The softer side of manhood refuses to be ignored
Today’s Monday Music focuses on manhood: what it is to be a man, or what it is to have clear access to masculine aspects of personhood. Both genders have access to aspects of their opposite. Men can be seen as effeminate and some woman can be seen as “manly”. Generally these terms are not used for endearment. Fortunately society, and its definition of manhood is evolving.
This evolution has taken place over time, due to some very courageous men who have defied the template society placed on them. Some men have outgrown society’s requirement that manhood, or manliness, means shunning emotions and any creative or artistic urges. Similarly, some women have outgrown society’s claim that a woman should be silent, demure and always a mother. The world is changing; awareness and enlightenment are growing; society as a whole is struggling a little bit to keep pace.
Compassionate living for both sexes
Our multimedia selection this week is a promotional video for a 2015 Teddy Herzog event called “Seeking Masculine Freedom”. While the event has since passed, the promotion’s focus on the trials and tribulations, the choice points and the dangers of manhood in today’s world is, at the very least, thought provoking and worth a moment’s pause to consider.
For decades women have been fighting to be seen and treated as equals. Almost as a counterpoint to that, the tender, creative emotional side of manhood is now looking to have reciprocity and honored visibility. What a glorious time to be alive! Potentials for compassionate living for both sexes–and all races, and all sexual persuasions, and any other segregational identity that might be included—appears to be at an all-time high.
Manhood biases: do you have any?
What are your personal biases on manhood? Is it okay for a man to be “goddess” creative? Conversely, is it okay for a woman to don warrior-like attitudes and behaviors? In your own personal paradigm or universe, what are acceptable or unacceptable behaviors? If you are a woman, what behaviors do you avoid because they might be perceived as manly? If you are a man, do you know what you do to numb out or avoid your tender, emotional, needy aspects? Take a look at “Seeking Masculine Freedom promo” as posted by Kevin Cease on YouTube:
This week why not remind the men, and the boys, in your life that true manhood includes an intimate knowledge and connection with their own inner desires, despite what society may try to dictate as manly pursuits. And while you are at it, whatever your own sex, you might also remind yourself to listen to your own inner desires. Enjoy the music, and use the Grounded Relating Monday Music Challenge to stay present to yourself today, and every day.
