Today’s episode is the 2nd installment of my “Being a Man” series.This is an intimate 1on1 between me and you, the listener. I will present ideas on “living” on “being” (as in Being A Man) that I find useful in my own life. Being A Man episodes are: part older brother insight, part theoretical sandbox, and part Gay Elder pontificating.These are ideas I’ve cobbled together from just paying attention during my life, from doing my own personal work with therapists, from writing my memoir, from belonging to different kinds of fraternal groups, from meditation and yoga, and from doing men’s work in the ManKind Project.These are not “BE a man” episodes, they are BEING a Man episode. I’m not telling you what to do to prove you’re a man. I’m sharing insight on “being”, the inward reflections of a conscious man who knows what he wants and how to get it. Use the parts that work for you and leave the rest. Your authenticity is the only tool required, and a heart-centered connection with yourself, with other gay men, and with your own chosen communities is the goal. “Being A Man” episodes are wrapped up in a cool three-letter acronym. “BAM” So you can find the Being A Man episodes easily in the feed by looking for the BAM heading. Enjoy the show.We talked about: Do you think of the Gay Men’s Comunity as YOUR community? [2:18]Sacred Pause [5:03]Mission, Vision, Proposition, Declaration [10:58]Oppression to Celebration [13:07]Resources mentioned in this episode: The Sacred Pause concept, as explained by Tara Brach in her book Radical Acceptance.“Living in My Zone of Genius” outlined in the book “The 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership” by Jim Dethmer.Mike's memoir, called “Drama Club”.Get connected! Subscribe to my newsletter on our website.Email me directly at mike@gerlemen.com. Or join the conversation on Facebook.And, for your viewing pleasure, find us on YouTube. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mikegerle.substack.com/subscribe