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Awakening men to their belovedness, that they might love the world…

Illuman Of Washington is the official Washington State chapter of Illuman, a global community committed to supporting men who are seeking to deepen their spiritual lives. We are an organization that is open to all men based on the simple belief that we are all brothers. While Illuman was founded in 2012, it emerged from the remarkable work of Men as Learners and Elders (M.A.L.Es) started by Fr. Richard Rohr in the late 1990’s, and ran by the Center of Action and Contemplation for many years. In December 2012, Fr. Richard blessed Illuman approved to continue the work begun by M.A.L.Es.

Our programs and offerings focus on providing men with an opportunity to do their ‘inner work’ in the company of other men. We use nature, ritual, teaching, and ways of communicating that allow men to create an environment where men can explore what matters to them most.

Men who participate in our work receive support as they journey through life and face some of life’s toughest challenges and transitions. Our programs are centered in ritual experiences rather than in conceptual teachings.

We seek to form future generations of men who will restore these practices – serving to build a world that celebrates the beauty of all beings.

Our five touchstones:

centering | gathering | connecting | releasing | serving

  • Centering: we are men grounded in the power of here and now
  • Gathering: we are men who listen deeply to each other’s stories
  • Connecting: we are men who choose to walk with – shoulder to shoulder
  • Releasing: we are men who let go of the ways that no longer serve us
  • Serving: we are men standing in solidarity with all, honoring the earth and being of loving service to all

Illuman’s Mission

  • We are men transforming men through a power greater than ourselves.
  • We are seeking a life-changing spirituality.
  • Our primary concern is inner work that makes a difference in the world.
  • We are fed by the wisdom traditions of forgiveness and radical inclusivity, and the presence of the Sacred in all that is.
  • Our work recovers traditional patterns of male initiation, affirms a masculine path to healing, reveals the true and false self, and honors the path of descent.
  • We do this through the power of nature, ritual, image, story, and council.

Foundations of Illuman

Brain science, psychology, and ritual studies are confirming what wisdom traditions have known for millennia:  that engaging the body, the mind, the emotions, and the soul simultaneously, has far more impact than working with any one at a time.  Talk therapy can be helpful, left-brained logic-oriented learning is wonderful, body-work benefits us in multiple avenues, and engaging Spirit opens us to the transcendent…but there are few places where all are engaged holistically.  Illuman offers spaces that are both cutting-edge and deeply rooted, inviting men into richer, healthier lives.  In this work, we hold in common more our practices than beliefs (which vary greatly), while acknowledging the Perennial Tradition.

Leadership Structure

Illuman of Washington’s structure continues to mature.  Currently, we have a board that protects and supports the container for this work, a guiding council of 4 men that meets for 90 minutes every two week, a leadership group of 14 that meet monthly, as well as men who contribute in a variety of roles for events and gatherings.  If you wish to contribute in some manner, raise your hand by reaching out to the convener.

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Reflections On The January Retreat

Illuman Of Washington
At the end of the retreat, I felt deeply at peace and very grateful for all the men who shared this space with me, as well as the volunteers who made it happen. I can't wait to go again!
~Ned
Illuman Of Washington
At the end of the retreat, I felt deeply at peace and very grateful for all the men who shared this space with me, as well as the volunteers who made it happen. I can't wait to go again!
~Ned
Illuman Of Washington
The January retreat was a great way to reconnect with the deepest needs of the spirit and leverage time-tested rituals for powerful impact. A wonderful opportunity to connect with other men that are on their own path of spiritual transformation, and learn from their journey and experiences.
~Participant
Illuman Of Washington
It was comforting to spend time in the company of men who are there to support you; and who you can support as they and you walk through the stages of life.
~Dennis
Illuman Of Washington
In the stillness of a damp, quiet corner of the Seattle metro area, a diverse group of men gathered to share rituals and a common desire to become better, more generative men. It was perhaps the first time I've ever experienced real unity in such a group of men, and the sacred time paved the way for some life-changing healing that could only have happened in the company of others.
~Sam
Illuman Of Washington
After making the MROP years ago, and coming home to unpack the experience virtually alone, the Illuman retreat gave me a sense that, finally, a community is present, and willing, to share the journey.
~Participant
Illuman Of Washington
Last year's retreat, was powerful as a continuance for those of us who had been through an MROP and for our brothers who were interested in learning more about MROP's and opportunities for being with like minded men.
~Participant
Illuman Of Washington
I attended the January retreat and was moved by the power of the male community. The greetings upon arriving shifted my focus to assessing my gifts, wounds, and blessings. The time and space shared presented an opportunity to seek spiritual direction and understanding in the community of brothers.
~Stephen
Illuman Of Washington
The combination of the gathered group, the small group "council" times, and the time in solitude was refreshing. It felt like a safe place to reflect and refocus, receiving encouragement from others along the way.
~Participant
  • Home
  • Men’s Rites of Passage
    • What is the MROP?
    • Initiator Program
    • MROP Reflections
  • Elders’ Rites of Passage®
    • What is the EROP?
    • An Elder’s Offering
    • Registration & EROP Details
    • Before & After EROP
    • Returning Elders
  • Teen’s Rites of Passage
    • Growing Teens
    • Illuman Rising
  • Journey of Illumination
    • Overview of the JOI
    • Centering
    • Gathering
    • Connecting
    • Releasing
    • Serving
  • Events
  • Resources
  • Community
    • What are Councils?
    • Council Gatherings
    • Join – Serve – Lead
    • Members Portal
  • About
    • About Us
    • Contact
    • Partners

Illuman Of Washington
19110 – 17th Ave NW
Shoreline WA 98177
Jeffrey Batstone, Convener

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