Running Away

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I’m looking forward to our call tonight. When was the last time you read adrienne maree brown’s “Relinquishing the Patriarchy?” It’s a good time for a refresher. It is also good to revisit our touchstones for a safe and trustworthy space before you hop on our calls.

So much of what we have been taught about what it means to be a man is simply wrong. It has hurt us more than helped us. But I also like to wonder if there is wisdom to be rescued in these ancient codes of chivalry.

There is something there about not running away. Something about facing what is in front of us. Something about the courage, capacity and character to slay the dragons that stand before us.

Addiction is a complicated thing. Addiction to substances becomes more prevalent where structures of belonging are already breaking down. Porn addiction is the phenomena of technology designed to hijack our attention. And of a time when the path to a conscious and healthy masculine sexuality seems quite challenging to find.

But it is also about running away. It is also about numbing ourselves. We are not available to the possibility of our growth and transformation when we are lost in addictive patterns. And this includes the prevalent addiction to work. Which is often celebrated. And is specially available to men.

Addiction is sustained by unspoken shame. It is only when we begin to acknowledge our troubles, first to ourselves and then with each other, that the grip of our addictions begins to unlock.

Let’s talk about addiction tonight. No one is making a promise to change anything. It doesn’t matter where you are on your path. It will just be good to have an open, compassionate conversation, a conversation without judgement, about this major obstacle to becoming a better man.

Talk Soon,

Gibrán