We continually witness the earth's environmental systems and human social structures in a terrifying collapse. Signs are everywhere: in the rise in street gangs; violent men, women and children; rape of women of men of children and the earth; and government that dictates material wants as the ultimate salvation and is to go to war for this ignorance. Something new is needed, but before it can develop, a decomposition of the old is necessary; change is a slow and difficult process. There is nothing static about the evolution of humanity. Turbulent times come with this collapse of environmental and social systems; a time out of rhythm with nature's cycles.

In the men's work now in motion throughout the country, a deep call is being listened to by personally and socially conscious listeners from the heart and soul of humanity. Men are taking the ill-equipped guidelines of government and societal standards and putting them aside. Wisdom of the ancestors is being brought into present contexts. From this emerging place, men are pulling together in community and spirit, and beginning to imagine a life that is fuller, a life that has compassion for earth, other and self. Having a sense of one's own personal value or essence is indelibly coupled with a sense of community -- "The I that is we, the we that is I" -- men in large numbers are putting their wills to this call.

Small bioregionally (local) based groups of men are gathering to embrace the interplay of personal and social issues. In modern life there is often a dilemma between personal needs and social necessities. The various gatherings, groups, lodges and circles men are now gathering in serve as containers for ignition of personal expression, argument, creative ritual and freedom of choice. They provide a window into a larger view of humanity that is directly tied to sustaining social wellness. In the men's councils I've been a part of over the past nine years, much of our discussion involves social and environmental awareness at global and local levels. Similar councils are now taking place in numerous regions of the U.S.

Depression, anger, rage, fear, grief and anxiety have many of us tied up inside and funky, pissed off half the time. Men may not know that this angry, dangerous side is waiting to take action towards someone, themselves or the earth. If any abuse or other misuse of power was taken over someone in their childhood, (or anytime) it is very possible they will limp along in life until there is a reconciliation or healing that is believable and realized in the body. When abuse happens to us we easily grow to mistrust the social system and thus leadership. We may not trust ourselves and as a result, no one desires to be a leader, to stand up for and serve something larger than themselves. When there is personal reluctance to leadership, the social sphere gets left out of the adult life. We isolate ourselves, stay in line with the present status quo, and the global society slips further into trouble. The "I that is we" here also includes the earth, which is being abused and mistreated just as the child was.

When men gather, the elders of the region get the opportunity to talk, telling stories of life, about life. They speak of personal truths, and of ancestral truths that have lived for thousands of years in ritual, story and images, throughout many different cultures and lands. The elder's presence helps to give form to the councils. They are told experiences and teachings that establish faith in the men present, which activates social involvement.

There are avenues and possibilities of expression open for anyone who desires to turn over, examine and illuminate their childhood and adult misgivings and celebrations. This personal work can be experienced alone, with a small group, or in a more engaging ritual with a larger group of men present. Having others present to witness the soulful sharing is important. When the magic of these councils is invoked, a true sense of knowing and respect is created and men get down into their rich soul places. The doorway from the personal to the social community opens, and curiosity, with its potential unfolds, calling out for responsible action in one's life and in the larger context of global awareness and service. If this expansion from personal to community does not happen, it is all too easy to stay in the abuse trauma syndrome, and to continue to have difficulty stepping into the fullness and celebration of your life's potential.

Earth is the nucleus of all life. We eat the earth, it eats us. Everything comes from its rains, winds, fires and minerals. Our blood composition is akin to ocean saltwater, the blood of the earth. There is a passion and radiance in nature that is unquestionably healing. The same is true for humanity when it is in rhythm with the larger soul of the earth. Some people prefer to look at this radiance as God or Goddess, spirit, divine knowledge. Whatever we call this life force, it is there and waiting to be embraced.

Both inside the human body, and in earth's cycles we are getting the same message: something is seriously missing. Something is off base. How do we live to change that?

The men's work I have been talking about is doing something that will help bring us all back into a fierceness strong enough to alter many of the devastating trends now in motion. It is difficult work putting together the personal and social in a way that is accepted in our dominant culture. In various ways, men are coming together to open doorways that have been nailed shut for centuries.

In my travels, I meet small handfuls of men who are taking responsibility for their communities and the earth before their own home and material enhancements. For some, this means taking more of a part in mentoring a young adult, or creating a small men's group for deeper soul work, planting trees, speaking out for the environment or starting a program that meets the elderly and serves their needs. There are many engaging possibilities for a man to get excited about. Once you have crossed into the realm of knowing the radiance that comes from social action, it's difficult not to work for the whole. In that soul place is sweetness and fullness of human spirit. The elders talk of knowing the essence of compassion, patience, perseverance and love for one's community as an evolving spirit that lives within. Many ancestors have walked before us with a purpose that was much larger than their own. I always thank them for their courage.

Men must sustain themselves while being soulfully connected to their lives and the earth's social community. Other supportive and healing creative endeavors such as writing, gardening, meditation, ritual, carpentry, crafting, dance, sleep, play, golf; anything that requires attention, and brings play, enjoyment and good health into life.

Being engaged in community can be difficult and deeply emotional work. I'm constantly learning the practice of heartfelt presence while maintaining a detachment from the outcome of an action. To be responsible for one's actions, and at the same time not be wounded by the loss of a desired result, is a lively and challenging practice. Whatever one does to stay healthy in the interplay of blending personal and social responsibility, it is very important to feed the soul along the way. I suggest some form of simple spiritual prayer practice. Another critical suggestion is to have some kind of support group for yourself that can do more than simply analyze the situation you're in. Be it a men's (or woman's) council, or a mixed gender group, the circle of people need to be able to hold a spiritual container, a type of psychic arena for you to play your life out in!

When men peel away the layers of fear, repression and dogma, allowing the blood of millions of years of ancestral wisdom to feed their bodies, souls and hearts, the earth and all involved come to a better place. Our responsibility lies in the passion for life.

Return to the Index of Synapse 40, Summer 1997