Integral Warriors: Embodying the New Masculine

Why would I start an Integral Men's Group when there are plenty of men's groups already around (Sex, Passion, and Enlightenment - The Mankind Project)? Because they don't take specifically take a 4-quadrant/AQAL approach. We'll approach this group apllying Ken Wilber and David Deida's model. Starting in September, I hope to bring 6-10 men together to help each other discover what it means to embody the New Masculine from a second tier perspective. I also believe that this is some of the most important work that can be done today as we watch Patriarchy die kicking and screaming (see my previous three blogs).

What is a Men's group?

A men’s group is a group of men who meet regularly and are committed to the goals of learning to serve each other to deeper spiritual growth, keeping each other true to their deepest life’s purpose, and practicing giving their unique gifts to each other and the world. The teachings for this group will be based on the David Deida book, The Way of the Superior Man.

What will happen at Meetings?

Each meeting will follow a structured agenda of exercises with time included for giving each other feedback and encouragement in their practices of deep living based on the book The Way of the Superior Man and other teachings by David Deida. This group will determine our own logistics of meeting frequency and time.

Why should I join a Men's group?

Many men know how hard it is to follow through with deep, spiritual teachings in their everyday lives without any kind of support. Many have experienced the so called "rubber band effect" after attending a profound workshop or intensive. "Rubber-banding" is when you get stretched open beyond your normal boundaries in a challenging, or ecstatic situation, but then "snap back" to your more habitual patterns of behavior when you return to your everyday life. A men’s group provides a conscious community to support men’s continued growth of deep understanding and practice.

What will it cost, and what kind of commitment will be required?

Each member of the Men's group will be asked for a small donation at the meetings to help cover the cost and time of putting the meetings together. The time commitment will depend on how often the group will want to meet, but I recommend twice a month, and a commitment to attend twelve meetings except in the case of an emergency for Part I, and the first 6 chapters and 12 lessons will take place over those 12 meetings. Part II will complete coverage of the "A Man's Way" of the Superior Man.

Five reasons for a man to join a Men's Group:
Taken from "Way of the Superior Man", by David Deida

1) BEING IN THE COMPANY OF OTHER MEN
"A man discovers and fine tunes his purpose in solitude, in challenging situations, and in the company of other men who won’t settle for his bullshit. A mans capacity to receive another mans direct criticism is a measure of his capacity to receive masculine energy." Chap. 10

2) HAVING MEN HOLD YOU ACCOUNTABLE FOR LIVING YOUR DEEPEST PURPOSE
"Your mission is your priority, unless you know your mission and have aligned your life to it, your core will feel empty. Your presence in the world will be weakened, as will your presence with your intimate partner." Chap 30

3) MEN WHO ARE DEDICATED WITH YOU
"Be in the company of other men who are dedicated their lives to integrity, truth, and the heart. Men who are dedicated to live with an open heart and give their deepest gifts of love, mission and presence. The way a man penetrates the world should be the same way he penetrates his woman: not merely for personal gain or pleasure, but to magnify love, openness, and depth." Chap 9

4) SUPPORT YOUR EDGE WITH OTHER MEN
"Choose men friends who themselves are living at their edge, facing their fears and living just beyond them. Men of this kind can love you without protecting you from necessary confrontation with reality that your life involves." Chap 10

5) CUT THROUGH YOUR BS
"At least once a week, get together with your men friends to serve one another. Cut through the bullshit and talk with each other straight. Welcome such criticisms from your friends. Suggest challenges for each other to take on, in order to bring each other through the fears which limit your surrender in gifting." Chap 50