Healthy Vulnerability - Wholehearted Masculine

One Man’s Journey: How I Quit Porn and Why I’m Not Going Back

I remember when I first discovered internet porn – I was 17 years old (1). Fascinated by this world of unleashed sexual expression and fantasy, I couldn’t get enough of it. As I grew up and began exploring my own sexuality, I discovered…

Emotional Intelligence, Healthy Vulnerability, Relationships, Self-Awareness

Embracing Emotions: Showing Up Instead Of Shutting Down

I still remember the exact day. November 14th, 2015. Two friends and I had just finished co-leading a men’s training in the mountains above LA. We had spent the weekend device-free, exploring healthy masculinity with a large group of men. That…

Initiation, Emotional Intelligence, Healthy Vulnerability

Hazed Into Manhood: Inviting A Return To Sacred Male Initiation

We used to be initiated into manhood; now we are hazed into manhood. In middle school, bullies used to single me out. I think I was an easy target. I wasn’t tough or popular. They used to ask, “why are you so sensitive?” But they…

Healthy Vulnerability, Heathy Sexuality, Masculine & Feminine, Relationships, Self-Awareness

Getting Real: Talking About Pornography & Sexuality with Middle School Boys

I was recently invited to facilitate a discussion about pornography and sexuality with a classroom full of 7th grade boys. With this being such an important and rarely-addressed topic for boys at this formative age, I was happy to say yes. Research…

Emotional Intelligence, Healthy Vulnerability, Self-Awareness

Beauty in the Breakdown: How a Bike Accident Cracked Open my Heart

A Single Fateful Moment 6:44am - Jan 21st, 2015: Bicycle wheels slice through humid air in the quiet pre-dawn darkness, as I glide down the winding pavement road. Car lights illuminate the faintly falling rain, as the drivers rush past.…

Emotional Intelligence, Healthy Vulnerability, Masculine & Feminine, Self-Awareness

My Vulnerable Truth: Exploring Masculinity Beneath the Mask

I’ve spent most of my life with a mask on. It’s painful to admit, but it’s true. I’ve worn the mask of numbness in an attempt to protect myself from rejection and disappointment; I’ve worn the mask of superficial satire in an attempt…

Emotional Intelligence, Healthy Vulnerability, Masculine & Feminine, Self-Awareness

Sacred Masculinity: Learning To Live My Truth As A Wholehearted Man

For many years, I was ashamed of my masculinity. I was deeply disturbed by all the aggression, misogyny, and violence that I saw being perpetrated by men - across many different cultures. It seemed that being a “real man” meant being…

Healthy Vulnerability, Heathy Sexuality, Self-Awareness

Courage to Quit: How I’m Outgrowing Pornography and Re-awakening My Sexuality

If you are a human being alive in the 21st century, chances are you have an opinion about porn. Maybe you use it; maybe you don’t. Maybe you think it’s good; maybe you think it’s bad; maybe you think it’s none of my business. Fine.…

Healthy Vulnerability

Embrace Your Fear: 5 Reasons Why It’s Time to Stop Playing Small

I always wanted to belong; to feel connected, feel loved, feel alive. I wanted people to like me, to respect me, to recognize my contribution in the world. I wanted to do something worth remembering, to create something beautiful, to help heal…

Healthy Vulnerability, Self-Awareness

I Love You, Man: 5 Tips for Stepping Into More Mature Masculinity

I grew up never telling anyone that I loved them. Not even my parents. The word “love” used to feel too feminine, too emotional, too vulnerable. As a young man impacted by old masculine norms, there was no room for love in my vocabulary.…