Men's circle
"This men's warmth...it's like....it's like the glow in the firewood".
"I'm so grateful for this space of authenticity, which is a rare thing."
- Men's circle participants at the end of the closing circle.
Together we create a space for each man to take his place and share his experiences; from a genuine desire to grow and inspire one another. We often work with a specific theme, but we also go with whatever else comes alive in the group during the circle. The circle helps you to step out of your daily routine, and to explore your views and choices in connection with others, sometimes in depth, sometimes humorously and playful.
Sharing experiences and listening to others already amounts to a lot. But besides sharings we will also do meditative and physical exercises to further integrate some of the insights attained in the circle, and to connect the head to the heart and body.
The circles are likely to be in English. When there is no need for that, we'll stick to Dutch.
You're most welcome to participate. Apply by sending an e-mail to mannencirkelnoord@gmail.com
The men's circle will have you remember (or discover) how every man is a brother who roams around in the very same field that we call life, often with similar questions, goals and challenges. What can we learn from each other? How can we tap into our shared wisdom and support each other, even as complete strangers only meeting for the duration of one single men's circle?
2026 dates till summer break:
Tuesday March 17th
Tuesday April 14th
Tuesday May 19th
Tuesday June 16th
Doors open:19:00 hrs
Start: 19:15
End: 21:30
Location: Rumah Dua, Distelweg 74G1, Amsterdam Noord
Your contribution: 25 euro
Maximum of 12 participants per circle.
"The Language Of The Heart" - drawing by participant
Facilitators
Marco Colnaghi
If you’re anything like myself, you’re coming to these circles because you’re striving to be a good man, live in alignment with your purpose, be in service to your loved ones and to the world, and enjoy the good things in life – including love, freedom, and belonging.
Next to my academic job as a lecturer (I’m an expert in complex systems,
evolution, and human behavior), I run a boutique coaching practice with a
handful of clients a year. I also facilitate a men’s circle for fathers and fathers-to-
be (the “Fatherhood Circle”) and occasionally teach workshops on meditation
and personal growth.
My life, thought, and practice have been shaped by the lineages of G. I. Gurdjieff,
Carl Jung, the Buddha, and the Yogis of India and Tibet; men’s work leaders like
Robert Bly, Moore and Gillette, and John Wineland; the Chinese Book of
Changes; the Poetry of Rumi and Goethe; and the Holy Mountain of
Dinnammare (which has been silently watching over my homeland, welcoming
pilgrims like myself for time immemorial).
I feel profound gratitude to all the brothers who’ve helped me deepen my work and heal the wounds I carried around trusting and being with other men.
Julien Oomen
I’m a trainer & coach and as a musician I also co-facilitate men's retreats initiated by peers. Through this work and through the men's circles, my heart has opened up more and more to everything a man is: The son we are, the father, brother, friend, lover, as well as the relationship with ourselves. My deepest sense of purpose in the men’s circle lies in honouring and manifesting the shared wisdom in every group of men, regardless of its composition or moment in time.
My longest collaboration outside of my own men's circle is with Ralph Nelissen (Pad van de man). For eight years I've been co-facilitating Ralph's adventurous men's work during his men's year program and intensive retreats. From this collab a body of songs about men's work emerged: Both Sides of the River.
I'm also available for individual coaching. Not just for men. Read about my coaching method here.
A 2026 special
Are you fluent (or at least comfortable) in Dutch and do you feel like being part of a deeply immersive men's work journey? With Ralph Nelissen of Pad van de man I'm co-facilitating a retreat this year in three parts, taking place in May, October and November. For this retreat Ralph is your main facilitator, supported by Wim de Niel and myself. All dates and other info: Pad van de man.
This retreat is hosted at the beautiful Chateau Frandeaux. We have beautiful spaces to do the work and to rest. Sauna, forest, lake, sweat lodge, fire place, amazing food. And mostly we offer the path that with your own help and commitment circles back to your own true self. All info.