5/1/2023 0 Comments The way of the superior manWhat were my responsibilities in leading, holding space, and directing my feminine partner into the most nourishing connection and bliss beyond simply being a turned on woman? If I was clear that the roles of “provider,” “partner,” and “father” were not the end-all, be-all, but simply the starting point from which a spiritually fulfilling and passionate relationship would grow, then what else was being called for? In fact, my exploration of what it has meant to me-to lead my romantic relationships as a so-called conscious, embodied man and in many ways, my strong impulse to lead men’s groups-was sparked by the challenge presented in TWOTSM. It would be impossible to write a book on masculine spiritual development, sexual polarity, or masculine leadership without relying heavily on the groundbreaking work Deida presents. Terms like sexual polarity, masculine/feminine, sexual yoga, life’s purpose and even presence have taken on new significance thanks to the framework of growth and intimacy he mapped out. The work struck such a chord that much of the language used in TWOSM and other Deida teachings is now commonplace among therapists, coaches, and would-be teachers of men’s work, spiritual intimacy, and yogic sexuality. TWOTSM busted this “myth of the good husband” wide open and laid a true framework for depth and success in a way that few men had ever heard. So many men, including myself, entered the turn of the millennia believing that success in the world would come from working hard and boldly pursuing their dreams while romantic relationships would naturally flourish from being a man of sensitivity and emotional awareness as well as a good provider, loving father, and most importantly, an ardent supporter of their partner’s career and dreams. This capacity and freedom to feel and express themselves, however, came at the cost of an internal sharpness and clarity, which then led to confusion in their romantic relationships and spiritual approaches to life. Much of the men’s work of this time focused on helping men feel more and be less constrained by the patriarchal norms foisted upon them throughout the previous generations. Coming out of the cultural shifts of the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s, many men learned how to get in touch with a deeper experience of feeling and creativity, as well as sexual, social and spiritual freedom. Like a slap to the third eye, Deida spoke to what so many men felt, but didn’t have the skillset or awareness to name. In fact, more and more often, it led to bitterness and resentment from their feminine partners in ways that were completely unexpected. The book and his corresponding workshop trainings provided an explanation to now two generations of confused men, many of whom didn’t understand why getting more in touch with their feelings and allowing their feminine partners to assume more of a leadership role in the relationships didn’t actually lead to more trusting, nourishing, and connected sexual intimacy. He point-blank tackles questions such as how to celebrate and navigate the innate energetic differences between humans with a primarily masculine, versus a primarily feminine essence how to find and live your life’s deepest purpose how to own your dark emotional and sexual nature in service of love and how to nourish and cultivate your internal masculine traits in the shadow of post-feminism and the responsibilities of modern living.Ĭhapters like Know Your Real Edge and Don’t Fake It, She Wants the Killer in You, and If You Don’t Know Your Deepest Purpose, Find it Now are perfect examples of Deida’s direct approach to putting men in touch with the most important issues they will face as they mature spiritually, emotionally and sexually. In relatively short but dense chapters, Deida lays out a series of axioms and challenges to men facing the unique socio-historical and spiritual challenges alive at the turn of the millennia. In terms of impact and longevity, it stands head and shoulders above any other book in the space, including men’s work classics like Robert Bly’s Iron John and Sam Keene’s Fire in the Belly. It certainly changed my life, along with countless other men I know. Selling over a quarter of a million copies and still ranking at the top of numerous Amazon categories, the book is a treatise on masculine spiritual development and intimacy that lays down a life altering possibility for men committed to deepening in their spiritual and sexual lives. An excerpt from The Art of Masculine Leadership.ĭavid Deida’s 1997 book The Way of the Superior Man: A Spiritual Guide to Mastering the Challenges of Women, Work, and Sexual Desire has all but become required reading for anyone entering the modern discourse and practice of men’s work.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |