Enter a purposeful container of being

listened to, supported, and companioned

Solitude vs. Loneliness

Out of loneliness and into solitude, silence, and intentional time spent in nature. This is contemplation.

Friendship vs. Isolation

A cohort of men committed sharing, story, and small groups. Be immersed in a network of guides and teachers.

Reflection vs. Numbing

Letting go of escaping and emphasizing prayer, meditation, drumming, slowing down, and paying attention.

In every gathering:

Our work will be influenced by teachings, small groups, soul work, challenges, partner sharing, centering and mindfulness practices, and nature time. We will soak in the deeper truths of intimacy, belonging, connection, and being known. Each man will be immersed in a web of ancient wisdom and recovery intelligence.

Meet your companions

Matthew Ray Lyda has been guiding men for more a decade (and more), is a certified Spiritual Director, Author, Retreat Leader, PSAP (Pastoral Sex Addiction Professional), RAE (Rainbow Advocate Educator), husband of one, father of three, lover of lands, and pickleball player.

He has lived in Bangladesh and India and is trained by IITAP (International Institute for Trauma and Addiction Professionals) and Oasis Ministries. Matthew also serves as an initiator in Men's Rites of Passage work worldwide.

My name's Eric Slabach and I'm thrilled to be in this Men's Estuary with you. I've been on a wild adventure since 2015 (and even beyond that), exploring the terrain of grief, trauma, and how it manifested in my masculinity into my adulthood.

I know a good bit about living through unexpected, life-altering situations.

Through much counseling, spiritual direction, trauma therapy, contemplative practices, masculine spirituality, and engaging with others on this transformative path, I've experienced a deepening and healing I never knew was possible.

I'm a 2023 Sendee of the Living School (Center for Action & Contemplation), living in Boise, Idaho, with my soulful (and adventurous) wife - Annie. Oh, and I enjoy road cycling and backyard barbequing :)

Chris Ross, psychotherapist and spiritual director, lives in Auburn, Alabama, where he specializes in working with those impacted by trauma.

Chris helps brave souls “get the junk out of the way so they can see God more clearly.” With an MS in Community Counseling, MDiv from a Christian seminary, a National Certified Counselor (NCC), and a Certified Spiritual Director, Chris has worked with males over the past 13 years.

He enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife, son, and daughter, particularly on the soccer field.