Strength with Heart: A Nine-Month Path for Men
A personal recommendation from Dr. Daniel Singley, founder of the Center for Men’s Excellence, offered in partnership with Spirit Rock Meditation Center.
I have known Daniel Ellenberg for years as a colleague in the field of men’s psychology, and I do not make recommendations like this lightly. Most growth work for men happens in isolated bursts: a weekend retreat, a single session, a fitness push. The insight rarely survives contact with an actual week of work, parenting, and relationships. Strength with Heart, the nine-month program Daniel is teaching this fall alongside James Baraz and Keith Martin-Smith, is built for sustained practice instead. That is why I am glad to point our community toward it.
— Dr. Dan Singley
Below is what the program covers, who teaches it, and how to enroll.
What the Program Covers
Strength with Heart is a nine-month online training in embodied masculine maturity, taught by three senior teachers: psychologist Daniel Ellenberg, co-founding teacher of Spirit Rock Meditation Center James Baraz, and Rinzai Zen priest Keith Martin-Smith. It combines contemplative practice, depth psychology, somatic work, and small-group accountability into one sustained path, built for men who want to grow steadier, more honest, and more connected.
Four Layers, Each Building on the Next
Contemplative
Rinzai Zen sitting practice paired with Insight Meditation (loving-kindness, compassion, equanimity, joy).
Photo: Alberto Ruggieri / Getty ImagesPsychological
Parts work, attachment theory, and over 40 years of clinical experience facilitating men’s groups.
Somatic
Breathwork, movement, and Northern Kung Fu embodiment sequences.
Relational
A cohort of men working through the same material at the same time, plus home-group check-ins twice a month and an optional accountability partner.
The Nine-Month Arc
Each month centers on one theme, or “Guidepost,” carrying the group from the first session through the last.
Program Details
Meet the Teachers
Daniel Ellenberg, Ph.D.
Psychologist with more than 40 years leading men’s groups; former president of APA Division 51.
James Baraz
Co-founding teacher at Spirit Rock Meditation Center, teaching Insight Meditation for more than 40 years.
Keith Martin-Smith
Ordained Rinzai Zen priest, Northern Kung Fu lineage holder, and leadership consultant to CEOs.
Eight guest teachers join across the nine months, including three of the most respected names in psychology and contemplative practice today: Jack Kornfield, Rick Hanson, and Steven Hayes.
Who It Is For
No prior meditation experience is needed — the daily practice is guided and the curriculum meets participants where they are.
Strength with Heart is designed to complement clinical work, not replace it. It is not a substitute for therapy, and it is not intended for men currently navigating serious trauma, active addiction, or an acute mental health crisis. If that describes where you are right now, our clinical team is here — reach out to us directly.
Pricing & Enrollment
Scholarships are available case-by-case through Spirit Rock.
Enroll through the link below and take 10% off with code
mensexcellence10 (full tuition) or mensexcellence10p (payment plan)
Refund policy: cancel before the program begins for a refund minus a $25 fee. Cancel by end of day November 1, 2026 for a refund minus a $175 fee. After November 1, 2026, enrollment is non-refundable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Disclosure: The Center for Men’s Excellence participates in Spirit Rock’s affiliate program for Strength with Heart. We may earn a commission on enrollments made through the link and codes on this page, at no additional cost to you.