Sorry for the lack of posting. I have been away for a retreat on love and intimacy, back for a couple of days, and then off again to visit my parents.
The retreat was fantastic; learned so much about myself, and matters such as nonverbal communication, opening up my vulnerabilities, and trust. I felt a deep connection with many people at the event; it was a self-selecting group, I suppose. We were all there because we wanted something deeper out of our lives. All of us seemed to be on a journey of self-discovery. Mile High, you are right on when you say it usually takes a crisis to jolt us off the auto-pilot path from childhood. The price may be my/our marriage, but I have to say I'm still caught up in this inward journey. The retreat was one of the best things I've ever done in my life, and I highly recommend something similar to you.
Mile High, you might also like Terrence Real's book "I Don't Wan to Talk About It: Overcoming the Legacy of Male Depression." To make a long story short, he writes, about "covert depression," which he believes afflicts many of us men as a result of socialization patterns in childhood and/or messages from society. The covert depression is a mask we wear to cover up trauma from childhood. That trauma, he believes, can be the result of a specific act, or from "passive trauma," which he refers to as emotional neglect from our fathers. Covert depression manifests itself in one or more of several ways, which might include workaholic behavior, alcoholism/drug/sex addiction, and/or emotional distance. Only when the trauma is directly confronted can healing begin. It's a powerful book, one that hit very close to home for me in several respects.
IMP, my team is 0-2!!!! Hit some bad luck with my oppenents' defenses scoring big. I like my players, just can't seem to get the right groove yet! How is your team?
