Process
Status Items Highlights Done See section below Claims None Questions None Output None
Highlights
Page 11
Being the Authentic Self: This commitment is of utmost importance. Each man must be responsible to be his genuine self, and when he reveals his authentic self it must be without consequences for him. Civilization is designed to prevent men from being authentic. Cultures design manners and prescribe mannerisms so that we can effectively waltz our way through our daily activities. Protecting oneself and being guarded in the occasionally hostile outside world is necessary. However, every man should have a safe place where he can remove his armor, unafraid to espouse the real self with all its vulnerabilities and virtues.
✏️ A good public rule to have 📖 (Page 11)
Page 12
A Typical Men’s Group Meeting The meeting’s opening ritual is a brief reporting round during which each man will “check-in” by telling the group what he is feeling at the moment and what has occurred in his life over the past week. Each man’s check-in should last no more than five minutes. Then the gathering will move in different directions depending on what has been said during check-in. If anyone needs more time devoted to a personal issue that is confronting him, he asks for the time. The man tells the others what kind of feedback he wants: advice, support, or just to be heard. The needs of a brother are always a priority. If no individual asks for time to deal with a specific issue, then the gathering continues according to the agenda developed by that meeting’s leader. The group might discuss specific emotional, spiritual, political, or other topics, share poetry, view a thought-provoking documentary, participate in a drumming session, take a hike, or other activities. In short, the meeting can include any discussion or activity that the leader thinks is worthwhile. It is time spent together, time sharing thoughts, feelings, and experiences. The gathering then closes with another ritual. Here the manual suggests a short round where every man again speaks. He might thank the leader for the meeting; he might share how the activity or discussion affected him, or what he learned from discussing another man’s needs or feelings. The final accent on the close might be a group hug, hand tap, etc.
✏️ Quick format overview 📖 (Page 12)
Page 15
Achieving anything of value has costs. The first and easiest to understand is time. You must be physically present or you will not achieve the benefits. The second is energy. Being open and emotionally accessible can be both invigorating and exhausting. I compare it to exercising. A heavy workout is exhausting, yet paradoxically it is invigorating. The long term benefits from physical exercise have been well documented. I believe the same can be said for emotional exercise. The long term benefits from emotional exercise include a stronger character, healthier personality and longer life. The key phrase here is long term. If you quit either physical or emotional exercise after two weeks, you gain nothing.
✏️ Useful for people to know and be aware of 📖 (Page 15)
Page 54
Templates for replies to requests from interested parties
✏️ Might be useful templates 📖 (Page 54)
Page 63
Questions to evaluate a candidate
📖 (Page 63)