Foundations

We don't talk much about the tough times, the hard days, or the moments when the walls are closing in.

Today was one of those days and as everything within me screamed to cry out in my weakness, I came across something I wrote a while back about the kind of man I want to be for my family while we walk our path on the Earth.

These tough times are temporary, healing is always available and as we move through the shadows, we are presented with light. May I always come back to the following to remind me of my why:

A man who asks himself who he is a man that is trying to remember something. Something of his origins, something about his path to come. For me, the question of who I am and why I am here presented itself early. Today the man I want to be is the man I am continuing to become. I have had a lot of ideas about what direction to take at different times in my life. I continue to learn from each choice, from each fork in the road. At present – here is where I want to be.

A kind man that is kind from his pure nature, not from any ulterior motives. Kindness that is brought forth by the deep understanding that we are one – connected to the vastness of all that is and being briefly compartmentalized into our current iteration of our soul’s current personality. A kind man that learns more from children than he teaches them. The type of kindness that - with each gesture of compassion, no matter how small - is magnified throughout the ether and leaves an imprint on the hearts of others. A kind of kindness that lives within forgiveness and is driven by humility.

A curious man that retains my sense of wonder in the world. A man that keeps asking questions and lets go of any need to be right or shame to be wrong. I look back with fondness and laugh at my past transgressions and release any guilt associated with my choices. I take steps to make things right when I’m wrong and seek to understand rather than be understood.?As a curious man, I expand on my perception, ever widening the scope of what I am open to receiving. A man that understands that the less I know, the freer I become. I invite the curious nature to be ever present and driving me forward to new experiences and possibilities.

A strong and flexible man. Things that are strong and stiff will hold until bent. When bent too far – they fail catastrophically, shattering due to their lack of ability to be flexible. I wish to be flexible – without ego-driven lines in the sand. By living in the strength that we are one, I can sway with the wind, bend with the pressure and return to the center when the storm passes. By staying flexible in all aspects of my existence, I open myself up to the outer realms of possibility without the need to shatter my previously constructed domes of perception. As Lao Tzu stated: “The flexible remains unbroken. “

An engaging cooperative man that connects with the world around them and gives people the benefit of the doubt. We are stronger together and we will continue to need each other. We are communal creatures that need others around us to raise each other’s vibrations concurrently. To cooperate means to give the benefit of the doubt to those around us. To see the good in all, even if it is buried deep down beneath the personal veil. That does not mean I will accept abuse or boundaries being crossed. By having clear boundaries coming from a place of peace, I can accept everyone for where they are and be willing to learn from all that cross my path.

A man that asks for help when it is needed and gives help when asked.?There are certain things that a man must conquer alone, but even when he is alone; he knows his men are close to his ear and a simple call away. We walk the path together even when we are temporarily on the single track to the core of our masculine nature.

A man that is cautious yet risky, that competes for joy over dominance and is free from unrealistic expectations of myself and others. I understand that my degree of expectations is inversely proportional to the degree of my serenity.?To understand that my impact comes from presence over presents, no matter how menial or extravagant they may be.?The greatest gift I can give is to share my experiences when called upon and shine love where there is doubt – to the best of my ability. To cautiously walk the risky line between just enough and more by giving thanks for what is and what is to come.

A creative man that does not shy away from new ways to get creative. To connect deeply to the notion that our creativity is a reflection of the gift of life, and as we create, we give thanks to our creator.