Endorsements

“The impact it had on my life was all positive.

The prompts were great, the book was cool, the elders were responsive and patient. I've been to other men's groups and they didn't compare to this one….Through the emails, I found Wim Hoff's breathing technique, which in turn inspired me to not only work on my breathing but also return to Sivananda yoga, a lost passion of mine that got me through the Covid lockdowns. Through the meetings, I felt the bonding of malehood without the topical stuff we are doing every day (sports, weather, politics, etc). It was great to open up, to listen, to be a part of this. It was also great to be in a group that recognizes this transition as a path and not a crisis to solve quickly. As a men's midlife transition coach, that's a huge plus in my book.”

—Dave

“Participating in the 47 program was incredibly helpful for me.

This program allowed for a safe container for me to look at some of the rough spots/disasters in my life from a safe place. The container that this program offered allowed me and others  to look at our Jonah stories with safety,  security, and belonging. Personally, I was able to reclaim some of my disasters with a more compassionate lense and let go of some of the pain I was carrying. This program is well built in that it creates a wading into the disasters and then a returning from the disasters, not leaving participants in the storms of their lives. The soft gentle yet direct approach of the guides were like angels walking us through our on story sharing their perils along the way as well to let us know we are not alone or unique or separated from humanity. Never once did I feel judged or different because of the disasters I have faced in my life. 

What I would say to another man about this program?

If you are looking for a program that allows you to look at your life from a different perspective, I would invite you to this program. Taking a few steps back from your own story and detaching from the pain can be very helpful. In this program, you will find an alternative to the myth that "as a man you must do it alone and I have to make my own way." I found that my story while unique to me, is part of a bigger story and I can rest in the comradery of fellow sailors who are living their journey as well. This program offers conenction with new friends and soul mates of a different kind that I didn't know I needed.  I found a place of belonging and don't feel as separate anymore.”

—Chris

This has been the most impactful planned experience of my life. I have access to so much joy and new smile muscles that I have not felt before.

I always felt welcome and accepted.

The guides seemed to be at peace within themselves, even when they had struggles and grief to share.

No pressure to buy anything or hold a particular faith.

The recordings were huge. Just huge. David Whyte and Michael Singer both spoke straight to my heart. Such clarity!

Hearing older men share was equally huge for me. Speaking with some of the guides individually was so powerful.

This experience has motivated me to support other men and women in their journeys. I realize that I just need to listen and make sure they know I am listening with a loving heart.

Path:

The 47 group helped me see that I am on the right path. That is so huge. To feel that I am living in accordance with creation. To know that I am listening to my inner voice again and following my path helps make both the good times and the dark times richer and more meaningful. I am learning so much!

Growth:

I have been going through a period of time where I have felt a strong need to s-t-r-e-t-c-h my being. Like a spreading of wings or an uncurling of a very long many-legged bug. I feel that I am standing taller and taller over time, though I am the exact same height each day. My outer shell is giving way to something larger more and more often, and I look forward to being my whole self more often as time goes by. The 47 group nurtured this spark in me.

Joy and presence:

I found deep joy and presence over the last several weeks. It comes in waves. There is an apparent trajectory in the unfolding of my life that flows with the world around me in a profound way, and that gives me peace. Several people in my life, both friends and colleagues, have noticed a peace in me.

Listening:

I didn't know what to expect from this experience, so I approached it with the intention of listening to other men and knowing that everyone has something to teach me. I thought that it would at least help normalize some of my experiences. It was so much more than that. I "knew" that every person was just a tall child trying to figure it out, but I still somehow saw older men as being something greater. Something I could never be. This idea even applied to men my own age. I am 44 years old. Through listening I internalized that we really are all just children carrying lots of influences and experiences, sorting through them as they move through us. I saw men share deep experiences that still troubled them many years after they occured. Knowing that their pain was still with them while at the same time they appeared to be so developed and mature - this knowledge gave me peace. To see myself in them. To acknowledge that my own hurts are not going away. That is ok. It just is. 

Listening has given me a new appreciation for the people I meet. I am more often able to see that child in them. That old man or woman. That poor, dirty person standing in the Wal-Mart parking lot. That small child. That middle-aged father. I can see each of them as both children and as elderly. I can see they are simultaneously vulnerable and naive, while also secure and wise. When I listen calmly, I feel for them. I find love and peace in listening to the stories and offering comfort without considering age or social status. Sometimes I still forget to slow down and consider the person and I acknowledge only their outer appearance or behavior, but I smile when I catch myself.

Larry