“Since our fathers failed us we must commit to fathering ourselves and each other.” (Frederick Marx)
You may not know Asa Baber but you should. Baber wrote an influential column called “Men” in Playboy Magazine.
Asa Baber
Though he died in 2003, Baber left behind an inspirational body of literary work, much of it defining and advocating for the inner lives of men.
I want to do the same in the form of an advice column. Ann Landers for Men. No holds barred; all topics welcome: relationships, sex, dating, divorce, work, play… But updated to the 21st century. Which means incorporating all that we now know about men’s work from pioneers like Cliff Barry and shadow work, Robert Bly and mythopoesis, Robert Moore and archetypal energies, Joseph Campbell and the hero’s journey… Will it be New Agey? No. Will it incorporate what are considered to be new age ideas? Yes.
But it will always be grounded in everyday social and personal realities. I will bring my own frailties, mistakes, and lessons learned to every conversation, prefacing “what you might do” with “what’s worked for me.”
We know that fear is not an effective long-term motivational tool. So I won’t seek to make you afraid of repercussions for making the wrong choices. The emphasis will be on inspiration. Invoking men’s highest qualities is the best way to promote good behavior. Calling men to their greatness is the best way to instill leadership. Will there be humor? Yes. Will there be irreverence? Yes. Will there be compassion? Yes.
How can we as men maintain joyful, healthy living in the face of what might be the coming environmental, social, and economic collapse? We’ll learn together what my 22 years of men’s work and studies, my 30 years of Buddhist practice and studies, and my 60 years of life experience have to teach. Write me at [email protected]. All sources kept anonymous and confidential.
Asa Baber Poem
Each man is my Father
Each man is my Brother
Each man is my Son
Each man is my Leader
Each man is my Teacher
Each man is my Mirror
I will always remember it
I will always honor it
I will always accept it
My pledge is to men
To their safety and growth
My work is for men
And life is my goal
[See more about my spiritual warrior work with men via some of my best documentaries…]