Wisdom Circle

The best way to meet Breakthrough is to experience our work first hand. The Wisdom Circle is a way for any man to get a taste of Breakthrough at no cost and with no obligation. Meet Breakthrough Program graduates and receive the very first tool we offer, listening.

A Free Weekly Men's Gathering

Every Wednesday evening, Breakthrough offers men from all walks of life a place to gather online through Breakthrough Wisdom Circle.

Whether you're simply curious about men's work, considering one of our programs, or looking for a place to slow down, reflect, and be heard, Wisdom Circle offers an opportunity to experience the practices that have helped thousands of men create more fulfilling lives.

Every Wednesday Evening 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Online via Zoom
Free of Charge and no obligation.

You'll have the opportunity to:

Experience a facilitated men's circle
Connect with men from a variety of backgrounds and life experiences
Practice the art of authentic listening and honest sharing
Meet Breakthrough volunteers and community members
Learn more about Breakthrough Basecamp and the Breakthrough Workshop
Explore whether our programs might be a good fit for you

No prior experience is necessary.

Reserve Your Spot in Wisdom Circle

Men Have Gathered in Circle for Thousands of Years

Throughout human history, men have gathered around fires, in lodges, at councils, in places of worship, and in community spaces to discuss what matters most in their lives.

They gathered to share wisdom.

They gathered to face challenges together.

They gathered to be seen, heard, and understood.

While the forms have changed, the human need has not.

Many men today carry tremendous responsibility while having very few places where they can speak openly about what is happening in their lives. Wisdom Circle is a simple response to that reality.

For nearly 40 years, Breakthrough Men's Community has been helping men develop healthier relationships with themselves, their families, and their communities. One of the foundational practices we teach is listening.

As Thich Nhat Hanh wrote:

"Deep listening is the kind of listening that can help relieve the suffering of another person."

Not listening to fix.

Not listening to advise.

Not listening to solve.

Listening to understand.

Every week, Wisdom Circle offers men the opportunity to experience this practice for themselves.

"When men share honestly about their lives and are met by other men with attention, acceptance, and non-judgment, something transformative happens."
— Arnold Westphal, Breakthrough Executive Director

Step into the Wisdom Circle

Whether You're New to Men's Work or Have Been Doing It for Years

Some men attend Wisdom Circle because they've never participated in a men's group before.

Others have spent years involved in personal growth, coaching, recovery, therapy, leadership development, spiritual communities, or men's work.

All are welcome.

The purpose is simple:

To create a space where men can share what is most important in their lives right now and be genuinely heard by other men.

Participation is always voluntary.

You are welcome to share.

You are welcome to listen.

You are welcome to simply observe.

What to Expect

Each gathering includes:

Facilitated session
Introduction to Breakthrough's listening practices
Confidential sharing in a supportive environment
Equal opportunity for participation
Information about additional Breakthrough programs

There is no pressure to speak.

There is no expectation and no “have-to’s”

Simply bring yourself and your openness.

Continue the Journey

Wisdom Circle is offered as a free community service by Breakthrough Men's Community.

For men who wish to continue their journey, we currently offer two additional programs.

Breakthrough Basecamp

Breakthrough Basecamp is a five-session program designed to establish foundational practices of self-reflection, emotional awareness, and personal responsibility.

Whether you're actively engaged in personal growth work or simply navigating the challenges and opportunities of everyday life, Basecamp provides practical tools that can be applied immediately.

The Breakthrough Workshop

The Breakthrough Workshop is our flagship 26-week experiential program designed specifically for men.

Through guided exercises, community support, and structured self-examination, participants develop greater self-awareness, emotional capacity, personal effectiveness, and connection to what matters most in their lives.

Many men describe the workshop as a turning point, helping them reconnect with their purpose, their relationships, their capacity, and themselves.