What men say after the work.

“Something I thought was valuable was the framework on how an emotionally intelligent conversation should go. Often going into new conversations or tough situations, I have no idea how to act and what to say. Your retreat really helped me with this.

“One of the things I like is working together with the other people who are here — pairing up with each other and doing exercises. I think it's valuable learning how to be more emotionally intelligent, but it brings you closer to other men too. You're essentially being pretty vulnerable through that, and it allows us to practice healthy vulnerability in real time.

“When I was driving here today, I was reluctant because I know trying to work on myself is hard and difficult. But when I got here, everyone was so friendly and inviting. It made a safe place to talk. I was able to put my guard down and learn new tools about coping with situations in my life.

“Before Beyond The Man Box, I didn't even know that there are tools to cope with these embarrassing incidents and situations I find myself in. And that there's an actual safe spot for men to talk about their emotions and feel it so you can work through your processes.

“I am yearning for more. I'm sad that this retreat is over. I can't wait to do another one.

“After sitting down and getting into the programming, I think it's a really helpful retreat — especially for men who aren't speaking to professionals or don't have access to those types of resources. It's a really good way for us to have a chance to look more inward and do more of the inner work in a safe space.

“Being able to be vulnerable with other men in a way I've never been is what will keep me coming back. I've been around men's work spaces in the past and have not had a chance to go deeper with them in this way. I think this was a great community building experience that we don't often get. I'm really pleased.

“Overall I really feel like the experience was welcoming. I'm more of a quiet individual so it was nice that we could speak among the group, but also in pairs. I tend to do better in smaller circles. I like that it wasn't too big — and that made me more comfortable.

“100% would do this again. I think it was really cool just being able to connect with other guys and watch other guys grow from this experience. It's a plus to just be around positive, like-minded guys where I feel we can all be open and honest and in a good mental and emotional state together.

“The role plays were my favorite part. It was an opportunity to say it once and get comfortable with it. Having uncomfortable emotional conversations is something that most of us hate doing, right? But it's necessary — and the practice was very, very powerful.

“And the discussions where we got to hear what the other guys were going through, and hear feedback from each other, were really helpful.