Below is a selection of resources for further research that I’ve accumulated over the years and have been very helpful in my own growth and development. This is by no means an exhaustive list but a good place to get started and familiar with what’s available.
Courses
If you google “men’s work” you’ll find a bunch of resources, coaches, trainings, workshops and so on. Ranging from Jungian psychological work, to hero’s journey type stuff all the way to body work and embodiment training. Whatever suits you. Just do your research on the authenticity of the trainer and their work.
I have personally participated in the ManKind Project’s New Warrior Training Adventure down under in Bellingen, Australia. It was an incredible experience (Australians do everything great) but from what I understand the quality of the training can vary from location to location. There are similar organisations out there, see which one fits you.
If you’re in Asia, I highly recommend two men’s groups run by dear friends:
- Here is the link to the group in Hong Kong. The man who runs it is also an accomplished Tai Chi practitioner and teacher
- Here is the link to the group in Singapore. The man in charge of this group is an accomplished martial arts practitioner and offers his own online men’s training, along with the regular meetings
Books, authors and teachers
Robert Bly – Iron John: A book about men. This book was considered a little bit controversial when it came out in 1990, it’s always a great sign isn’t it, and did in fact bring men’s work to a national level in the US. It uses the Grimm Brothers’ masterpiece of Iron John to illustrate the changes the male psyche goes through on it’s way to maturity. Classic piece of work.
Joseph Campbell – The hero with a thousand faces. Since its release in 1949, The hero with a thousand faces has influenced millions of readers by combining the insights of modern psychology with Joseph Campbell’s revolutionary understanding of comparative mythology. In these pages, Campbell outlines the hero’s journey, a universal motif of adventure and transformation that runs through virtually all of the world’s mythic traditions. Highly recommend pairing it with the documentary called the Hero’s Journey.
David Deida – The way of the superior man. This is probably David’s most well-known book and in it he explores the important issues in men’s lives such as career, family, women, intimacy, love and spirituality to offer a practical guidebook for living a masculine life of integrity, authenticity and freedom. He also has a treasure trove of articles, book, audios and online courses available on his website. From my experience, men have an easier time relating to his teaching and delivery than women.
Robert A. Masters – To be a man. Many men – despite achieving great jobs and lifestyles – find themselves burdened with dissatisfaction, disconnection and self-doubt. Robert Augustus Masters has helped thousands of men work through such issues, by facing their unresolved wounds and shame, bringing their head, heart and guts into full-blooded alignment.
Robert Moore and Doug Gilette – King, warrior, magician, lover. King, warrior, magician and lover presents the four basic archetypes of the mature masculine. The authors address the increasing number of men searching for the foundations of an authentic, revitalised masculinity that is generative, creative and empowering. By identifying and awakening of the four basic archetypes (using dream analysis, meditation, “active imagination” and ritual process) the authors guide the listener to a fuller, richer and more mature masculine “self.”
Robert Glover – No more Mr Nice Guy. Originally published as an e-book that became a controversial media phenomenon. The author has dubbed the “Nice Guy Syndrome” trying too hard to please others while neglecting one’s own needs, thus causing unhappiness and resentfulness. It’s no wonder that unfulfilled Nice Guys lash out in frustration at their loved ones. He explains how they can stop seeking approval and start getting what they want in life, by presenting the information and tools to help them ensure their needs are met, to express their emotions, to have a satisfying sex life, to embrace their masculinity, form meaningful relationships with other men and to live up to their creative potential.
John Wineland. John has been David Deida’s student but speaks to this work in a very different way. He works both with men and women and addresses realms of life purpose, relational communication, sexual intimacy and embodiment. Lots of great videos on his website and youtube.
Michaela Boehm. She used to teach with David Deida in the past and now her and her teaching partner offer courses both for men and women. I find her work infinitely fascinating. She was also featured in Netflix’ documentary titled Unwell (under the tantra segment, as an authentic teacher).
The Work. This is one of my all-time favourite documentaries. Set entirely inside Folsom State Prison, The Work follows three men during four days of intensive group therapy with convicts, revealing an intimate and powerful portrait of authentic human transformation that transcends what we think of as rehabilitation.
Gabor Mate’s documentary called ‘The wisdom of trauma’. Trauma is the invisible force that shapes our lives. It shapes the way we live, the way we love and the way we make sense of the world. It is the root of our deepest wounds. He gives us a new vision: a trauma-informed society in which parents, teachers, physicians, policy-makers and legal personnel are not concerned with fixing behaviours, making diagnoses, suppressing symptoms and judging, but seek instead to understand the sources from which troubling behaviours and diseases spring in the wounded human soul. Highly recommend watching it.
Lastly, if I can be of any assistance feel free to reach out.