Are You Doing Your Work?v
There are two types of work. They are, work with a small “w” and Work with a big “W”.
For most people, this statement may seem like a foreign language. It sounds like the language used by insiders who are part of a secret community. Secret community, no, but insiders, yes.
The Mankind Project is a community of men. Men who choose to show up in the world in a mature masculine way. Men who are accountable to themselves and others. Men who help other men to discover a mature way of being in a complex and demanding world.
The Mankind Project (MKP) supports emotionally mature, powerful, compassionate, and purpose-driven men to help heal society’s deepest wounds. MKP supports a worldwide network of free peer-facilitated men’s groups that support men in leading lives of integrity, authenticity, and service.
MKP is a non-profit volunteer organisation that runs regular experiential, personal development programmes for men.
Men attend a 2-night weekend event where they examine their lives. The discovery and healing of past wounds can begin when men are supported and given the space and opportunity to explore their lives. MKP does this in a mature and compassionate way.
After the training weekend, men attend a 12-week integration process that consists of weekly, three-hour gatherings. These take place in the evenings, where men learn techniques that help them develop the skills required to lead lives of integrity, authenticity, and service.
MKP welcomes and encourages men from all communities, cultures, religions, races, and nationalities. MKP celebrates men who show up to do their Work no matter where they come from.
It is a tremendous gift to watch a man discover his mature masculine power where he is accountable to himself and his loved ones. To see a man who can love fiercely and at the same time protect his family and community is heart-warming. It is an honour to work with men who can connect to their emotions and express them in a mature and connected way. This is the Work with a big “W”.
Emotional Work, big “W”. Earning a living work, small “w”. Getting the emotional Work done helps a man with his relationships, particularly his relationship with his career. That’s the work with a small “w”.
For the ladies out there, don’t feel left out. The Women Within community does the equivalent Work with women. It is essential to recognise that men and women process this Work differently. The intention of these groups is not to exclude but to recognise differences. Differences that we honour and celebrate.
So back to the headline question. Are You Doing Your Work?
Do you have the courage to look in the mirror and ask hard questions? What are you holding on to or what is holding you back from stepping into a new way of being?
Justin Spencer-Young
