In a continuation of the conversation with Dr. Peter Kellett about the mask of masculinity and how it affects men’s health and relationships, Peter discusses the powerful role masculine archetypes of can serve in both understanding men’s behaviour and understanding how to work with men in pursuit of personal and spiritual growth. He discusses the classic four archetypes of the mature masculine including: The King, The Warrior, The Magician, and the Lover. He also articulates a potentially new overarching archetype that he uses in his work, which is based on the ancient principle of Metta. Metta is a Pali word that means benevolence and loving kindness, and Peter suggests that if a man operates from a perspective of Metta masculinity, that he will essentially engage in a mature form of all the masculine archetypes in a way that is beneficial for him, those in his life, and society as a whole.
The conversation touches many topics including the tendency for immature masculinity to be portrayed in many media representations and within the system of patriarchy itself. We discuss a variety of examples including Will Smith’s notorious slap at the Oscars.
Dr. Kellett also discusses how men’s inauthenticity in their emotional presentation related to their quest to meet expectations of masculinity in society can lead to trapped trauma energy in their body. Therefore, somatic approaches to coaching and therapy can be very helpful to assist men to not only identify their trapped emotions but also process them in the pursuit of greater health, well-being, and growth.
At a time when many men are collectively confused about what it means to be a good man, Dr. Kellett suggests that exploring these archetypes of mature masculinity, including metta masculinity, can provide an ethical guide to engaging with the world. He further articulates the need for mature men to step forward as mentors to guide their sons and other boys and men through example.
About the Guest:
Dr. Peter Kellett’s vision for Metta Man Coaching, and its community, was born out of thousands of conversations he has had with men who share similar struggles and feelings, and the recognition that many men are reluctant to talk about these topics or don't have a safe space to be vulnerable and work through these issues in their own lives.
Peter is a men's coach, men's health and well-being expert, registered nurse, researcher, Reiki practitioner, lightworker, and empath who has spent much of his career studying and teaching about men's health and well-being, while concurrently navigating depression, anxiety, divorce, relationships, career changes, leadership, co-parenting, blending families, and overcoming feelings of never being enough.
Peter hopes that Metta Man will provide a forum to discuss a range of issues that men face in their lives and that sharing his expertise and insights through this community and coaching will help other men navigate their own challenges more easily.
Peter brings a lot of life experience to this work. While he is currently living in Alberta, Canada, he has lived in three countries (U.K., Canada, and the U.S.) and has worked as a nurse in multiple settings, as a leader in health care, and as a university professor and researcher. Most recently he has been developing his skills and practice as a transformational somatic men's coach and as a Reiki energy practitioner. He is married to his wonderful wife Tanya, and is a parent to three young men and a young woman (two from his first marriage and two step-sons from his second). He loves music of all types, movies, reading, and soaking in source energy while hiking with his Sheepadoodles Walter and Maggie, and kayaking in nature.
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