Was there a conference or workshop you attended that was especially beneficial? Where was it? What did you learn?

For years, I’d viewed men’s groups with an unfriendly mix of mockery and trepidation. The mockery stemmed from my assumptions regarding what men actually did in these gatherings. And the trepidation was borne from my fear of what it might really be about.

And then, almost two years ago, I joined a men’s group. I’d reached a point where I knew I needed the support, and challenge, of other men. I was elated. I was terrified. But I’d spoken to, and worked with, a number of the men in the group, and I was always impressed with their integrity, presence, and heart. And I had the intuitive hit that this step was absolutely necessary.

We meet every two weeks. It’s not a once-a-year conference or workshop. But I choose to enter into each meeting with the sincerity that this is it. This is my time to show up, with all that I am, with all that I hope to be, with all that I fear, within this circle of men whom I deeply trust.

The men I meet with are courageous, powerful, insightful. Authentic, vulnerable, open-hearted. And utterly human. It’s in our capacity to show up with everything, that the alchemy happens. It’s about being present and authentic with our own experience, while in relationship with one another. It’s truly miraculous.

Walking away from each meeting, the challenge and the invitation is to continue living from the deepest authenticity possible. To bring the courage of an open heart into our intimate relationships, our work, every niche of our lives, big or small.

I feel that it’s crucial for men to know that there are others out there who are doing this work, and that this work is available to them. And I feel that it’s crucial for women to know this. When a man lives from an ever-deeper authenticity and integrity, we are all served.

I have my fair share of challenges (my wife can attest to that). And there are times when I walk into my men’s group, and my body is humming with fear. But I’ve learned that there’s a jewel at the core of that fear. And sometimes, it takes a gathering of men to help me find it.

(I painted two pieces that were fundamentally influenced by my early experience within my men’s group: The Samurai, and Entregarse.)

(Different mini-sketch created for each day/post. Click for larger view.)

What is this? Read more about the Best of 2009.