Our culture wants to heal toxic masculinity, but are we ready for that? What is masculinity? What is it that we need to heal? 

Masculinity 2.0: A Men's Dialogue Series
Session 1: Being a Man in a #metoo World - Relationships, Love, Sex and Work
March 29th @ The Center SF

It's confusing to be a man right now.
The deluge of news about men abusing power, committing sexual assault, treating women and others poorly, demonstrating questionable leadership qualities has some of us are asking, am I that man? Have I crossed boundaries? Hurt others?
Some of us care deeply about what’s happening, yet have retreated into silence for fear of saying the wrong thing, being called out or labeled.
Others are troubled by what feels like an unnecessary backlash against men, or are secretly skeptical of the actual prevalence of sexism, patriarchy and the merits of feminism. Some of us are inspired to evolve and be more just, whole, and integrous. Others are simply not sure where they stand.
Maybe you can identify with all these perspectives?
You Are Invited
The Men's Dialogue Series will meet once a month. I (Jed) will facilitate (sometimes with a guest) around a particular topic as it relates to men, gender, sex, sexism, masculinity, patriarchy, relationships, gender conditioning/socialization, purpose and more.
Come As You Are
"Conscious’ or not, ‘embodied’ or not, in your heart or in your head. There is space for you to share what you really think, to mess up and not be cast out, or avoided. This gathering is not about the performance of being a good man or ‘embodying the divine masculine’, displaying your social justice expertise, or wearing any of our usual masks, however righteous. AND we all struggle to take the mask off. We still welcome you.

Session Topics

We’ll explore the unique way men take on these topics as a means to get at the questions ‘What is masculinity?' AND 'What is it that we need to heal?’
  • #Metoo: How are you relating to the world, women, and men amidst the #metoo movement? How are you viewing your past behavior in light of recent news? How did we get here? 
  • Male Objectification: Women are sex objects, men are success objects. What's the impact on the male psyche and soul in a world that validates men for the traditional markers of 'success'? 
  • Help - Asking for & Receiving: Many of us take pride in being self reliant and self made. Its a trap. How do we free ourselves from going it alone? What's the payoff?
  • Healing (for men): Hurt is an unavoidable part of life. The capacity to heal is essential.  For men healing can be complicated. Why? How can we help each other heal?
  • Sexism, Patriarchy, Feminism: What's real? How do we support genuine equality without losing our balls?
  • Tenderness: Tenderness can be a unique superpower amidst a sea of hyper masculinity. How do we own our tenderness in a powerful way?
  • Wildness: You are a wild animal. As men we are told our wildness is dangerous, so we become tame, dutiful. What does it mean to be a modern wild man?
  • Authenticity: Authenticity is a buzz word that few truly embody. For men, it requires the courage to risk our images of status, prestige and strength.  
  • Boundaries, Ours and Others: Men receive masculinity points for being limitless, fearless and wide open. How might a deeper connection to our own boundaries inform our power and aliveness and support the same in others? 
Your Facilitator
Jed Purses has spent the past 5 years working with individuals and groups as an experiential facilitator, counselor and coach. As a father to a young son, he is passionate about the education and socialization of boys and men and its rippling impact on the health and well being of our culture, global community and planet. FULL BIO
Let’s take a few steps back and let go of trying to solve anything in a single meeting.
In doing so, we might deepen into what is really at the core for all of us, possibly touching into potential we’ve yet to realize. Only together can we create the patterns of resiliency and connection we all want. Let’s trust that the simple, yet radical act of showing up and engaging authentically might begin to create the very healing that we want.
Sitting in the company of men is a powerful experience. 
And let’s admit, it can be uncomfortable, challenging and awkward. Take the risk anyway. Sitting through discomfort leads to deep and meaningful connections. What do you have to lose?

Masculinity 2.0: A Men's Dialogue Series

Session 1
Thursday, March 29th
6:30 - 9pm
The Center SF - 548 Fillmore Street, SF, CA

REGISTRATION
$25/person when purchased in advance.
$30/person at the door​
No one turned away for lack of funds.
Space is limited.