is a unique organization, committed to guiding men in accessing their full masculine spirit, power & love; thus integrating these attributes into their relationships and their community... Men's soul work!
A More Authentic Life Starts Here
About Jody Grose
A Teacher, Guide, & Mentor "Healing Bear"
Jody Grose is the founder of Return to the Fire, an organization passionately committed to men's healing and growth. Return to the Fire provides a variety of opportunities for men: weekend workshops on a private island in New Milford, CT; One to one sessions, and wilderness canoe trips for men and father-and-son teams. Jody is passionately committed to and actively creating a strong men's community in Connecticut. Men's work has been a central focus for Jody since 1984. Aware that to walk a conscious and spiritual life require guidance, Jody has sought out mentors, since in 1980.
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Jody recently retired after a 38 year career as a special education teacher. His focus now is living a conscious life, close to the land while writing, leading workshops, retreats and wilderness trips. Jody now lives full time at his Island retreat center in New Milford.
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Jody was drawn to Native American spirituality and culture in 1987, during a profound time of personal transition. He traveled to the Rosebud reservation in South Dakota to learn Earth honoring ways of the Lakota Sioux Nation. This Journey solidified his ties to Native American spirituality, a strong theme in the work that Jody does with men.
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"What Men Have Most In Common, They Keep Hidden!"
What's the Fire?
Return to the Fire represents both the literal and figurative meanings. The sacred and community fire was the gathering place where stories , rituals, and social gatherings took place. The draw to the fire runs deep within our DNA. Furthermore, Fire represents our internal power and passion of your true life's callings. When sacred space is created, something magical occurs, perhaps best described as soul-work. Whether one on one or as a group, the experience can be transformational. The fire with Jody's guidance, seek to uncover the "Heart of the Matter."
Come and Light that Fire within you!
Turn the volume up!
Callings
Callings are the internal guides and passions that when attended to, feed our soul. Too often we are so distracted we don't hear or ignore our callings, in order to provide for our families or please our parents or society.. As Joseph Campbell said, "Follow your bliss."
Freedom
Freedom is a choice that is often forgotten. Regardless of what your circumstance is, what matters is how you respond. Old patterns of behavior that are ineffective limit our choices, power, effectiveness in relationships and ultimately- our Freedom.
Courage & Perseverance
It takes tremendous courage to walk a conscious life. We all face transitions, and the challenges life and relationships bring. Seeking help and guidance is especially difficult for men in our culture, yet being the "Lone Ranger" does not offer the connection and belonging that is a fundamental need for all humans.
Health Mind, Body & Spirit
Being a truly healthy individual means more than just having a healthy body. Wholeness comes from attending to all aspects of our lives; mind , body, and spirit with; awareness, compassion and devotion. Sometimes it is what people don't see that needs the most attention or nurturing. A balanced life means a balanced approach when addressing life's demands.
Relationships
Relationships require many skills, and actions that are rarely taught, such as; setting healthy boundaries, checking out the stories /our interpretations that we believe to be true, compromise, making agreements, forgiveness, clearly communicating our wants and needs...
Honor and integrity
How we respond to what life throws at us is really what defines our character. Do you keep your word, and are your actions and words consistent with your values?
Testimonials
"This journey has been a re-awaking of my Pounding Heart spirit and a rebirth of my soul... I shall treasure this experience!"
-Pounding Heart
Newsletters
Register or Inquire for More Info
Contact Info
& THE ISLAND RETREAT CENTER
Jody Grose - Founder - Teacher- Guide
Phone
Address
203-731-7755
320 Kent Road, New Milford, CT 06776
Counseling
Heart of the Matter-Private Sessions
Jody brings over thirty years of devotion to his personal healing and training to provide compassion, deep listening and experience to those seeking guidance. Jody's life and practice has been informed by; mentors, Native American spirituality,Buddhism, devotion to therapy and his own healing, and a therapeutic supervisor for the last 30 years . The journey of counseling, often involves unpacking false beliefs, and old patterns while building internal awareness and empowerment to more successfully navigate; relationships, life transitions, and the challenges of being human.
Men’s soul work
A primary focus of Jody’s work since 1984 has been guiding and welcoming men to their inner lives where courage and vulnerability are held with honor and respect. This is often experienced as a true coming home to themselves- A belonging as a man amongst men.
Jody works with individuals, men’s groups, father and child, and offers a variety of workshops and wilderness caoe trips.
Phone sessions available. To discuss working with Jody or to schedule a session, call 203-731-7755 or email: healingbear11@gmail.com
Private Sessions
One on One
Individuals & Groups
A grandfather is speaking to his grandson. He says that everyday there is a battle in his heart. There are two wolves fighting, one is greed, pettiness, mistrust, fear and hatred, while the other is kind, compassionate, giving, loving. The wide-eyed grandson asks, who wins?
The grandfather's wise response, the one I feed.
