In this process of cleaning house, I found a bunch of letters from 1993-1994 (the age before email). One such letter was from one of my mentors-Columba, a very accomplished De La Salle Brother.

As I reread his letter to me, I could now see that Columba was "a wise sage sitting on the mountaintop." I, on the other hand, was a conflicted young man-I had emigrated to America and was really struggling with what I was doing with my life.

I had transitioned from being a very committed teacher in Ireland to qualifying as a stockbroker and securing work with a very progressive, exciting brokerage company in San Francisco. Columba wrote four pages consoling me and affirming me for my gifts.

When I pondered his letter this past weekend, I realized that he was sharing his wisdom and perspective. I remember being deeply moved, when I first received it, that he would take the time to write such a letter. Rereading his letter 21 years later moved me yet again. I began to realize that this is what we men do for each other when we are at our best: We receive wisdom from each other.

I last visited Columba six years ago. His body was ravaged by Parkinson's. I helped him put on his socks and I tied his shoes for him. He told me his feet were cold and we discussed toe warmers. He was keen to learn what spiritual books I was reading.

As I left him, I gave him a gentle kiss and expressed my deep gratitude for his guidance in my life. Last year, I visited his grave to thank him again. Two men, thirty years age difference, but no competition, just connection and gratitude.

I experience the same type of brotherhood in our work. I want for all men to have this kind of connection. This is also why I hope to see many of you at Soularize 2015.  To learn more about Soularize, click here.

Damien Faughnan
Board Chair
Illuman

While Illuman is focused on supporting men in developing a mature, masculine, "second half of life" spirituality, ManKind Project (MKP) is focused on helping men with the emotional growth necessary to identify, heal, and transcend our childhood
wounds. 

The Illuman Board President and ManKind Project USA Chairman have begun a conversation to explore opportunities for our organizations to collaborate and promote our respective offerings.

We recognize that both organizations have unique gifts to offer men. Our respective programs and offerings focus on providing men with an opportunity to do their "inner work" in the company of other men.

We are seeking to identify men who have completed both the New Warrior Training Adventure and the MROP. Our purpose is to create a forum for discussion around the intersection of MKP and Illuman core issues and values and to foster cooperation and collaboration between the organizations. We also desire to give doubly initiated men a place to share what we have learned and are doing.

 If you are one of the many men who have done both the MROP and NWTA, please join your Brothers via the MKPConnect V-Group: Men's Rites of Passage .

If you have questions, please contact Brad Pickel at administrator@illuman.org.