Gene’s Story
I consciously departed from the dogma and doctrine of organized religion over a decade ago and began a spiritual search. I was in enough emotional pain to embrace the spiritual blueprint of recovery, which provided me with the support to give up, clean up, and be willing to grow up. Simultaneously, I began to practice yoga and meditation. Weaving these practices together provided great spiritual nourishment and a more authentic way of living with compassion. “Emotional sobriety” has been a touchstone of progress for me. Still, as my life began to shift radically and painful feelings of grief became prominent, I found lasting peace of mind to be very elusive.
Through the sacred rituals of the Men’s Rite of Passage (MROP), I experienced a profound sense of peace and a deep sense of community with my spiritual brothers.
During that time, I attended the 2015 MROP in Northern California. Through the sacred rituals of the Men’s Rite of Passage (MROP), I experienced a profound sense of peace and a deep sense of community with my spiritual brothers. Race, class, gender, sexual orientation, age, failures, successes, religious affiliations, and other ways we create divisions—all became insignificant before the loving truth that sustains us all.
The MROP provided a sacred space where I experienced the Luminous Presence of the Divine, which truly opened my heart and expanded my consciousness. The teachings continue to be pivotal and resilient sources of strength and grace in everyday life.
Recently, I attended Oracle, where I heard from our brothers in Europe, who held a spiritual weekend entitled "Brothers Beyond Borders." It got me thinking about how important it is to move beyond borders of all types. I envision an Illuman-hosted conversation entitled "Brown, Black, and Beige: Brothers Beyond Borders," where men can continue using our collective vulnerability to help heal one another and serve the world.
Consistently participating in this imperfect yet critical work provides a way of living that brings profound peace and more authentic Love in places where there was once only despair and grief. The plan is Love. The path is Love. The destination is Love. Love wins.
