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God is not found by adding anything, but by a process of subtraction.
~ Meister Eckhart

The Journey of Illumination is a five-fold practice, informed by rich spiritual tradition, that invites you to show up and pay attention to the presence of God in your life. This is not another list of obligatory to-do’s to add to a list of oughts and shoulds, nor THE method that will bring you salvation or enlightenment.  Rather these are simply practices and rhythms that we have observed are present and even essential in a healthy well-rounded life.  The goal of this path is to realize a full, intense and well-grounded spiritual journey.  In observing them all that is not important is stripped away, and in so doing you discover more deeply that which is deeply important.  Here are the five core touchstones of our practice:

  • Show up and observe (Centering)
  • Show up and get together (Gathering)
  • Show up and share (Connecting)
  • Show up and let go (Releasing)
  • Show up and act (Serving)

I wake from a nap
And the same clear words greet my mind
That I say every day upon waking,
“Where can I find the Friend?”
~ Hafiz

The Journey of Illumination is not a one-sized fits all approach, every person implements these practices in a manner that fits him. Tradition encourages the developing of regular rhythms that develop all of these muscles and we suggest varying ranging in the size of the context and the frequency.  For example you might practice daily prayer/meditation by yourself, participate in a weekly/monthly men’s group, attend an annual retreat either regionally or our national gathering each November.  Time out in nature is often a valued practice of men involved in Illuman.

Council is a core practice for men on the Journey of Illumination as it is a gathering that involves all five touchstones.  We have council gatherings twice a month in the greater Puget Sound area, on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month from 8-10 AM.

As the product of the collective efforts and consciousness of hundreds of initiated men, the Journey of Illumination awakens men to two essential challenges of the Journey—to choose a specific action (show up) and to be present (pay attention) in the body, the heart, and the mind.

By choosing to participate in the Journey of Illumination, you are not agreeing to follow some imaginary moral imperatives, but to the extent of your commitment you will enrich and enliven your existing spiritual practices, and create or restore balance in each step of your journey by doing the work that is the essence of spiritual discipline.

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Reflections On The January Retreat

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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
  • 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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