From man to man
- Alexander Verstaen
- 23 apr
- 4 minuten om te lezen
Some time ago we had a special encounter with a special man on the North Island of New Zealand: Daniel Heymann. We met him on a healing day in Rotorua where he was part of a group Maori/multicultural healers. Daniel is originally from Germany but he started a new adventure with his family in 2021. They live in Whanganui where he works as a craniosacral therapist and Romiromi practitioner. He also participates on a regular basis in the healing days that are organized for local communities.
We all ended up on his table and we were really impressed by the intensity and depth of his work. Also, the way he could tune in with our youngest daughter Myrthe was remarkable. While we were having a conversation with him, Myrthe started to trance and walk around. The moment he noticed this, we tried to give some explanation: “She’s trancing at the moment…” His reply: “I know, she is worried about someone who just left the building.” We did not need to say anything about her exceptional sensitivity, how she plugs into people…
This encounter kept me busy in the days and weeks that followed. Not only because of the healings, but also because I felt a deep connection with Daniel. We called each other “brother” right from the start and that was spot on. From a soul’s perspective it was obvious that we had met before.

I’ve been invited a couple of times (both in direct and indirect ways) to organize something for men but it never really happened. And, then, all of a sudden, it all came together: Yes of course, together with Daniel! I sent him a voice message and he was very enthusiastic, right from the start. He has seen a lot of men in his therapy practice disconnected from their body, from their feelings and from each other. He was driven: “This course can be a powerful response to that disconnection! It’s about healing, reconnection, and creating a new form of masculinity that is both strong and soft, grounded and open. The opportunity to be a part of this journey – not just as a therapist but as a fellow man – means a lot to me!”
Wonderful… what a combination, what a team! And yet, during our brainstorm sessions it became apparent that we were missing something. The program for men is part of the visit of the group of healers from New Zealand and so we cannot do this without the Maori point of view! So, a quick call to my other brother: Walter Harawira. It was a video call and I noticed his eyes began to shine (even more) when I told him about our plans. I asked him if he wants to take care of the Karakia (introductory prayers) (“YES!”), if he wants to take us with him in the Waiata (traditional Maori-songs) (“SURE THING!”), if he would be willing to do some Maori story telling for and about men of (“OF COURSE!!”).
This will be a powerful, unique event! In this program we create a space where men can show up as they are – not as society tells them to be. We are going to be together, man to man, as equals. No pretending, no masks, but authenticity, showing ourselves how we truly are. There are no taboos, there is nothing we cannot talk about, there is nothing we cannot share in this sacred space of respect, deep love and connection.
Masculinity is put in a bad light quite often. This has made a lot of men suppress their male power. Too many men have become domesticated.
We really need to lit our male fire again, our male power. But we can only reignite that fire if we truly know what authentic male power is all about. If we again see and realize what our part is in this whole of creation. What is our mission as men? A lot of men our lost, they don’t have this compass anymore. We’re not being told what it means to become a man, to be a man. We don’t have these rites of passage anymore, so how could we know?
This event is more than a course. It’s a call to remember who we truly are – and to support one another in becoming the men we want our sons to grow up with and our partners to thrive beside.
But this is not only going to be about problems, struggles and questions. We are going to celebrate and heal our male power. We are going to thank for the male power within us. We are going to sing, shout, we’re going to celebrate. Welcome!
Practical information:
This event will take place in Koolskamp, Oude Heirweg 60 (Belgium).
We welcome you on Friday evening June 13th at 7 pm. On that evening all practicalities can be taken care of and we come together as a group for the first time. On Saturday June 14th and Sunday 15th we start at 9:30 am, the program is finished on Sunday 15th of June around 5 pm.
The working language is (accessible) English
The fee is € 425, lunch included
It is possible to bring your own camping equipment and to camp on location. In that case complete catering can be provided for an extra €55 (to pay cash on arrival)