Why This Trip Exists

Many capable, thoughtful men still find themselves reacting in ways they don’t recognize — snapping in relationship, shutting down under stress, or feeling younger than they “should” when life presses in.

This isn't a failure of character. It's an invitation that never came — a set of skills you simply weren't given.

Most men were never supported in learning how to:

• stay regulated when activated

• listen to younger parts without being run by them

• remain present, responsible, and responsive under pressure

This immersion is a deliberate crossing — from reactivity toward responsiveness — using the river, contribution to the group in service of something beyond yourself. and grounded practice as teachers.

What Makes This Different

This is not:

• a luxury retreat

• a performance-based men’s weekend

• a catered escape from real life

This is:

• shared responsibility

• mutual reliance

• simple living in a real environment

• practical tools you can take home

Steadiness isn’t built by being comfortable.
It’s built by showing up when things are mildly inconvenient — and staying connected anyway.

The Setting

We’ll spend three days rafting and camping on a scenic stretch of the Upper Colorado River.

• Mostly calm floating with a few fun, splashy sections

• Cold mountain water, big skies, cottonwoods, open canyon

• July conditions: warm days, cool nights, refreshing swims

No prior rafting experience required.
A willingness to participate fully is.

How the Days Will Flow

This weekend is designed with rhythm, not intensity.

Each day follows a simple arc:

ground → move → learn → do → reflect → rest

So the nervous system has time to settle, integrate, and strengthen.

Mornings — Ground & Orient

• Gentle movement and mobility

• Breathwork and nervous-system regulation

• Short teachings on why we get reactive (stress physiology, polyvagal basics)

The aim isn’t self-improvement.
It’s orientation — starting the day resourced and present.

Days — River Time & Shared Contribution

The river is our primary teacher.

We rig boats, paddle, float, cook, and care for camp together.

• Time for conversation, silence, and play

• Space to notice how we respond to uncertainty and inconvenience

• Learning happens inside real moments, not just in conversation

Afternoons — Practice Under Pressure

We weave in simple, effective tools you can use in real life:

• Breathwork and pranayama

• Grounded movement (vinyasa, yin-inspired, qi gong–based flows)

• Optional contrast or cold-water practices (conditions permitting)

Nothing fancy. Just practices that work.

Evenings — Integration & Council

Evenings slow down.

• Shared meals

• Reflection and group processing

• Space to name what’s actually happening — without fixing or posturing

This is where compassion for younger parts can emerge naturally — not as pathology, but as information viewed through adult eyes.

What We’ll Practice Together

Nervous System Literacy

Understanding the machinery of stress so you’re not white-knuckling life.

When men understand what’s happening in their bodies, self-judgment softens and choice becomes possible.

Working With Parts (Not Fighting Them)

We all carry younger or protective parts shaped by earlier experiences.

Rather than trying to eliminate them, we practice:

• listening

• integrating

• reclaiming the intelligence beneath old patterns

There is often gold in the places we were taught to reject.

Brotherhood Through Doing

Connection here isn’t built through sharing alone.

It’s built through:

• contribution

• service

• mutual reliance

• doing real things side by side

This is where trust forms.

How We’ll Lead

This is not “guru on the mountain” leadership.

We’ll be in the work with you — walking alongside, practicing what we teach, and meeting what arises in real time.

The invitation isn’t to become someone else.
It’s to stand on more solid ground — with yourself and with others.

Who This Is For

This immersion is for men who:

• want to respond rather than react

• feel called toward responsibility and stewardship

• value grounded practice over intensity

• are willing to participate, contribute, and engage honestly

No mysticism required.
Just presence and willingness.

Logistics at a Glance

• Dates: July 10–12 (possible option to head up Thursday 7/9 depending on group preference)|

• Location: Upper Colorado River (near Kremmling, CO)

• Group size: ~16–20 men

• Style: Self-guided rafting with rented gear

• Food & camping: Shared, simple, intentional

Pricing (details coming):

• Early Bird: ~$595

• Standard: ~$695

• Payment plans available

We’re committed to accessibility and may offer:

• a limited number of steward-supported spots

• optional premium add-ons (pre/post 1:1 integration sessions)