Moving Men: An Embodied Inquiry

Imagine five days on the California coast where you can finally ask the questions about manhood you've carried silently—and actually receive space to explore them without judgment. Moving Men: An Embodied Inquiry is an immersive workshop designed for men ready to investigate their relationship with masculinity through movement, somatic practice, and genuine connection. Held at the legendary Esalen Institute in Big Sur, this program uses 5Rhythms movement meditation, live music, and trauma-informed somatic inquiry to create the conditions for honest self-discovery and relational integrity.

Rather than prescribing a singular model of manhood, this workshop invites you to explore the many ways masculinity is lived, inherited, and transformed across generations and identities. Led by Douglas Drummond—a certified 5Rhythms teacher and founder of the Weaving Waters Collective—alongside guest musicians Sanga of the Valley and Nick Ayers, the faculty brings decades of experience in rhythm, embodied practice, and global music traditions. This is men's work grounded in consent, agency, and accountability: a chance to expand emotional range, cultivate vulnerability, and step into greater authenticity.

The perched cliffsides and redwood groves of Esalen provide the perfect container for this inner work. You'll return home with not just insights, but a felt sense of wholeness and connection to yourself and other men.

What to Expect

Over five days, you'll move through carefully designed inquiry using 5Rhythms—a dynamic meditation practice that shifts through flowing, staccato, chaos, lyrical, and stillness states. Morning and evening sessions alternate with somatic work, group dialogue, and solo reflection time. Live musicians accompany the movement, creating an embodied atmosphere where insights arise naturally through the body rather than the intellect alone.

The workshop honors both deep personal work and relational integrity. You'll explore inherited patterns of masculinity, expand your emotional vocabulary, and practice accountability in a safe, all-men container. The trauma-informed approach ensures that personal choice and agency remain central—you're never pushed beyond your edge, and your consent is always respected.

By the final days, participants typically report feeling more grounded in their bodies, more honest about their needs and vulnerabilities, and part of a brotherhood committed to conscious manhood.

Venue & Logistics

Moving Men takes place November 9–13, 2026 at Esalen Institute in Big Sur, California. The retreat center sits on a dramatic stretch of California coast and offers a contemplative atmosphere ideal for deep work. Wear comfortable, loose clothing suitable for movement. The program includes meals and accommodations on the Esalen campus. Please contact the organizers regarding accessibility needs or physical considerations.