Inner Compass
Men’s Work in Nature
Inner Compass is a new branch of Thrive offering immersive outdoor experiences for men that blend the healing power of nature with inner growth, embodied presence, and real connection between men.
We’re creating a space where men can find support, purpose, and personal growth through honest exploration of what it means to embody healthy masculinity in today’s world.
Ready to join Inner Compass?
Our Approach
Inner Compass creates a community where time in nature with guided structure to help men reconnect with themselves, one another, and the natural world. Each retreat and outing offers a grounded, supportive space to slow down, reflect, and do the kind of inner work men rarely have time for.
Out on the trail, away from daily demands, participants explore emotional depth, healthy masculinity, and authentic connection. At its heart, Inner Compass is built on the belief that every person holds the wisdom to find their own path—we simply provide the guidance and environment to help uncover it.
What You’ll Walk Away With
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Support & Grounding – A safe landing space to pause, reflect, and recalibrate amid life’s transitions.
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Personal Growth – Practical tools for self-awareness, communication, and emotional presence.
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Healthy Masculinity – An embodied exploration of strength, vulnerability, and integrity—co-created through shared experience.
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Community & Connection – Genuine camaraderie that eases isolation and reminds you that you’re not alone in your challenges or your growth.
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Clarity of Purpose – Renewed motivation and direction to carry your insights back into daily life.
Upcoming Events
Mini Retreats
A one-day introduction to Inner Compass—an approachable way to experience reflection and community in nature.
🗓️ Next Date: January 25, 2026
📍 Location: Ojai, CA
Backpacking Retreats
A 36-hour backcountry immersion for men ready to explore deeper connection—with themselves, others, and the natural world.
🗓️ Next Date: May 2–3, 2026
📍 Los Padres National Forest
Join the Inner Compass Community
If you’ve been craving time outdoors, honest connection, and a sense of purpose, we invite you to join us.
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Our Story
Inner Compass began as a collaboration between Thrive Wellness Workshop, Matty Stevenson, and Karsten van Sander, born from a shared vision to create nature-based spaces for men to slow down and reconnect. After years of facilitating men’s groups and supporting wellness in the community, Matty and Karsten joined forces with Thrive to bring this work outdoors—where reflection, movement, and presence naturally meet.
They named it Inner Compass to reflect their belief that every person already holds the wisdom to find their own path. These retreats simply provide the guidance and environment to help uncover it.
As your facilitators, we bring a passion for men's work and love for nature.
Matty Stevenson, founder of Conscious Ground, brings over a decade of experience facilitating men’s and community groups rooted in connection, integrity, and growth. His work blends men’s group facilitation, conscious leadership, and polarity studies—creating spaces where men can explore vulnerability, purpose, and presence with honesty and courage.
Karsten van Sander, healthcare chaplain and spiritual director, offers a grounded, compassionate presence shaped by years of walking with people through change, loss, and rediscovery. He helps men reconnect with their inner wisdom and cultivate clarity and passion around their purpose and calling.