Newsletter: June 2009, Vol. I

As we grow into manhood we’re pressured to find someone to settle down with, stay in monogamous relationship, have children and form a family unity.

Problem is, we take the soldier, the conquistador, the gangster, and the heavy-handed judge and jury home to our partner and children.  This often results in broken homes and families.

It’s time to clean ourselves once and for all of the seemingly illogical, self destructive, and stereotypical views of manhood.

A real man wields communication instead of intimidation, respect rather than fear, and chooses to recognize the need for gentleness and kindness in his relationships.

We can break the cycles of abuse and neglect by forgiving ourselves, letting go of resentment towards those who have abused and neglected us, and by showing respect and love for our partners, children, and all our relations.

My father once told me, “You know, your grandpa and I were once driving along in silence, and he turned to me and said, ‘Sonny, just because I’m not saying anything doesn’t mean that I don’t love you.'”

Another time, my father shared with me, “People won’t remember you as much by what you say. They remember you by what you do.”

Thanks Grandpa Kenneth and to my ‘Pop’, Merle Countryman. Here’s to all the fathers who are breaking down the illusions and showing our world the truth of what it means to be a man.

– Joe Countryman –

You can reach me at spiralsofabundance@gmail.com.”