The Quest for Mature Masculinity

Book excerpt: In the Quest for Mature Masculinity, Taylor Ellwood asks the question, "What does it mean to be a man?" and takes readers on a quest to find the answer. Taylor shares his own ongoing journey to answer this question, while also drawing on spiritual, embodied and primal aspects of the masculine to share how men can move out of the toxic patterns of macho masculinity or nice guy syndrome toward an embodied and present masculinity. Traditional and patriarchal systems of masculinity have taught men to push their emotions down, while putting on a front that everything is fine, but its not fooling anyone, and its leaving men behind and alone. Taylor shares why we need to deconstruct the traditional narratives of masculinity, and in the process step into embodied awareness and leadership and spiritual connection with ourselves and the people around us. In this book you will learn: To define your own relationship with your inner masculine from a conscious and embodied perspective. To explore how ancestral family patterns have contributed to the masculine experience and why these patterns need to be dissolved. How to recognize and undo Toxic masculine patterns of behavior. How to develop a self-love practice that enables you to validate and empower yourself. This book shows men how they can help create a safer, and better world by working on themselves, connecting with other men, and showing up for the important relationships in their lives with a fully present awareness of themselves. The goal of this book is to help men unlock their hearts, be honest about their desires and fears, and in the process find meaningful purpose that contributes to the world.