Dad Dharma is a space for men stepping into and moving through fatherhood to pause, reflect, and connect.About this Event
Fatherhood asks us to grow even as we guide. It asks us to become more patient, more present, more flexible, and to somehow keep finding our way when we’re tired, overwhelmed, or not entirely sure what we’re doing.
Dad Dharma is a space for expectant fathers and dads of children up to 12 to pause, reflect, and connect in the journey.
Together, we’ll explore the deeper work of fatherhood: creating secure connections, discovering who we’re becoming as fathers and partners, how to care for ourselves so we can care for our families, and remembering that we don’t have to navigate it alone.
We’ll make room for the things that can be hard to talk about, the weight, the worry, the uncertainty, the changes in our relationships, the parts of ourselves that can sometimes get lost in the relentless pace of family life. And we’ll create space for the wonder, too: the laughter, the tenderness, the absurdity, the moments that remind us why we’re doing all of this in the first place.
This is a place to share the weight and the wonder, draw strength from other men, and catch our breath together.
Through honest conversation, shared experience and wisdom, poetry, breath, gentle movement, and laughter, we’ll cultivate the connection and perspective that help us live into being the resilient fathers we want to be, while staying connected to who we truly are.
Wednesdays, 5:30–7:00 PM
November 4, 11, 18
No session November 25
December 2, 9
The format of this offering is designed as a "closed group," meaning we're creating an intentional container of trust that builds and grows throughout our 5 weeks together.
Participation / attendance is encouraged for all 5 sessions, though we understand that life happens and scheduling is complicated. This is not a drop-in format.
MEET YOUR HOST: Erik Wardell
Erik Wardell is a father of two, husband, a men's work facilitator, mindfulness guide, and mental health educator with a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Rooted in presence and purpose, he creates spaces for people, especially men and boys, to reconnect with their inner wisdom, navigate life's challenges, and remember the wholeness that’s already within them. Guided by love, curiosity, and a deep reverence for the human experience and the natural world, Erik invites others to slow down, go deep, and celebrate this little miracle we call life.
PRICING
This is a high-caliber experience, and every ticket tier is made possible by the deep generosity of our co-founders, donors, facilitators and the broader community that sustains the Connection is the Medicine Foundation.
We offer tiered pricing because we believe in both the value of this work and the importance of access. We ask that you choose the rate that honestly reflects your financial reality.
Generosity Rate: This experience is made possible through a web of generosity. When you choose the Generosity Rate, you become part of that web. Your contribution helps ensure that cost is never the reason someone misses an experience that could change them, and it honors the true value of what our facilitators so lovingly create. Pay it forward, and you're helping to hold a seat open for someone who couldn't otherwise be here.
This rate may be right for you if you:
- Own your home and live without financial worry
- Have investments, savings, or a financial safety net
- Can easily access funds in times of need
- Are moved to make this experience more accessible for others
Your contribution directly honors the true depth of care, skill, and intention our facilitators bring to every offering, and makes broader community access possible.
Standard Rate: Our standard rate is made possible by the ongoing generosity of our co-founders and donors. It reflects our commitment to making these experiences accessible while honoring the true value of what our facilitators bring.
Community Need-Based Access Rate: This reduced rate is made possible by the generosity of our community, our facilitators, and the Connection is the Medicine Foundation, in shared service of broader access and the spirit of care that lives at the heart of this work.
This rate may be right for you if you:
- Struggle to meet your basic financial needs
- Are facing housing, employment, or income instability
- Live paycheck-to-paycheck and lack financial reserves
- Are navigating other significant life challenges
We currently have 3 Community Rate spots available for this event. If they have been filled and you still need support, please reach out to [email protected]. As our Generosity Rate fund grows, so does our ability to offer more.
SCHOLARSHIP
If you are interested in applying for scholarship support, please reach out to [email protected]
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This programming is brought to you through the Connection is the Medicine Foundation, a non-profit foundation dedicated to co-creating a world where individuals and communities thrive from a sense of inspiration, connection, and self-discovery.
SUPPORT OUR MISSION
Where Your Gift Makes a Difference
Because of continued generosity of our donors, our programs and participants are thriving!
If you are interested in donating to support more programming like this, please visit our website: https://connectionisthemedicine.com/donate
or contact Valery Moore Kelly
Development Director
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At True Nature and Connection is the Medicine Foundation, we strive to create intentional, nourishing spaces and experiences for community connection and personal growth. To support a respectful and easeful experience for all, please view our, also listed below.
If you have any questions, you may contact Megan Miller, Director of Education and Programming at [email protected]
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Event Cancellation & Refund Policy
True Nature and Connection is the Medicine Foundation reserve the right to cancel any program or event at any time. In the event of a cancellation by TN or the Foundation, participants will receive a full refund.
Please note that certain programs may have unique cancellation policies—refer to individual program descriptions for specific details.
Unless otherwise noted in the program description:
- Refunds are available (minus processing fees) up to 24 hours prior to the scheduled start time.
- Tickets are transferable to another guest at any time with prior approval from the Event Manager.
- No refunds or credits will be granted for: Cancellations made day-of or after the event has started, No-shows, Early departures, Dissatisfaction with event content or presentation
For online or virtual programs, please refer to the specific event page for cancellation and refund details.
For all refund or transfer requests, contact Megan Miller, Director of Education and Programming at: [email protected]
Participant Agreement: Etiquette, Disclaimer, and Community Guidelines
To support the integrity of the experience for all participants, we ask that you please observe the following guidelines:
- Arrival Time: Please arrive 10-15 minutes early to check in and settle. Events begin promptly at the scheduled start time.
- Late Attendance: Doors will close at the stated start time to honor the sacred nature of the container and minimize disruptions, and late arrivals will not be admitted
- Substance Use: We ask that all guests arrive free of the influence of drugs or alcohol to maintain a clear, safe, and respectful space.
What to Bring & Community Care: You’re welcome to bring personal comfort items that may be relevant to the event, such as an eye mask, a small pillow, an extra blanket, yoga mat and/or journal.
As these are shared community experiences, we kindly ask that you:
- Be mindful of personal hygiene and health
- Respect personal space and boundaries
- Refrain from using scented products that may affect others
Thank you for co-creating a respectful and enriching experience with us. We look forward to welcoming you into our sacred space.
Community Conduct and Shared Space Guidelines: Connection is the Medicine Foundation programs are designed to foster meaningful connection, reflection, and personal growth within a supportive communal environment. We ask all participants to honor a shared social norm of respect, presence, and care for one another’s experience.
If at any time a participant is experiencing an unusual, heightened, or disruptive reaction or response that impacts the collective space, the Foundation and/or Facilitator reserves the right to intervene and, if necessary, ask the individual to step away from the gathering. This is not intended as a judgment, but as a means of protecting the integrity of the shared experience, ensuring that all participants continue their journey without undue disruption.
We invite all participants to practice self-awareness, personal responsibility, and compassion to help us maintain a safe, welcoming, and nourishing environment for all.
Disclaimer and Hold Harmless Agreement: The views and opinions expressed by facilitators during True Nature and Connection is the Medicine Foundation events, discussions, or any related activities are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of True Nature or the Foundation. We are committed to providing a platform for diverse perspectives and open dialogue, and the words of facilitators should be understood as their individual viewpoints. Any information or advice shared by facilitators is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as official statements or endorsements by True Nature or the Connection is the Medicine Foundation. Participants are encouraged to critically evaluate and form their own opinions based on their own judgment and understanding. True Nature assumes no responsibility for the content shared by facilitators and disclaims any liability arising from the use or reliance on such content.
By purchasing a ticket for this event, you agree to a general release of liability for True Nature and the Connection is the Medicine Foundation. You hereby release and discharge the Connection is the Medicine Foundation, its Board of Trustees, Administrators, Staff, Volunteers and other participants or guardians (herein termed Affiliates) from any and all liability whatsoever of any nature or sort for any property damage or personal injury suffered by the participant.
The participant, to the fullest extent allowed by Law, shall indemnify, hold harmless and defend the Connection is the Medicine Foundation and its Affiliates from any and all liability for any claim of any nature arising out of any activity, conduct, act or omission of the participant.
Media Release: By completing this registration, the participant grants True Nature + Connection is the Medicine Foundation, and its legal representatives and assigns, the irrevocable and unrestricted right to use and publish photographs and/or videos of participants, taken by True Nature or its agents, for editorial, trade, advertising, and any other purpose and in any manner and medium; to alter the same without restriction; and to copyright the same. The registrant and participant hereby release True Nature and its legal representatives and assigns from all claims and liability relating to said photographs or videos.
The registrant and participant hereby affirm that they are over the age of 18 and have the right to contract in expressed name. You agree to have read the above authorization, release, and agreement, prior to its execution, and are fully familiar with the contents of this document. This document shall be binding upon me and my heirs, legal representatives, and assigns.
If you have questions or concerns regarding Event Etiquette and Policies, you may reach out to Megan Miller, Director of Education and Programming: [email protected]
Event venue
True Nature Healing Arts, 100 North 3rd Street, Carbondale, United States
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