Illuman invites you to a path of deep inner work and spiritual transformation we call the Journey of Illumination. Though it often begins with a rite of initiation, it doesn’t end there. Instead, this process challenges you, every day, to show up, pay attention, and overcome the weight of your routine in order to realize a full, intense and well-grounded spiritual journey. Doing so is not easy, but it does involve clear elements. Learn more about each one below.
JOURNEY TOGETHER
The Journey of Illumination involves five touchstones:
CENTERING
Show Up and Observe
Each day challenge yourself to make contact with your true Source, that which makes you come most alive.
GATHERING
Show Up, Share, and Listen
Regularly look for support and accountability with other committed brothers and listen to each other’s stories.
CONNECTING
Show Up and Practice
Find spiritual disciplines that keep your mind and heart open and connected, your body centered, and your emotions grounded.
RELEASING
Show Up and Let Go
Living in the present requires us to release the past and let go of ways that no longer serve us.
SERVING
Show Up and Act
Honor the earth and serve the whole human community. Find ways to positively impact your family, community, and world.
Ready to take the next step on your own personal Journey of Illumination? There are a number of ways to start:
- Be initiated into the Journey at a Men’s Rites of Passage – an immersive experience of ritual, story, nature, connection, and more to help awaken you to the adventure and mystery of your own life’s purpose.
- Already done your initial rites? Return to the MROP and go even deeper through the Initiator Program.
- Find supportive connection with fellow men at a local Illuman Council Circle or join one of our Virtual Councils or online Passion Circles.
Or continue below for blog posts, events, and book recommendations to help you along your Journey
THE ILLUMAN BLOG
Find a host of inspirational content to encourage you on your Journey. Check out some of our latest posts below!
Going Deeper: Illuman Cohorts
There is no suuch thing as inner work resulting in personal transformation witho...
Grounded and Centered in the Tapestry of Life
I received a sympathy card from a good friend after our only daughter, Elizabeth...
We are all powerless…
At the monthly men’s meeting I attend, part of our ritual is to share some...
The Journey of Illumination – Practice in Focus
CENTERING PRAYER
“Show Up and Observe”
by Jack Given
Yahweh...
Soularize 2018 with Bill Plotkin
Inhabiting Our Unique Psycho-Ecological Niche
Thursday, October 18–Sund...
Conveners Corner with Mark Infusino
Conveners Corner – March 2022
By Mark Infusino, Co-Convener of Illuman ...
Help Us Reach More Men on Facebook!
We need your help spreading the word about Illuman. Illuman uses Facebook to inf...
Illuman’s Best-Kept Secret: The Initiator Program
The Illuman Initiator Program seems to be one of Illuman’s best-kept secre...
Remembering Your Rites of Passage
I just finished my own Rites of Passage.
It seems strange to write this,...
A Ukraine Refugee Fundraiser Update
Back in March, we offered you an opportunity to support Illuman brothers in the ...
Fire
The following was offered by Illuman NorCal Convener Joe Gabaeff at Oracle 2022,...
The Work that Reconnects: An Oracle 2022 Update
A few weeks ago, just over thirty Illuman leaders gathered at Trout Lodge in the...
Prophet in Alaska
Each evening at Oracle 2022, our leaders gathering held in Potosi, Missouri, we ...
Water Poured
Each evening at Oracle 2022, our leaders gathering held in Potosi, Missouri, we ...
The Hudsons and the Scotts
Each evening at Oracle 2022, our leaders gathering held in Potosi, Missouri, we ...
I am made of Stardust
Each evening at Oracle 2022, our leaders gathering held in Potosi, Missouri, we ...
Easter Morning in Wales
Each evening at Oracle 2022, our leaders gathering held in Potosi, Missouri, we ...
It’s Just Grief
Each evening at Oracle 2022, our leaders gathering held in Potosi, Missouri, we ...
falling in front of us
Each evening at Oracle 2022, our leaders gathering held in Potosi, Missouri, we ...
‘Let’s See’
Each evening at Oracle 2022, our leaders gathering held in Potosi, Missouri, we ...
UPCOMING EVENTS
Illuman offers multiple events throughout the year, both online and through our local chapters, to help you deepen your spiritual journey. Take a look below or click here for our full calendar.
Council Stoker Training: The Art of Being a Stoker @ Held virtually via Zoom
The Way of Council is a central part of what Illuman does to promote healthier m...
Watering Hole - Wholeness & Kinship with Fr. Gregory Boyle (June 2023)
Join us Thursday, June 15 from 7-8:30pm Eastern for a Waterin...
AWAKEN - 2023
AWAKEN: RECLAIMING OUR HIDDEN WHOLENESS Thursday, September 14 - Sunday, ...
SUGGESTED READING LIST
SPIRITUAL REFLECTION
Bill Plotkin - Soulcraft
Richard Rohr - Adam's Return
Henri Nouwen - The Return of the Prodigal Son
James Finley - Merton's Palace of Nowhere
Richard Rohr - From Wild Man to Wise Man
Since 1980, depth psychologist Bill Plotkin has been guiding women and men into the wilderness—the redrock canyons and snow-crested mountains of the American West—but also into the wilds of the soul. He calls this work soulcraft.
Based on decades of work, travel, and experience, Rohr, a Franciscan brother and best-selling author, unearths the complexities of male spiritual maturation and helps us to understand the importance of male initiation rights in both culture and the church.
A chance encounter with a reproduction of Rembrandt’s The Return of the Prodigal Son catapulted Henri Nouwen on a long spiritual adventure. Here he shares the deeply personal and resonant meditation that led him to discover the place within where God has chosen to dwell.
This one door is the door of the Palace of Nowhere. It is the door of God. It is our very self, our true self called by God to perfect union with himself. And it is through this door we secretly enter in responding to the saving call to ‘Come with me to the Palace of Nowhere where all the many things are one.
From Wild Man to Wise Man is a revised and updated edition of Richard Rohr’s earlier best-seller, The Wild Man’s Journey: Reflections on Male Spirituality.