By: Yusuf Kaba Imhotep, The MoundBuilder
The concept of what a man is continues to be greatly debated. These days the dominant idea of men are, Bread winners, Head of Household, dogs, enemies, or Mates, to name a few. The question oft-times remains, “What are the qualities that truly define a man?” Our ancient cultures have dealt with this question in Rites of Passage programs and ceremonies.
Rites of Passage is a system or ceremony that recognizes transition from one stage of life to the next. Comprised within this process is the knowledge needed to successfully function at that next level of life. A man was not recognized as such until successful completion of that community’s Rites of Passage. Today, the entire world suffers because of the absence of this process. Men today remain inadequate or unable to fulfill their proper places because they have not yet accessed the proper tools. The proof is in the results.
Statistics show that men suffering from a variety of health issues including heart disease, cancer, depression, aids, diabetes, and suicide. These conditions are worst in urban communities and among people of color. It is also clear that the concepts of father and husband are not seen in the best light. There is little respect for fathers and the divorce rate is constantly increasing. Men have lost the idea of self-respect. This falls very short of men being, “The crown of creation.”
There is no question in the mind of rationally thinking people that a Rites of Passage program is essential right now. We have poorly developed children because of underdeveloped men. We have fractured homes because of broken men. Our entire society and world suffers because of the state of our men. A properly constructed Rites of Passages program develops men into their very best selves. It is a place of repair for the extensive damage done. It both builds and instills the qualities that produce the best examples of Fatherhood, Husband, and community Elder.
A Rites of Passage program provides a place for men to benefit from the wisdom of those who have dealt with challenges men face. Men need to learn what to eat, how to eat, and what to store in their homes. Men also learn the value of a good woman and how to treat her well. Men must learn how to care for and nurture himself. Men can benefit from wisdom on how to express themselves in the best way. It is also where men must learn how to mine the buried treasures out of themselves and most importantly, have fun doing it.
I encourage you to begin this process and change the course of your life for the better. Time has ushered in the need to return to this great and ancient process. The call for Rites of Passage to a higher level has reached you. Will you answer?
Joseph L Jones Jr / Yusuf Kaba Imhotep is a Wholistic life Consultant and Divine Life Realization Facilitator. He is the Vision Holder for the emerging MoundBuilder’s Development Center. Within the Earth SonSpirit Community, Yusuf serves as Site Administrator, Program Coordinator of Path Of Becoming A Man (an online Rites of Passage Program for men), and Host of ESS Council Fire – a monthly BlogTalk Radio Broadcast. His website is: http://www.moundbuilders.ws