Connecticut Men’s Gathering to hold 50th event Sept. 15-17

CHESTER » For the 50th time in the history of the Connecticut Men’s Gathering, (COMEGA), a 501 C 3 not-for-profit organization, an estimated 80 to 90 men will congregate at Camp Hazen in Chester the weekend of Sept. 15-17.

Organizers say the consistent mission of each of the twice-annual weekend gatherings is, “To deepen men’s experience beyond limiting stereotypes toward greater authenticity by offering experiences of community that educate and foster the growth of mind and heart.”

COMEGA welcomes all those who identify themselves as men from all over New England and beyond, of any income level, faith, creed and more. The theme of the upcoming gathering will be “Who We Are As Men: Facing Racism.”

Founded in 1992 by Michael Chell of Springfield, MA, Norbert Gauthier of Hebron and Paul Dunion of Franklin, COMEGA is a spinoff of the Massachusetts Men’s Gathering, (MMG), which is a spin-off of the semi-annual Mainely Men gathering.

The stated purpose of the COMEGA gatherings is to “empower men to create and foster a community where the invitation is to break down the internal barriers that cause isolation. This inspires courage in each man to consciously explore the challenges in his life, and to bring forth his authentic self. He is empowered to bring this newlyfound awareness, commitments, and passions back to his relationships and his community.”

“Men who are seekers come to the gatherings in search of greater permission to honor both their gifts and their wounds,” said Dunion in a written statement. “The Gatherings offer a radical shift in paradigm... The encouraged focus is an appreciation for a man’s individuation, how he learns and how he heals. There is little or no pretense about some alleged evolved destination. The Gatherings honor the journey.

Litchfield resident Rusty Dyer, president of the COMEGA Organizing Committee (OC), said, “COMEGA offers something very unique: a welcoming place to explore one’s inner landscape. We do men’s soul work and intend to bring our best selves back home to our families and community. This is an incredible opportunity that I wish all men to experience.”

During the COMEGA weekends attendees can participate in rituals, workshops and activities in small and large groups. The suggested minimum age is 12–14 years for youth to participate, with a responsible adult.

To learn more about COMEGA, and to register for the 50th Gathering, visit http://www.comega.org.

For more information, contact Michael Chell at 413923-7252, or Jody Grose at 203-731-7755, or Rusty Dyer at 860-283-1105.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS Men take part in a drum circle at the gathering.