30 Naked Men in a Sweat Lodge
There were 30 of us, enduring in the sweat lodge, round 1 just completed. It was a moment where anyone who wanted to share was given the space to do so. Words of appreciation were spoken, requests for extra strength to make it through the next three rounds, tears were shed for lost brothers. The womb of the earth briefly allowed menās hearts to open, and what followed was beauty. The photographer let us know he would leave the tent after round 3, so he could capture the moment when we would all, hopefully reborn, emerge from the lodge. āDonāt worry, Iāll make sure I only take photos from the waist up.ā That touched me, and I immediately felt the tears rising. āI would like to ask that when I leave the lodge, you capture me the way I came into this world. I have been ashamed of my body for so long, of my penis, my desires, and my pleasure. I have put myself down for so long, struggled with erectile dysfunction and feelings of not being allowed to stand in this world as a virile man. And I no longer allow that! This is who I am, and Iām not hiding it anymore.ā The plea came out of my mouth woven with fiery passion, while simultaneously holding back and releasing tears. When I think back on it, I immediately feel that complex cocktail of emotions rising in me again. Itās what drives me to do the work I do. Away with shame. Let us be proud of being men. Of our erections. Of our love for women. Let us embrace the softness and warmth of our hearts just as fully as the wildest urges of our pelvis. Itās what constantly occupies my mind: how can I contribute to the systematic dismantling of sexual shame and inhibition? Thatās why, starting this Wednesday, Iām beginning a series of unique online workshops where men can speak openly with each other about intimacy, sexuality, polarity, and erotic leadership in relationships. The first session will focus on our fantasy world, and how fantasies are signals of where our soul longs to feel more alive. Iām convinced this will be a deeply valuable exploration for many of us.