He cleans up after himself. He cleans up our planet. He is a role model for young men. He is rigorously honest and fiercely optimistic.
He knows what he feels. He knows how to cry and he lets it go. He knows how to rage without hurting others. He knows how to fear and keep moving. He knows joy, and shares gratitude. He seeks self-mastery.
He has let go of childish shame. He feels guilty when he’s done something wrong. He is kind to men, kind to women, kind to children. He teaches others how to be kind. He says he’s sorry.
He stopped blaming women or his parents or men for his pain. He stopped letting his defenses ruin his relationships. He stopped letting his libido run his life. He has enough self-respect to tell the truth. He creates intimacy and trust with his actions. He has men who he trusts and turns to for support. He knows how to make it happen. He knows how to roll with it. He is disciplined when he needs to be. He is flexible when he needs to be. He knows how to listen from the core of his being.
He confronts his limitations. He’s not afraid to get dirty. He has high expectations for himself and those he connects with. When he makes mistakes, as all men do, he holds himself accountable. When he falls, he gets back up. He practices compassion, for himself and others.
He knows he is an individual. He knows we are all one. He knows he is an animal and part of nature. He knows his spirit and a connection to something greater. He looks for ways to serve others.
He knows future generations are watching his actions. He builds communities where all people are respected and valued. He takes responsibility for himself and is willing to be his brother’s keeper.
He knows his higher purpose. He loves with fierceness. He laughs with abandon, because he gets the joke.
This is one description of mature masculinity – the New Warrior. This list is not complete. Evolution needs you. Come join the dance.
If these words speak to your heart, learn more at The ManKind Project
Boysen Hodgson is the Communications and Marketing Director for the ManKind Project USA (mkpusa.org), a nonprofit mentoring and training organization that offers powerful opportunities for men’s personal growth at any stage of life. Boysen has been facilitating men’s work for over a decade.
He’s a co-founder of the Springfield Open Men’s Group and author of “The New Macho,” a credo for the new masculine. Boysen has been featured in numerous radio programs and publications including a New Conversation with Men, the World Changer Sessions, Reclaiming Male Role Models, Good Men Project, Dallas Voice, and the Sunday Times of London.