men are turning to spiritual retreats

Why More Men Are Turning to Spiritual Retreats – and What They’re Finding

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🪵 The Retreat He Didn’t Know He Needed: Why Men Are Finally Saying Yes to Spiritual Retreats

“I don’t do group hugs.”

That was Jason’s first reaction when his wife signed him up for a men’s retreat in the Colorado mountains. At 42, he hadn’t cried in two decades. Meditation? Not his thing. Vulnerability? Just another word for weakness.

But years of silent stress, simmering anger, and a growing sense of emptiness had worn him down.

Three days later—barefoot on a forest trail, surrounded by strangers who somehow felt like brothers—Jason cried. Not out of weakness, but relief. Like finally exhaling after a decade of holding his breath.

Jason isn’t alone.

More men—fathers, CEOs, veterans, teachers—are quietly seeking out spiritual retreats. Not because they’re into incense or enlightenment, but because life has become too much. The pressure to always be strong, always be fine? It’s exhausting. A 2022 study found 77% of men feel daily pressure to “man up,” yet few have a space to ask what that really means—or what it’s costing them.

Spiritual retreats offer that space. Not as mystical escapes, but as real-world resets. They’re where men unplug, reflect, and reconnect with themselves—without having to pretend.

I’ve never been to one myself. As a woman, I’m an outsider. But that’s also why I wrote this—because what I found through research and conversations wasn’t about gurus or group hugs. It was about men reclaiming parts of themselves they forgot were even there.

So if you’re reading this with one eyebrow raised—good. That means this article is for you.

men need spiritual retreats
Men Need Spiritual Retreats

⚠️ Disclaimer

This article is not sponsored, and none of the organizations, retreats, or facilitators mentioned have provided compensation, incentives, or promotional consideration. The sole purpose of this guide is to offer honest, research-based information for men seeking spiritual retreats as part of their personal growth journey. All insights and recommendations are made independently, with the intention of helping men make informed, authentic choices on their path to self-discovery and success.

🧠 Why Men Need Spiritual Retreats

“You can’t heal what you won’t name.”

There’s a quiet crisis simmering beneath the surface of modern masculinity. While men are told to be providers, protectors, and pillars of strength, they’re rarely offered space to talk about what that weight feels like. The late nights staring at the ceiling. The stress buried under productivity. The rage that erupts out of nowhere. The numbness that follows.

Retreats aren’t about escaping life—they’re about facing it, without the armor.

At places like the ManKind Project’s New Warrior Training Adventure, men confront emotional blind spots many didn’t even know they had. Group circles become safe spaces where tears are met with nods, not shame. At Sacred Sons, physical practices like breathwork, wrestling, or movement become gateways into emotional release—breaking through the walls that decades of “man up” have built.

💬 “In a men’s circle, I could admit my fears without feeling weak—it changed how I lead my team,” said one participant at a Sacred Sons retreat.

Common Threads Men Bring to Retreats:

  • Burnout from work or relationships
  • Disconnection from purpose or family
  • Grief and unprocessed trauma
  • Midlife questions that don’t have easy answers
  • A longing for real connection with other men

These aren’t abstract issues. They’re visceral. And spiritual retreats provide structure, community, and tools for processing them.

Take Spirit Rock Meditation Center in Marin County, California. Their silent retreats help men slow the mind’s relentless pace and hear what’s beneath the noise. Some find grief they’ve avoided for years. Others find peace for the first time since childhood.

Meanwhile, Unguarded Warrior combines Christian faith with emotional honesty, offering men permission to feel—deeply, freely, and without judgment. Set in Colorado’s San Juan Mountains, its setting alone begins to disarm years of emotional repression.

And then there’s the solitude approach. Sedona Soul Adventures offers private, one-on-one retreats in the red rock canyons of Arizona—no sharing circles, no forced vulnerability. Just a man and a guide, peeling back the layers of fear, doubt, and self-doubt.

Because sometimes, the most courageous thing a man can do is sit still—and listen.

🤝 What Makes Men’s Retreats Unique

“It wasn’t therapy. It was brotherhood.”

Men’s retreats are not just yoga with beards. They’re not spa weekends or spiritual cosplay. What sets them apart is the rawness—the shared permission to drop the mask, speak the unspeakable, and be seen without performance.

At a typical men’s retreat, you won’t find scented candles and vision boards. Instead, you might be:

  • Sharing stories around a fire about fatherhood, failure, or fear
  • Engaging in shadow work—confronting the parts of yourself you’ve buried
  • Taking part in rituals that help you release pain or reconnect with purpose
  • Moving your body through breathwork, martial arts, or cold plunges
  • Sitting in silence—not for punishment, but for clarity

These experiences are often led by men who’ve been through the fire themselves—facilitators who blend therapeutic training with lived experience. One such retreat, the New Warrior Training Adventure from ManKind Project, structures its weekends like a rite of passage: emotionally intense, physically grounded, and spiritually illuminating.

Meanwhile, Sacred Sons integrates primal practices like wrestling or ecstatic dance with therapeutic circles and emotional processing. It’s high-energy, unfiltered, and surprisingly healing. As one participant said:
💬 “I didn’t realize how much I needed to be seen—really seen—by other men.”

Even retreats with a Christian foundation, like The Crucible Project or Men at the Cross, avoid dogma. Instead, they use shared scripture, storytelling, and group accountability to help men explore integrity, faith, and leadership without shame.

And that’s the core difference: Men’s retreats aren’t about being told who to be. They’re about stripping away everything you’re not—so who you are can finally breathe.

🧭 Types of Retreats for Different Needs

“One man’s silence is another man’s soul fire.”

Men’s spiritual retreats come in all flavors—from silent meditations to primal fire rituals, from Christian mentorship weekends to solo spiritual quests. There’s no one-size-fits-all here—and that’s the beauty of it. Whether you want to sit quietly with your thoughts or roar them into the woods, there’s a retreat built for that.

Here’s a breakdown to help navigate the landscape:

📿 Mindfulness & Meditation Retreats

For the man who needs peace, clarity, and a break from the mental noise.

  • 🪷 Esalen Institute (Big Sur, CA)
    Breathtaking ocean views, hot springs, and workshops on masculine identity.
    Cost: $500–$2,000

  • 🧘 Spirit Rock Meditation Center (Marin County, CA)
    Vipassana-based silent retreats, sliding scale pricing, and deep introspection.
    Cost: $200–$1,500

🏞️ Embodiment & Adventure Retreats

For the man who connects through movement, challenge, and nature.

  • 🔥 Sacred Sons (Various U.S. Locations)
    Think primal practices—wrestling, breathwork, and raw emotion in wild settings.
    Cost: $600–$4,000 depending on duration

  • 🧗 Unguarded Warrior (Pagosa Springs, CO)
    Small groups, Christian-rooted but open, storytelling circles, and outdoor immersion.
    Cost: $800–$1,200

✝️ Faith-Based & Brotherhood Retreats

For the man looking to deepen his spirituality within a Christian or values-based context.

  • 🛡️ The Crucible Project (TX, IL, CO, etc.)
    48-hour intensive on integrity, faith, and emotional healing through group work.
    Cost: $450–$700

  • ⛪ Men at the Cross (Various U.S. Locations)
    Worship, hiking, mentorship, and discussions rooted in biblical leadership.
    Cost: $200–$500

🔮 Private & Personalized Spiritual Retreats

For the man who wants solitude, one-on-one guidance, and inner clarity.

💪 Emotional & Leadership Retreats

For the man ready to confront his blocks and lead from within.

  • 🦁 ManKind Project – New Warrior Training Adventure
    Weekend deep-dive into fear, purpose, and masculine identity. Group rituals, emotional breakthroughs, and a lifelong brotherhood.
    Cost: $650–$900

choose the right retreat
Choose the Right Retreat

🧾 Quick Comparison Table

Retreat Location Focus Duration Cost
Esalen Institute California Mindfulness, identity Weekend+ $500–$2,000
Spirit Rock California Silent meditation Day–2 weeks $200–$1,500
Sacred Sons Multiple Embodiment, brotherhood Weekend–1 week $600–$4,000
Unguarded Warrior Colorado Faith, nature, connection 3–4 days $800–$1,200
Crucible Project Multiple Christian masculinity Weekend $450–$700
Men at the Cross Multiple Faith, leadership Weekend $200–$500
Sedona Soul Adventures Arizona Solo, spiritual guidance 3–5 days $3,000–$7,000
ManKind Project Nationwide Emotional growth, purpose Weekend $650–$900

🧳 How to Choose the Right Retreat

“You don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need to be willing.”

Picking a spiritual retreat as a man can feel overwhelming—especially if you’ve never been to one. The truth? You don’t need to be spiritual. You don’t need to be broken. You just need to be open enough to ask: What do I need right now?

Here’s a practical guide to help you find a retreat that fits—not just in logistics, but in heart.

🛠️ Your Retreat Readiness Checklist:

  • 🧭 What’s your goal?

    • Stress relief? → Try Spirit Rock or Esalen
    • Spiritual clarity? → Consider Sedona Soul Adventures
    • Brotherhood & growth? → Look into ManKind Project or Sacred Sons
    • Faith and values? → Check out The Crucible Project or Men at the Cross

  • 💸 What’s your budget?

    • On a tight budget? → Men at the Cross or Spirit Rock (scholarships available)
    • Willing to invest? → Sedona Soul Adventures or extended Sacred Sons events

  • 📍 How far are you willing to travel?

    • Prefer close to home? → ManKind Project offers events across the U.S.
    • Dreaming of nature immersion? → Esalen or Unguarded Warrior provide stunning, remote settings

  • 🕒 How much time can you give?

    • Only a weekend? → The Crucible Project, ManKind Project, or Men at the Cross
    • Have 5–7 days? → Explore Sacred Sons immersions or Sedona Soul Adventures

  • 🎧 What kind of environment fits you best?

  • Quiet and internal? → Go for Spirit Rock or Sedona Soul Adventures
  • Active and dynamic? → You’ll thrive at Sacred Sons or Unguarded Warrior
  • Values-driven and structured? → The Crucible Project is a strong fit

🙋 Worried About Fitting In?

You’re not alone. Many feel nervous walking into their first retreat. Here’s what you should know:

  • Most retreats welcome first-timers—no prior meditation or emotional work needed.
  • You won’t be forced to share if you’re not ready.
  • You’ll meet all walks of life—accountants, artists, dads, ex-Marines, 20-somethings to retirees.
  • You don’t need to believe in anything specific—just come curious.

💬 “I thought I’d be the only Black guy there,” one participant shared. “Instead, I left with brothers who saw me—not my job, not my history. Me.”

🧰 What to Pack (Beyond a Toothbrush):

  • A journal (you’ll want to capture insights)
  • Comfortable clothes for movement or meditation
  • Layers for weather shifts in mountain or desert settings
  • A photo or small object that grounds you (a practice used in many retreats)
  • An open mind and maybe… a little courage

🔄 Real Stories of Transformation

“I went in with crossed arms. I left with an open heart.”

No amount of retreat brochures can compete with the raw truth of a man’s experience. These are stories of men who weren’t looking for healing, who didn’t see themselves as “spiritual,” and who definitely didn’t expect to cry in front of strangers. And yet, they did—and it changed them.

👷 Jason, 42 – Construction Manager

Retreat: Unguarded Warrior, Colorado
Before: Burned out, emotionally shut down, always angry—but didn’t know why.
After:

“I sat in a circle and told the story of my dad’s silence—how I copied it for years. By the end, I wasn’t ashamed of crying. I felt human again. I came back and talked to my son… really talked.”

🧑‍💻 Tariq, 35 – Tech Entrepreneur

Retreat: Sedona Soul Adventures
Before: Outwardly successful but inwardly anxious and spiritually flat.
After:

“I didn’t want a group retreat. I wanted something personal. My sessions were private, intense, and completely tailored. I went on a vortex hike that felt like stepping into another dimension—without needing to believe in anything.”

🧔 Chris, 47 – Former Marine

Retreat: ManKind Project – New Warrior Training
Before: Struggling with anger, PTSD, and emotional isolation.
After:

“It was like boot camp for the soul. I didn’t expect men to hold space for me like that. I found a tribe. Now I lead a circle in my city.”

🎯 Takeaway:

Each story shares one core truth—transformation happens not through instruction, but through witnessing. When a man is seen without judgment, something powerful shifts. He realizes he’s not alone. That others carry the same burdens. That healing isn’t weakness—it’s leadership.

And that’s the true gift of these retreats: clarity, connection, and courage that lasts.

❌ Debunking the Myths

“It’s not all chanting and crying. Unless you want it to be.”

Let’s face it: the words “spiritual retreat” can make some men picture crystals, chanting, or being forced to spill their guts in a circle of strangers. And while that might be part of some retreats, most are far more grounded—and far more diverse—than you might think.

Here’s what retreats aren’t (unless you want them to be):

🧘 Myth #1: “You have to be spiritual or religious.”

Truth: Many retreats, like Spirit Rock or ManKind Project, are open to atheists, skeptics, and everyone in between. The focus isn’t on dogma—it’s on awareness, healing, and personal growth. You define what “spiritual” means to you.

🙅 Myth #2: “It’s all group hugs and tears.”

Truth: Some retreats, like Sedona Soul Adventures, are completely private. Others, like Sacred Sons, use movement, breathwork, and challenge—not just talking—to break through emotional blocks.

💬 “I didn’t cry,” one man said. “I screamed into a field and finally let something go I’d carried since I was 10.”

🛐 Myth #3: “It’s just for hippies or soft guys.”

Truth: Look around any retreat circle and you’ll see ex-military, blue-collar workers, executives, and everything in between. Places like The Crucible Project or Unguarded Warrior bring in rugged men looking for faith-based clarity, not incense or chakras.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Myth #4: “I won’t fit in.”

Truth: The strongest feedback from nearly every man post-retreat? “I thought I’d be the odd one out. I wasn’t.”

These spaces are built to be inclusive—of all races, sexualities, beliefs, and backgrounds. Brotherhood doesn’t need sameness. It thrives on shared vulnerability.

🏠 Myth #5: “It’s just a weekend escape.”

Truth: The real work begins after you leave. Most retreats offer integration tools—like journals, local men’s groups, or mentorship—to help you build lasting change. Some, like ManKind Project, even have regional circles to continue the work.

🔄 Post-Retreat Integration

“The retreat ends. The work begins.”

You return home. Your bag’s unpacked, the woods are behind you, and the fire circle is a memory. But something’s shifted. You’re calmer. Quieter. Maybe even more curious.

The question becomes: Now what?

Retreats plant seeds. What you do with them determines whether your experience becomes a weekend getaway—or the start of something deeper.

🧰 Tools to Stay Grounded After the Retreat

  • Start a morning ritual
    Whether it’s five minutes of breathwork, journaling, or silence—pick one. Make it sacred.

  • Join a men’s group
    Many retreats like ManKind Project and The Crucible Project offer local or virtual follow-up circles. These help maintain momentum and accountability.

  • Use retreat-friendly resources

    • Apps: Insight Timer (meditation), RAINN (mental health)
    • Books: No More Mr. Nice Guy by Dr. Robert Glover, Iron John by Robert Bly
    • Podcasts: ManTalks, The Uncivilized Podcast

  • Move your body
    Keep practices like hiking, breathwork, or yoga alive. Even a weekly nature walk can help reconnect to what you felt out there.

  • Talk to someone
    A therapist, coach, or trusted friend. Don’t let insights fade into silence.

📅 A 30-Day Post-Retreat Plan (Micro-actions)

Day Action
1 Write one sentence: What did I learn about myself?
3 Go on a solo nature walk—no phone.
7 Reach out to a retreat brother or facilitator.
10 Share your experience with someone you trust.
15 Re-read your retreat journal. Highlight 3 takeaways.
20 Try a 10-minute guided meditation.
25 Say no to something out of alignment—notice how it feels.
30 Recommit: What’s one practice you’ll carry forward?

Retreats don’t promise a new life. But they give you the mirror, the tools, and the brotherhood to build one. What happens next is up to you.

🌄 Summary: A Sacred Space for the Modern Man

In a world that tells men to tough it out, spiritual retreats offer something radical: space to feel, question, reconnect, and recalibrate. Whether you’re a builder or banker, a believer or skeptic, these retreats are not about changing who you are—they’re about uncovering who you’ve always been.

We’ve explored silent sanctuaries like Spirit Rock, primal fire circles with Sacred Sons, the personal healing paths of Sedona Soul Adventures, and faith-rooted intensives with The Crucible Project. Each retreat serves a different man, a different need—but all point toward one thing: authenticity.

If you’re still unsure, that’s okay. But know this—every man who’s gone before you was unsure, too.

🔍 Find Your Retreat, Find Your Self: Where Will You Begin?

You don’t need to wait for a breakdown to break through. You just need the willingness to say, “I’m ready for something different.”

So here’s your call to action:

👉 Browse retreats
👉 Read testimonials
👉 Ask yourself—not who do I have to be, but who am I becoming?

📍 Start with one of these:

You’ve carried enough. Now it’s time to put something down—and pick yourself back up.

❓ Men’s Spiritual Retreats: Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I need to be religious or spiritual to attend?

No. Many retreats welcome men from all backgrounds—religious, spiritual, agnostic, or atheist. The focus is often on personal growth, self-reflection, and connection rather than specific religious practices. For instance, the ManKind Project offers programs centered on personal development without religious affiliation 

2. What if I’m not comfortable sharing personal feelings?

That’s okay. Retreats are designed to be safe spaces where sharing is encouraged but not mandatory. You can participate at your own pace, and facilitators are trained to support varying comfort levels.

3. Are retreats only for men facing serious issues?

Not at all. Men attend retreats for various reasons: seeking clarity, desiring a break from daily routines, or simply wanting to connect with others. It’s about growth, not just crisis management.

4. What activities are typically involved?

Activities vary but may include:

  • Group discussions
  • Meditation or mindfulness sessions
  • Physical activities like hiking or yoga
  • Workshops on personal development
  • Time for personal reflection

5. How long do retreats last, and what do they cost?

Retreats can range from a weekend to a week or longer. Costs vary based on duration, location, and amenities. Some organizations offer scholarships or sliding scale fees to accommodate different budgets.

6. Will I be the oldest/youngest person there?

Unlikely. Retreats often attract a diverse age range. Whether you’re in your 20s or 60s, you’ll likely find peers to connect with.

7. Can I attend alone?

Absolutely. Many men attend retreats solo. It’s a great opportunity to meet new people and engage in self-discovery without outside distractions.

8. What should I bring?

Typically:

  • Comfortable clothing
  • Personal toiletries
  • Notebook or journal
  • Any personal items that help you feel at ease

Specific retreats may provide a packing list upon registration.

9. Are there follow-up resources after the retreat?

Yes. Many retreats offer post-retreat support such as group meetings, online communities, or additional workshops to help integrate the experience into daily life.

10. How do I choose the right retreat for me?

Consider:

  • Your goals (e.g., stress relief, spiritual growth, connection)
  • Preferred activities
  • Budget and time constraints
  • Location and setting

Research different retreats, read reviews, and don’t hesitate to contact organizers with questions.