As some of you might know, I am involved in the Mankind Project. I occasionally hear things about the Mankind Project from others. Most of the comments are great, but there are as in all things that occasional remark or comment that is negative in nature. Most often they come from those who have no clue what they are talking about and indeed have never attended one of the weekends.
In the spring of 2016 I actually attended my first weekend experience. They call the weekend experience "The New Warrior Training Adventure". To tell the truth I was filled with fear and a lot of anxiety over the what would happen. Especially with the word warrior. That word alone worried me. I am not that ruff macho competitive type man and I really worried about failing and making a fool of myself in front of everyone. For good reasons they tend to be closed mouth about what actually goes on during the weekend so as an initiate I really had no clue what to expect, and in truth even if I were told everything it would not have prepared me for the experience I had.
The weekend starts on Friday night and goes to Sunday afternoon. It is 48 hours of amazing transformation. Each and every moment is used to help one grow up and understand his role as a man in our society. I have to say it was hard, the truth is hard things help us grow and come to understand who we really are.
I am a man of faith and have practiced my faith for years. Some have the concern that MKP is a substitute for faith. That it is or could be a replacement for my faith. In all truth MKP serves to strengthen any man in what ever faith he practises. MKP has helped me appreciate my faith in ways that I did not understand and in the process I have a greater faith and closer relationship with my God. Each man is on a different path and MKP teaches men to be the best in their family, community, faith, career, and circle of friends and be the best in their path whatever it might be.
It is coming up on one year since I went on my first MKP experience. It has been one of the best years of my life. MKP has helped me face my greatest fears. MKP has helped me to see my value more and helped me to see what I have to add and give to my community.
I have to say the greatest thing I have gained from my MKP experience is a greater sense of community with men. I have learned that most men, no matter where they are in the journey seek and want deeper friendships with other men. Not just the pat on the back how's the weather, but deeper meaningful transparent friendships that actually push you to become a better man. Friendships that hold you accountable for who you are and what you can become. In the past year I have had the privilege of getting to know some of the best men I have ever known. I love that these men are not afraid to tell help me to be better and it is not done in a judgmental way or in any way to make me feel shame. My friendship with these men has deepened my life experience in so many ways, from learning how to be a better friend to accepting who I am and for the first time understanding my role as a man in the community, my family, and faith.
I personally think that the Mankind Project has something to offer everyman. I heard once that the mission of MKP is to help men grow up. I agree. It has a way of helping men see who they really are and tapping into that potential. It helps marriages, family relationships, work, play, and most important it does help men grow up.
Most men I have learned are struggling with something in their lives. It can range from addictions to relationships, from shame to pride. A lot of men struggle with developing and keeping friendships that are meaningful. No matter where we are on the path, men need help from other men to move forward and progress. Some have their faiths, good marriages, strong families, and other support in their lives. But no matter where you are on the journey, MKP can add to and enhance your experience like nothing else.
As I have said, I am a man of faith. I love my faith and am devoted to it. My experience this past year has deepened my faith and has added to what I have already enjoyed. In fact I have learned to appreciate and enjoy what I had already in a deeper sense. I feel that my experience with MKP has been one of the greatest blessings I have had.
I encourage all men to take a look at MKP. If you are looking for a place to belong and grow and become better, MKP is just the place for you. My life is richer and I am enjoying sharing the journey with brothers from all faiths, races, and places in life. My heart and soul has been opened to what my responsible as a man is and just how sweet the journey can be when we surround ourselves with like minded men.
I hope to see you sometime on a weekend.
Brad
PS. If you want to learn more about Mankind Project go to www.mkp.org or you can contact me at www.chefbrad.com
PSS. They have New Warrior Training Adventures all over the country. The next one I am staffing at is in Prescott Arizona in May 2017 I invite to you take a look and perhaps join me on the weekend. We are accepting applications now. Hurry, only 32 men are allowed to attend this one. You can see the schedule of events at www.mkp.org See you there.
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