us in one of the intimate corners the house offers.
Every evening, the cooks prepare a delicious dinner for all of us. The cooks participate as much as possible in the program and are considered part of the Tribe. After dinner, we all help to clean up and ensure the kitchen is tidy.
After dinner, we end the day with a sharing where you can express from your feelings what this day has brought you.
Of course, there is also space for conviviality! Delicious meals are cooked and eaten at the cozy long table. And let’s not forget the playful child within us, craving for fun and play. Enjoy romping in the pool, lounging under the starry sky, or exploring the terrain and savoring the magical sunset on a hill. Ray, being a professional musician, will provide the musical touch. But feel free to pick up one of the musical instruments available at Finca Pura Vida. Because what’s more fun than making music together?!
This 6-day retreat is alcohol-free except for the afternoon when we’ll have an extensive lunch together at a good Andalusian restaurant. The cost for this lunch is not included and is to be paid individually.
After this week, it will be clear to you which path you need to follow. Not guided by your mind but by trusting your heart and gut. You take with you the road to yourself, your soul’s path. It’s a new path where you can trust who you are, not what you do.
The ultimate goal: a 6-day retreat in Andalusia, where you can let go of your old patterns and thank them for what they have given you. Alongside the other men of your tribe, you walk your path, the one your inner voice has longed for, but which, for various reasons, you were never allowed to pursue.
It would be nice if you could be there. We look forward to seeing you!
If you want to book directly or for more information, please call Ray at:
0031641770830 – or mail to info@tribudelalma.com
Best regards, Tribu del Alma
The goal is to get you out of your head and allow what you feel deep inside.
In a safe environment you will experience that you are not the only one who has problems listening to his inner voice.
- 08:00 – 08:30 am: Meditation/bodywork
- 08.30 – 10.00 am: Breakfast
- 10 00 – 10:30 am: Walking
- 10.30 – 12.00 am: Activity
- 12.00 – 01.00 pm: Sharing
- 01.00 – 02.00 pm: Lunch
- 02.00 – 05.00 pm: Walking
- 05.00 – 07.30 pm: Preperations food/sharing
- 08.00 – 10.30 pm: Diner
Travel Advice:
The price of the retreat does not include flights. Finca Pura Vida is located in Gaucin, a 1.5-hour drive from Malaga airport.
We can arrange a taxi to Finca Pura Vida for you, which you can share with other participants (max 4 in 1 taxi, cost 160 euros per trip, so 40 euros per participant).
Or, for more than 8 people, we are more than happy to arrange a minibus that everyone can ride in simultaneously. This costs 60-80 euros.
There is space for a maximum of 8 guests.
Take an early morning flight, departing no later than 10 am, so you’ll arrive around 3 pm with us. Vueling, Easyjet, Ryanair, and Transavia offer affordable flights. Search for them using a ‘private browsing’ window in Google Flights and reject all cookies etc. Bookings are often made through Lastminute, e-Dreams, etc. which can sometimes save you a lot, up to 200 euros! Or search via Skyscanner.
Malaga is a beautiful city to spend 1-2 days in, so it might be interesting for you to fly a day earlier (which can be cheaper) or return later.
Investment:
€ 1.695 per person for a double room
This includes 6 nights’ accommodation at Finca Pura Vida, 3 delicious healthy meals per day, water, coffee, tea, juice, fruit, all workshops, and materials.
Consumptions outside of Finca Pura Vida, such as lunch on the day we go out, are at your own expense.
It does not include travel expenses.
Investment
- EUR 1695,- p.p. for a doubleroom
- Max. 10 participants
- 3 healthy meals a day
- All workshops, walks, breathwork session
Excluded: travel expenses, insurance, 1 lunch, alcohol.