The Integration Path - Men’s work retreat

With Tom Woodfin and Tarik van Prehn

April 23-28 Southwest Portugal

We are calling it the Integration path since the focus will be to integrate physical, mental, emotional and spiritual work, as we’ve come to understand it. To integrate with the inner dimensions we know and those less expressed, or what’s often called the shadow.

The context: We will be immersed in nature at Azula, in the middle of spring. Typically a season rich with life force as animals emerge from the winter. The animal self often gets forgotten in modern times, but being out of balance with these instincts can result in feelings of frustration, anger, depression, and other things that can sabotage our potency and creativity. It’s through this connection to body and our more primal instincts, that much earthly wisdom and power can be garnered.

Many eastern cultures consider the transition between winter and spring to be the beginning of the year, and we want this retreat to be a reset, where you can get fit, get focused and harmonise with your emotions. An opportunity to connect, express, recalibrate the body, cultivate habits and practices that can set the rhythm and tone for the year ahead.

Here is some of the work we will be doing together.

Physical and embodiment practices

  • Breathwork - (For physical detox and emotional/psychological exploration/regulation)

  • Physical training - (functional, balance and strength )

  • Yoga - Ashtanga based, Pranayama, Tantra (sexual control and activation)

  • Martial arts and combat sports (Suitable for beginners)

Emotional and spiritual development

  • Body-based tools for emotional processing.

  • Meditation practice 

Psychological development

  • Frameworks for psychological processing

  • Exploration of internal limitations and shadows

Relational practices and integration

  • Exchange circles to foster community and trust among participants.

  • Linguistic frameworks to deepen relational practices.

Prices:

The early bird booking price is €990/£850, after which the standard price will be €1105/£950. Which covers accommodation, food, and most activities (with paid optional extras like massages etc).

How to book:

To book your spot you’ll have to deposit 200€ before (date). The rest of the payment can be done in cash upon arrival or via bank transfer. Let us know which option you prefer in advance.

You will need to bring:

  • Yoga mat (if you have one).

  • Training shoes.

  • Training clothes.

  • Boxing gloves, handwraps and mouth-guards (14oz gloves minimum, You will need to pre-mould your mouthguard prior to the retreat, they usually come with instructions on how to do this). Headguards (optional) and shinguards (also optional) if you have them.

  • Personal journal for notes and writing.

Food and accommodation

Azula is a glamping site so accomodation will be close to nature. You can check their IG and webpage to see all the infrastructure. In regards to food please let us know if you have dietary specifications or any food allergies. We are planning to serve a ovo-lacto vegetarian meal with two meat / fish meals in the week. If you require more meat or fish this can be adjusted but the price will be a little higher. If you take any protein supplements you should bring with you.

Who it’s suitable for/who it isn't

This event is open for any men willing to improve their life by focusing on themselves in a group context. The focus is connection, challenge and support, with values of accountability and personal responsibility. If you’re riding a high in life, you can come and share the energy. If you are struggling or feeling unsettled, you will find support here.

As leaders our job will be to mobilise, direct, gather and distribute the group energy so we all can learn and evolve with each other.

Make no mistake, this is a “men’s work retreat.” You will be challenged. And have the chance to find your edges, building strength for real and effective transformation. If you’re open, focused, and take it as an opportunity, it can change your life.


Travel info:

From Lisbon

Lisbon is the best option if you are coming by public transportation. It’s a pleasant ride. You can get a Train from Lisbon Oriente train station to Funcheira, from there we can arrange a transfer to Azula.

You can also take a Bus from Lisbon Sete Rios station to São Luís or if there are not so many options we can pick you up in Vila Nova de Milfontes.

From Faro

Faro is the second option but from here it’s better to rent a car as the bus connections are not great. You can however get the Train also and stop at Funcheira. From here we will arrange a transfer to Azula.

*Transfer from Funcheira to Azula is €10

If you're interested please respond with your name and number so we can add you to (yes another) whatsapp group, we won't spam but it will help us keep from losing track with email. Please let us know if you have any further questions or queries. 

Best regards Tarik & Tom