by Stephen
(Scotland)
Last summer I spent a powerful few days at a men's 'rites of passage' event in Scotland. This was quietly recommended to me by a friend-of-a-friend, and I was immediately drawn to the talk of drumming, fire and wilderness; and of male rites that would push me out of my comfort zone and into closer contact with the real man hidden inside me.
In today's western culture where do we get the teaching and encouragement in what it means to be a man....from our emotionally-absent fathers? from lager-swilling macho pub culture? from 'metrosexual' hair-gel adverts? from a philosophy of getting more money, sex and power?
Where can we learn that a man is strong, compassionate, kind, creative, authentic, honourable, protective, brave and loving?
The event was a real 'initiation' for me and has been the start of an invaluable journey.
There is more on this year's event at www.mrop.org.uk (13th-17th June 2012)
Noel's response
This sounds like very good training. I believe the world desperately needs mature men, who have a clear sense of who they are as men.
Another excellent training for men is the New Warrior Training Adventure. www.mankindproject.org