The Nature, State of & Potential of men
A Talk About Men - For Groups & Organizations
MEN'S CHARACTER DEVELOPMET
Males (infants, children, teens, adults, seniors) make up half of the human species. The soon to be four billion males - are complicated. They can become men of character or very wicked men. We have a Shadow side, as Carl Gustav Jung, the Swiss psychiatrist and psychoanalyst called it, that can become, according to Roman Catholic theology, the Seven Deadly Sins - seven behaviors or feelings that inspire further indulgence in pride, greed, lust, envy, gluttony, wrath-rage and sloth-laziness.
After Pope Gregory I released his list of Seven Deadly Sins in AD 590, the Seven Virtues became identified as chastity, temperance, charity, diligence, patience, kindness, and humility. Practicing them was said to protect one against temptation from the Seven Deadly Sins.
Buddhism identified 108 Defilements.
12-Step Recovery groups call them Defects of Character.
Two Wolves is a Cherokee Indian legend and illustrates the most important battle of our lives – the one between our good and bad thoughts.
An old Cherokee is teaching his grandson about life. “A fight is going on inside me,” he said to the boy. “It is a terrible fight and it is between two wolves. One is evil – he is anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.” He continued, “The other is good – he is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith. The same fight is going on inside you – and inside every other person, too.” The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather, “Which wolf will win?” The old Cherokee simply replied, “The one you feed.”
WORK, FAMILY, COMMUNITY
What is the state of men on Earth now. Today, we are suffering the consequences of the bewildering world of social media that has created numerous echo chambers of political realities: left-progressive, liberal-centrists, centrist-conservatives, conservative-right, and far-right. These virtual worlds seem unbridgeable, and are tearing friends, families and countries apart. At the same time we have massive build up of weapons and Earth deterioration.
In the past, I have spoken at the United Nations on the needs of men globally. In 2005, terrorists were being radicalized worldwide. I said in an Interfaith Conference for Peace that to have peace in the world, men needed work, or they became involved in selling drugs, guns, sex-trafficking and militias. Aimless men became drawn into gangs and organized crime. I said we needed a World Works Program. Only then could men sustain a healthy family and healthy communities.
I then started the Long Island Men’s Center to try to help locally.
HEALING WOUNDS & CULTIVATING POTENTIAL
Today, many men are suffering from toxic relationships and toxic media. Many men are lonely, don't talk much, rarely share their feelings and needs, and don't ask for help. Some men are falling prey to toxic media and toxic, hateful relationships online, being radicalized again.
After seeking how so many men are being drawn into hate groups, and were agitated to attack the Capital, I started a weekly program online – WISDOM FOR MEN.
In our WISDOM FOR MEN online meetings, we give men a chance to share what is going on in their lives. We then explore how we can have more meaningful, purposeful, creative lives where we feel more alive, enthusiastic, and connected to helpful, healthy friends and family.
Some men’s routines and habits will often not support their trying something new, like joining other men to help themselves. We need to encourage men to try something new, to learn, grow, develop and improve their lives and relationships.
Men can join us in a safe place to heal old wounds, and develop more of their potential. We have great discussions on relevant topics to live more aware, healthier lives. We have a safe, encouraging space for men to talk openly, and be listened to respectfully.
Men need to feel like they have meaningful, purposeful, creative lives or they get themselves into trouble, into violence, into addictions, or even suicide.
In our meetings we talk about many topics - including sex, money and power - the big three that, when not balanced with wisdom and compassion, have driven men to do harm, to themselves and others, for thousand of years. Sex, money and power - the perennial themes in myths, theater, literature and media - the stuff of the Hero's Journey through the ages, that each man goes through.
A TALK ABOUT MEN
I now welcome the chance to talk with you about men. If you would like me to talk with your group or organization on The Nature, State of & Potential of Men, you can contact me at: sanfordhinden@verizon.net or 516-815-4967.
