article by Matthew E. Mitchell

California- About 14 years ago I became aware that there were parts of myself that were incomplete. I was raised with four sisters and two mothers. Growing up, my best friends were mostly women. Although I had men friends, I didn’t feel comfortable with them in the same way I did with my women friends. Something inwardly told me that I needed to explore that, and heal it. I decided to form a Men’s Group.

I chose four men that I had come to know through my spiritual practice. It was helpful that we knew each other, and that we had similar values and beliefs. The issues we wanted to address ranged from our mistrust of other men to un-healed “wounds” around the relationships with our fathers. Even though we came together as friends, none of us could have predicted the bond of respect and love that would develop.

We decided that there would be no permanent leader. Each meeting two members of the group would set the agenda, research the topics, come up with the exercises, and facilitate the group. It worked out very well because everyone took his duties seriously. All of the men had experienced some kind of therapy or seminar work. The techniques and exercises that were offered for our exploration were powerful and insightful. As the years went by, the group began to grow. It reached thirteen members by the time I left two years later. The group continued on for another three years.

The benefits I received from being in that men’s group were vast. My mistrust and fear of other men was replaced with respect, compassion and a genuine bond. I came to embrace other men and, and wanted to know their dreams, and their goals. My relationships with men deepened and multiplied. I came to a new level of love, and acceptance with my father. Our relationship is strong and affectionate to this day.

My experience with that group was one of the most transforming experiences of my life. Yet, if you are looking to join a group so that it will bring you some of the gifts mentioned above, consider this: Like everything else in life, you will only be served if you are willing to bring everything YOU are to the group.

**Matthew Mitchell speaks to companies and organizations about being more effective in what they do by working in harmony with “higher principals”. He has a consulting practice, teaching negotiation skills to the fortune 100. As someone who believes in the power of integrating seemingly diverse schools of thought, he has been invited to speak at national and international business and spiritual events.

Matthew resides in Santa Fe, New Mexico with his wife, Deborah and dog, Bodhi.

To contact him call: (505) 988-9595.

To learn more about his background, visit: www.matthewmitchell.com