Fasting Day 28 of 40: Brotherhood

A great many of our stories, movies and media depict brotherhood in terms of war and violence. It is usually of men coming together to defeat the enemy or conquer the foe. We are now at a turning point where the role of the masculine is less about conquest and more about guidance. Within this capacity men can support one another more openly without being seen as weak. True brotherhood allows for this simple intimacy, and opens the door for mastery of skills, without a hierarchy of individual value. When it is balanced, all parties are seen as worthy and welcomed to the table.

There was a wound many millions of years ago that has affected man and his brother. The story of Cain and Abel illustrates this. It is a story of our species attacking another member for gain or ill will. From that core wound has spawned a sense of distrust and of fear in other peoples, creating an expectation of war and confrontation. This is one of the greatest causes of hierarchy within our system. The man who is most able to defend the weak is put on a pedestal and receives more of the praise and the bounty of the tribe. This has created an elevation and a competitive structure for one to be viewed as the most worthy or valuable.

With that elevation there are certain qualities men are “supposed to have,” which has been limiting to our growth. The desire to be seen as tough or manly has hindered the empathy and emotions of many men. From it men have distanced themselves from their vulnerable parts, and then bring the repressed self into their homes, creating more conflict and miscommunication. A great deal of our domestic disputes and familial fights are from men being unaware of their own physical and emotional needs. Imagine how many men are in need of a hug from a brother, but have not sought connection from fear of being seen as weak. In shedding the old modes of self-repression, men can better understand themselves and interact more easily with their fellow man.

One of our greatest stories of Brotherhood among men is King Arthur and the knights of the round table. Despite having one liege Lord, Arthur, they were all seen and respected as sovereign and equal. Each one was granted the capacity to rule his personal domain as he saw fit while still sharing council with others. The ability to do this is from a unifying belief of God or Universe within all. It is our empathy and love for another that allows us to see them as equals.

In times of peace this looks like the Apostles, or disciples. This is the best way to organize ourselves moving forward. Not only are they within their own round table, they participate in other round tables. This ensures that each member has the opportunity to share in new ways and to provide insights to many groups. It creates an interconnected weave, where each unit of brotherhood is tied in with another, creating a bond. In this, each quorum is independent and self-sufficient. However, in times of need they can reach out and seek help or offer assistance.

We are social creatures by nature and the more we are able to work together with cohesion, the more we are able to bring our gifts and qualities to the forefront. There are naturally things we are better at than others. Having a shared circle allows us to bring our expertise and experiences to the front. We can bask in the gifts we have to offer and honor and cherish those of others. The whole while, we are able to do this without comparison While there may be one among us who is a skilled carpenter, integrating that into society is something the Engineer can help with. Communicating the needs of the village to the craftsman is something a public speaker can help with. Each Being is honored and empowered to voice change for the collective.

In this landscape support and encouragement are the new normal. We are returning to the knowing that elevating another elevates ourselves. Not only is this something men can do among themselves within groups and play, but it is something they can explore in their places of work and homes. A part of our soul has enjoyed and appreciated games of competition, we are ready to let them go for a new experience. The diverse opinions and opportunities that spring forth from this collective sharing will continue to flourish until we can finally let go of those old wounds of war and hate. We get to participate in a grand re-imagining of what it means to be a man and a brother and it all starts with one of us saying “Hey man, I need a hug.”

All the Love,

Ryan Orion

Fasting Notes:

Today is day one. Today is day one. Today is day one.

The nights are strange as more energy comes in. I sleep for an hour or two and am wide awake for about four or five then sleep again for four or five. I feel the energy within shifting and I enter into meditation to help move it where it wants to go. I can feel the old stories of injuries bleeding away as my joints become invigorated. I have a new relationship with my feet that I did not know possible. Every part of my being is snuggling in closer together.

I am getting plenty of sunlight now that the storm clouds have disappeared an am overjoyed to bask in the rays. This combined with dirt and grass in-between my toes have been wonderful moments of my days.