Thanks to some amazing generosity and courage from men in Metro NY Tri State, especially to the Sage Talisman I-Group, who welcomed the reporter, Hannah Seligson, and the photographer, Casey Kelbaugh (whose Instagram from the night is featured) to a 20-man circle that she described as moving and very diverse (even in New York City). Scott Fried, who is quoted in the article, kept in close contact with Seligson through the past month, answering questions about the processes we use in groups, our facilitation training, and ManKind Project history.
In addition to the members of the I-Group, Seligson spoke to actor and New Warrior Eka Darville about how the work has affected him being a young Dad and a person of color in the USA and Australia. Seligson said she has had a number of other conversations as well. The article also talks about EvryMan, a complementary but totally separate organization with some connections to MKP that we’ve written about here.
Many have wondered, Why is MKP such a well kept secret?
For many years, MKP was cautious about what we shared. Were we ready for the world? Was the world ready for us? I think there is shame in there, tied to the old story of masculinity, often referred to these days as ‘the man box.’ What we do in our men’s groups breaks with many ‘traditional’ socialized traits that most of us have been taught. Men don’t share what feels vulnerable … What if everyone knew that I broke down? That I’m afraid? That I long for love and long to feel powerful? That I feel uncertain or powerless? That I need support? Or even that I want to be seen, acknowledged, and celebrated for pursuing the best of who I can be?
The article quotes Socrates, “Know thyself.” In a subsequent radio interview, Scott Fried, slightly expanded this to say, “Know thyself, and learn to love yourself.” The ManKind Project welcomes men from all backgrounds and walks of life to discover the “gold and shadow” of who they are, and to integrate both. We’re men mentoring men through all the ages and stages of our lives.
