Boysen Hodgson believes “the new macho” can be defined in a way that benefits and serves everyone on the planet.
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He cleans up after himself. He cleans up our planet. He is a role model for young men. He is rigorously honest and fiercely optimistic.
He knows what he feels. He knows how to cry and he lets it go. He knows how to rage without hurting others. He knows how to fear and keep moving. He knows joy, and shares gratitude. He seeks self-mastery.
He has let go of childish shame. He feels guilty when he’s done something wrong. He is kind to men, kind to women, kind to children. He teaches others how to be kind. He says he’s sorry.
He stopped blaming women or his parents or men for his pain. He stopped letting his defenses ruin his relationships. He stopped letting his libido run his life. He has enough self-respect to tell the truth. He creates intimacy and trust with his actions. He has men who he trusts and turns to for support. He knows how to make it happen. He knows how to roll with it. He is disciplined when he needs to be. He is flexible when he needs to be. He knows how to listen from the core of his being.
He confronts his limitations. He’s not afraid to get dirty. He has high expectations for himself and those he connects with. When he makes mistakes, as all men do, he holds himself accountable. When he falls, he gets back up. He practices compassion, for himself and others.
He knows he is an individual. He knows we are all one. He knows he is an animal and part of nature. He knows his spirit and a connection to something greater. He looks for ways to serve others.
He knows future generations are watching his actions. He builds communities where all people are respected and valued. He takes responsibility for himself and is willing to be his brother’s keeper.
He knows his higher purpose. He loves with fierceness. He laughs with abandon, because he gets the joke.
– by Boysen Hodgson
This is one description of mature masculinity – the New Warrior. This list not complete. Evolution needs you. Come join the dance.
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image: MankindProject
Boysen, Thanks for the insightful views of men. Would enjoy hearing why you’ve chosen the “new macho” as opposed to some other term. I’ve been connected here at the Good Men Project because, as you know, there is a similar philosophy of exploring what it means to be a good man in today’s world. I’ve been in a men’s group that has been meeting for 35 years. 15 years ago we all went to a Mankind weekend and deepened our understanding of what it means to be a man of purpose, passion, and power. I like your initial lines about… Read more »
Good to read this again and see it on The Good Men Project Boysen. NWTA 2011.
Miss you man! Good to see you!
Do you know a bunch of guys like that? I would like one, please.
I am attractive, intelligent, youthful, energetic, love sex, know how to love unconditionally, am in love with the world (and behave accordingly)… and rarely meet guys like the above description.
I follow GMP because it gives me hope.
It’s so cliche, but they really do seem to all be married already LOL.
Thanks River. I hear you. My wife is often looking for men like this for single friends. I know a lot of great guys – and most of them are partnered. Keep your eyes open for MKP guys with some experience. They’ve likely done some work.
Ah, a performance standard for allowing a man to call himself a man. Now that is a novel idea!
I’m glad to see they took ‘poem’ out of the description. And this is not at all novel. There is nothing about ‘allowing a man to call himself a man’ in here. This is a redefinition of MACHO – a word with some pretty negative connotation – certainly not a definition of manhood. Manhood, in my opinion, is a culturally fluid gender practice – an acting out of culturally prescribed roles. Lots of room for redefinition. What I hope … and work for … is something functional and beneficial to society in this super fluid practice of gender.