Friends/Dating
“For one human being to love another; that is perhaps the most difficult of all our tasks, the ultimate, the last test and proof, the work for which all other work is but preparation.”
–Rainer Maria Rilke
Research indicates men who have strong friendships and/or a long-term relationship are much healthier and better able to cope with stress and ill health. So one of the priorities of Manifest/MenSpirit is to provide men alternative ways to develop friendships and find men to date — that don’t depend on bars, online hookups, and sex clubs, which can promote anonymous encounters and the use of alcohol, nicotene, drugs, &/or anonymous sex.
We want to make it easy for men who care about fun, creativity, wellness, spirituality, and community to interact with one another in meaningful and playful ways. We want to powerfullly support queer men’s natural gift for creating networks of close-knit, family-like friends. The most important and enduring relationships most queer men will have will be with a close circle of friends. We seek to encourage and celebrate your ability to create and sustain these friendship networks through programs like the following (click on each to learn more or click on our calendar for specific dates):
Fridays-After-Work
Men Spirit Pajama Party
Men’s Snuggle Dance Party
Men’s Social Events
PEER SUPPORT GROUPS:
• DATING LAB SUPPORT GROUP
1st & 3rd Thursdays each month, 7-9 pm
In this fun, practical support group you’ll explore with other men:
• What intimacy is for you & what kinds of intimacies you want;
• Your habitual intimacy challenges;
• Your intimacy strengths & skills;
• Practical experiments to try in the work-shop & in your life for dating & intimacy
• Asking for concrete support to help you implement what you’ve learned & sustain learning after the workshop
This workshop is not about experts telling us the answers. It is about us supporting one another to find the intimacy visions and strategies that work for each of us. And most of all it’s about figuring out what you can do differently in the real world to get more of the intimacy you want – and get the support to follow through.
INFO/RSVP: 503-223-8822 or (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
• MEN’S WALKING GROUP
Every Thursday
When it’s not raining we gather in different parts of Portland each week and walk in interesting neighborhods and parks. When it’s raining we walk in the Lloyd Center Mall or other indoor public spaces. We socialize, we get our exercise, we get out and enjoy the city, each other, and moving our bodies.
INFO/RSVP: 503-223-8822 or (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
• Couples Intimacy Lab: Practical Strategies for Being in a Great Relationship
(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)