The discourse around toxic masculinity and its role in a pervasive identity crisis among men is compounding. Yet, what exactly constitutes healthy masculinity?
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The concept of archetypes in psychology, especially as applied to personal development and self-image, offers a rich and nuanced way to examine various aspects of human behavior. There are four core mature masculine archetypes, initially delineated by Carl Jung and later emphasized by Robert Moore and Douglas Gillette, which serve as an integrative framework for deconstructing the male identity. These archetypes—King, Warrior, Magician, and Lover—each possess unique qualities and shadow aspects that reveal the dual nature of strengths and patterned struggles.
These archetypes represent universal roles across various cultures and historical contexts and can help in understanding not just one’s mental health but also the dynamics in relationships, societies at large, and the impact of events on life’s turning points. Expanding this model through modern and holistic lenses, such as intersectional feminist epistemology, challenges traditional views, acknowledges the role of power and oppression in shaping the energies of these archetypes, and connects to collective liberation.
“The Whole Man" emerges not merely as a fixed identity but as a dynamic process of evolution, integration, and maturity in diversity and complexity.
(Music "Drifting and Phasing" by Kowalski Room)
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'At the center of the universe dwells the Great Spirit. And that center is really everywhere. It is within each of us.' -Black Elk
We all have an often underused and therefore latent power of concentration. It is like the aperture of a camera which controls how much light comes through the lens.
When it is smaller, it yields marvelous depth of field but a blurring of the periphery.
Similarly, the light of conscious attention can be directed like a laser to penetrate the phenomenal world to reveal deeper insights and master an aspect of life.
Ordinarily, our understanding and attentional interests are coming from the environment and outer conditioning with the illusion of one's willful direction, just as the tides appear to be the work of the ocean and not the invisible gravity of the moon.
Concentration also represents the sixth limb in the philosophy of yoga. Dharana is the Sanskrit word with its root "dhar" meaning "to hold."
But this is not the same as meditation, which in some ways is the opposite, like the large aperture full of light due to having no specific focus.
This episode explores various creative and contemplative paths to concentration, it's material and spiritual benefits as well as it's relationship to meditation and other limbs of yoga.
(original artwork on episode website and music "Eight Hours" by Bing Satellites)
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Culture, at its essence, is like a game, where the collective beliefs, practices, and values of any two or more people overlay the tangible world, shaping perceptions and bidirectionally influencing behaviors.
Like the sum of all dreams, these shared impressions become the social fabric and the drama of humanity that we all navigate - guiding norms, rules, and identities that will continue to evolve according to our collective imagination.
I like to think of cultures as constellations, portraying each individual as a star within the societal cosmos. The connections we draw between these stars—due to our angle of observation, common locations, traditions, rituals, or treatment—form patterns that emerge as the recognizable outline of cultures.
Like the constellations in the sky, these social conventions are not inherent but are instead the product of human perception and interpretation, emphasizing the subjective nature of cultural construction.
Expanding this model metaphysically introduces a contrast between dominant and non-dominant cultural forces. I see a prominent space-oriented theme and the rigid cultures around divided land such as nations with controlled and defended physical territories.
Another theme involves fluid, time-oriented perspectives and frameworks around cycles, renewal, and culture as a way of relating - where past, present, and future are deeply interconnected.
Spiritual texts offer profound insights on the correction of perception which facilitates the undoing of fear and the transformation of love. The concept of cultural humility, with its emphasis on openness, learning, and empathy, aligns with wisdom teachings which call for a shift from judgment to forgiveness, and from fear to love.
Spiritual growth involves recognizing our shared identity beyond the superficial divisions of the ego. This mirrors an understanding of culture as "true-ish"—a construct that can guide but not define our deepest truths and connections.
Metaphors such as the dream tapestry or social constellations can help us navigate the complex social landscape and honor a balance between the world of forms and our underlying unity of being.
(Music "A Blanket of Japanese Violets" by Bing Satellites and episode artwork on podcast website)
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Admiration is a profound human psychological state and like a prism, refracts light into a spectrum of experiences. Within this metaphorical range, there is the capacity for awe and spiritual transformation - the colors of admiration's positive influence.
Beyond admiration's edges lies the cautionary areas where imbalance spills into the harmful rays of idolization or insecurity, akin to the UV radiation just over the rainbow of visible light.
In this digital age of snapshots, glimpses, comparisons and voyeurism - how we see matters for our mental health. Having a better understanding of the art of admiration and who or what could be admired can serve as a mitigating factor for the risks of depression or internet addiction.
The vibrations of admiration are like ripples backwards in time, a clue from our future, fuller selves. It touches on something deep within our psyche or peels back a layer covering our true nature. Like the personification of an acorn admiring an oak tree because that is it's destiny, we respect and resonate with the outer displays of our own inner potential.
Author and philosopher Matshona Dhliwayo wrote, "admiration is the power of anointing." It symbolizes the uplifting and transformative effect this quality can have. It also suggests that it be treated as a sacred rite we carry with us. Perform the ritual with care.
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In the year of the dragon and northern lights, is the aurora borealis a cosmic ouroboros?
The ancient symbol of the Ouroboros, a serpent devouring its own tail, offers a profound metaphor for the cyclical nature of existence, encapsulating themes of renewal, infinity, and the perennial struggle between creation and destruction.
This emblem, rooted in ancient Egyptian iconography and embraced by diverse cultures and philosophical traditions, serves as a powerful lens through which we can examine our contemporary relationship with nature, technology, and the quest for liberation and spiritual transcendence.
(original episode artwork on podcast website)
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Human blossoming is akin to the delicate yet profound process seen in the natural world, where flowers unfurl their petals to reveal their inner beauty.
The metaphor of blooming relates to maturity and is explored in various contexts, from spiritual growth to personal transformation. Just as flowers need the right conditions to bloom, folks too require nurturing environments and opportunities for growth to reach their full potential.
Concepts such as the Flower of Life in sacred geometry and the Chinese teachings from "The Secret of the Golden Flower" illuminate the interconnectedness between nature and human existence, emphasizing the importance of harnessing inner wisdom to navigate life's journey.
At the heart of this discussion lies the notion of the light reflex, a metaphorical beacon guiding individuals towards enlightenment and spiritual awakening. Like a flower turning upward or backward towards the sun to absorb its nourishing light, humans can cultivate inner radiance by turning towards their spiritual essence. Blooming where they are planted, individuals can unfold their unique potential and transform the social garden with grace and wisdom.
(original “frequency” artwork for this episode can be seen on the podcast website)
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This episode explores the transformative powers of music and meditation, practices that serve as vessels for introspection, revelation, and communal connection.
We delve into the philosophical and spiritual intricacies of how silence complements music—the way meditation underlines our active lives—inviting listeners on a contemplative journey toward self-discovery and collective understanding.
In an era marked by global secularization, remote interactions, geopolitical tensions, and economic uncertainties, the quest for meaning and genuine connection has never been more urgent. Meditation can help us examine these challenges and awaken to a unique refuge in the communal pursuit of curiosity and understanding.
In the cacophony of modern life, we can find solace and clarity in the intentional embrace of stillness and service to others.
Drawing on the linguistic roots of 'ministry' and 'meditation,' both connected to the concept of 'minus,' this episode uncovers the elegant process of shedding false identities through contemplation and altruistic service.
It posits that by minimizing our ego and distractions, we can reveal our divine essence, leading to a deeper appreciation of our shared human experience.
Listeners are invited to reflect on the role of music and meditation as ministries in their own lives, avenues for fostering fellowship around wonder rather than conviction.
This discussion extends beyond personal growth, touching on how these experiments can counteract the existential and societal challenges of our time, offering a blueprint for building communities of seekers united in their quest for understanding and peace.
Original artwork can be seen on the podcast website.
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The archetype of the wounded healer, a concept deeply rooted in psychology and mythology, offers profound insights into the human condition, empathy, and the transformative power of healing through sacrifice.
This talk touches on the intricate dimensions of this archetype, paralleling its essence with the natural process of an oyster creating a pearl — a metaphor that elegantly encapsulates the journey from wound to wisdom.
Original artwork for this episode can be found on the podcast website along with event details.
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The paradox of curiosity is a contest between our innate desire for knowledge and our aversion to uncertainty.
A delicate balance can be negotiated when the curious awareness is anchored to its Latin word origin. "Cura" meant cure, care, concern or even choosiness. Put simply, curate the curiosity. Then, it serves as a transformative force, guiding us on the perpetual quest for understanding and self-discovery.
In our conversation and beyond, let this spark of inquiry light the way up - towards kindness and necessary innovation. Embracing curiosity, we become weavers of our own wisdom, ever learning never concluding.
(music “Everything is Beautiful” by Solar Plexus)
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The word pray comes from the root sound “prek” as in precarious. It means to entreat or ask.
This corresponds to the often instinctive urge to seek something greater than ourselves or a higher power when in need or at a loss of options.
Check out the psychology and demographics of prayer in America in the intro of this episode and then learn more about the contemplative art and practice of praying power.
Intro music “New Apartment” by Coldbrew and “Everything is Beautiful” by Solar Plexus.
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The theme is HOPE. It stands out among other virtues because it requires negative circumstances and straddles over the present and towards the future.
Charles Snyder was a psychologist and dedicated researcher of hope, who emphasized its relevance in the context of doing vs being. Accordingly, hope is a motivational set of cognitive traits that give people a reason to continue pursuing their goals despite the unpredictable nature of the human experience.
He had a beautiful quote,
"A rainbow is a prism that sends shards of multicolored light in various directions. It lifts our spirits and makes us think of what is possible. Hope is the same – a personal rainbow of the mind."
It suggests that additional pathways may exist or appear that we cannot always comprehend in the present. The past and the future are like the ends of that rainbow. They seem to be really out there, but they are always inaccessible.
However, a bigger view is always possible in the here and now.
(Intro music “New Apartment” by Coldbrew and “Cinnabar Sunset” by The Lovely Moon)
from the Dawn Chorus artist retreat at the Grand Canyon, New Year's Eve 2020.
you can join the virtual Kind Mind Gathering each month and access the Kind Mind Studio meditation page by becoming a patron of this podcast on Patreon for as little as $5/month:
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(music “Sunlight on Still Water” by The Lovely Moon and episode artwork on website by Emily Dawn Duforest)
Vitaliy Katsenelson was born in Murmansk, Russia, and immigrated to the United States with his family in 1991. After joining Denver-based value investment firm IMA in 1997, Vitaliy became Chief Investment Officer in 2007, and CEO in 2012. Vitaliy is also an award-winning writer. Known for his uncommon common sense, Forbes Magazine called him "The New Benjamin Graham." He's written for publications including Financial Times, Barron's, Institutional Investor and Foreign Policy. Soul in the Game is his third book, and first non-investing book.
https://contrarianedge.com
https://soulinthegame.net
"Live Free or Dialogue" is a video conversation series within Michael Todd Fink's "Kind Mind" podcast platform and based on the etymology of the word dialogue: two individuals (di) communicating with openness, respect and mutual search for meaning (logos).
https://www.michaeltoddfink.com
You can support this podcast and access bonus content here: https://patreon.com/kindmind
You can support this podcast and access live virtual events and bonus content via Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/kindmind
Send mail to: michaeltoddfink@gmail.com
Compared with other organisms, humans are born significantly underdeveloped physically and highly vulnerable for a considerable period of time.
Therefore, trust and mistrust can be profoundly wired into our design as it is uniquely relevant in our survival.
People may say they don't trust others much, but that might apply more to one's attitude toward specific kinds of relationships. Meanwhile, most of us do trust others in daily life more than we may realize.
Trust can be altered by levels of oxytocin, a pro-social hormone in the body. We also have an evolutionary propsensity to trust faces that look similar to our own, perhaps because our brains recognize a higher probability of being related and thus protected.
Inside of the word trust you have “us” and this episode aims to expand and serve the sense of “us-ness.”
(Music is “The Stone of Rejuvenation” by The Lovely Moon and episode artwork is by Emily Dawn Duforest)
You can support this work and access live virtual events and bonus content via Patreon: https://patreon.com/kindmind
mail to: michaeltoddfink@gmail.com
Why do we build and rebuild?
It could be because of breakdown or breakthrough and the interpretation may be up to us. Sometimes there are setbacks where things fall apart and need repair. Other times, we learn, grow and envision a better way to add on or redo.
We definitely encounter this on the individual level as in the arc of the hero's journey coded in folklore and mythology, where the aspirant seeks, finds, falls, despairs and rises again towards illumination.
In some sense, this path also applies now to the collective experience.
This episode explores what we and society are building - materially, digitally, spiritually - and the etymology of the word "build" with it's roots in Latin and Sanskrit connecting us to the Earth.
Additional analysis is given to the building metaphor and the symbolism of foundations, structures and roofs in life along with the tools to design beyond our breakdowns or breakthroughs.
(music “The Physical World” by The Lovely Moon and episode artwork on website by Emily Dawn Duforest)
Todd talks with Sandy Gibson.
Sandy Gibson is the Founder of Better Place Forests, America's first conservation memorial forest. Instead of graves, Better Places offers a sustainable alternative to cemeteries for families who choose cremation.
Launching in 2017, the 130+ acre woodland based in San Francisco has raised more than $75M in venture capital! Better Place Forests has also been featured in the New York Times, and on the Today Show.
https://www.betterplaceforests.com
"Live Free or Dialogue" is a video conversation series within Michael Todd Fink's "Kind Mind" podcast platform and based on the qualities of dialogue: two individuals (di) communicating with openness, respect and mutual search for meaning (logos).
Join the Patreon community and access bonus content and live events: https://www.patreon.com/kindmind
send mail to: michaeltoddfink@gmail.com
Sleep is really weird when you think about it. You get 16-24 hours of life out of a human and then they need 8 hours to fully charge.
There are so many interpretations of dreams from psychology and spirituality. They include descriptions of our subconscious resolving conflicts and playing out fantasies to intuition and prophecies.
fMRI studies of the brains of mice show activity similar to when they were trying to find cheese in a maze, suggesting that dreams have a lot to do with learning and integration.
Not only does life influence dreams but dreams sometimes alter the course of history.
(Music by Ethereal Ephemera “Reflections of Sunlight Drifting” and episode artwork on website by Emily Dawn Duforest)
Todd talks with Jose Hernandez.
In 2004 Jose began creating art as a meditative tool. His art has now exhibited in galleries across the US and hangs in private and corporate collections worldwide. Jose founded Inner Immersion, LLC and Immersive Arts, LLP. He is a member of the Association of Transformational Leaders. Jose is featured in the Netflix docu-series, Surviving Death, and the Dr Oz show. He regularly speaks on his near-death experience, and on Art as a Conduit for Healing.
More at https://www.innerimmersion.org
"Live Free or Dialogue" is a conversation series within Michael Todd Fink's "Kind Mind" podcast platform and based on the qualities of dialogue: two individuals (di) communicating with openness, respect and mutual search for meaning (logos).
Join the Kind Mind patreon community and access bonus content and live events: https://www.patreon.com/kindmind
You can send mail to: michaeltoddfink@gmail.com
We tend to take for granted when our bodies are healthy and strong. We also tend to assume the worst when there is pain and worry that it will never go away.
In my understanding, health is not a permanent state. Consider all the factors involved with health or disease: physical, psychological, genetic, social, environmental and more. And til now, death is still inevitable.
Each side of life is an opportunity to go beyond our limiting notions of self. In so-called good health, we can expand our awareness past the boundaries of our skin to feel the dis-ease in the wider field of our existence. Then, we can be an agent for positive change and healing.
Dis-ease is a signal to come back to our innermost being. To observe pain in the body with compassion and curiosity, again helps us feel less identified with the corporeal and find equanimity in the pure consciousness.
(Music by Ethereal Ephemera - “Slow Movement in the Light” and episode artwork on website by Emily Dawn Duforest)
Artwork by Emily Dawn
You can support this podcast and access bonus content, mindfulness resources and Kind Mind Gatherings via Patreon:
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Send mail to: michaeltoddfink@gmail.com
Relgions have long been the purveyors of rituals or sets of actions deemed sacred or worshipful. Despite the growing disaffiliation with religious institutions, spirituality remains important to most people and rituals have been studied and found to be anxiolytic.
Therefore, we may need to establish secular rituals that are contempltive and modern in nature and serve to relieve and protect against the stresses associated with technology.
The word SPIRITUAL contains the word RITUAL. Todd explains that those three extra letters (S, P, I) can stand for three mindful qualites to remember when designing your own personal ritual for psychological well-being.
Music “A Whole World in Your Eyes” by Bing Satellites and artwork on website by Emily Dawn.