These truths I hold…

…to be self-evident

1. Knowledge is the true gold medal in life; coming from anywhere, anyone at anytime. I will seek to learn something new everyday.
2. Open communication is the only form of communication. That which will always come with a cost.
3. Canada is my home. From coast-to-coast-to-coast. And we rule when it comes to hockey!
4. Creative content needs to be free; its creator to be respected. Respect and protect are two VERY different motivators.
5. Karma will be the ultimate decider when we are called to be judged.
6. Personal development is just that, personal. What is shared, at the time, is shared for the benefit of all.
7. I am Canadian!

I appreciate that some of my more recent posts have taken on a more personal-theme, be it pensive, be it reflective – it is where I am in my life at the moment. I have had a lot to look into recently, whether it is by my own volition or through the help and guidance of others. Music, talks over coffee, long walks in the rain, time spent quietly pondering the questions that surface in my mind: all these act as some form of catalyst. And I am glad for it to come to me this way – I don’t think I would have learnt from it (and continue to learn by it) any other way.

I will now try to flesh out some of these points further…

Knowledge is the true gold medal in life.

This has to be pretty evident to one and all. If I’m not willing to learn, my mind will not be open to the infinite ideas that whiz around me at the speed of light. Some ideas I may not agree with and some I will defend passionately. It’s all a matter of perception. It’s naive to think that resolution will come about in some form, but at least there can be understanding (and respect for the other side gained).

The sky is blue, the grass is green these are quite literally the most self-evident truths, but being receptive to hear even the antithesis of these will allow me to keep a much boarder, more open perspective of the world. I see no sense in getting lost and tangled in the vagaries of life – rise above them.

Open communication is the only form of communication.

This obviously has the potential to come with heavy costs. But I’d rather have the risk versus than the reward of just towing the line. Of course timing and delivery all needs to be considered, and if not done precisely the way I want, I hope time will heal most misunderstandings (if not all) – I hope.

Canada is my home. From coast-to-coast-to-coast.

You need only look for Canada in the news over the last 2 1/2 weeks to get a sense of how much my/our young country has changed. I am so proud of my fellow Canadians – even more proud than I may have ever acknowledged personally. We have much more to give and will keep on giving, given the chance to do so. Not only in sports but in every aspect of life: culture, commerce and industry. Canada, as a nation is beginning to see their true potential. I believe.

Kevin Newman, spoke truthfully and openly about what the Games meant to him at the conclusion of yesterday’s Global National newscast [video]. It spoke to me and should speak to all Canadians – it was a call to arms really:

Our athletes, the people of Vancouver and Whistler, and their organising committee have given this country a gift with these games. We’ve been struggling with how to inspire ourselves to great projects, how to unite in purpose, how to engage young Canadians, and maybe even doubted that we could.

But these athletes and this city have shown us the way. Canadians will rise, and unite, when inspired and entrusted to. The aspiration to win is there, if we’re not afraid to declare it.

When that snowboarder in the Opening Ceremonies flew through the rings and landed; then swaggered to the crowd with confidence to declare these games open, he was introducing us to the Canadians we would be these three weeks, and now have the chance to become: bolder, badder, ready to compete with the world’s best. And this is who we need to be in the digital economy.

In a linked world that rewards creative energy, and innovation and risk, we’ve discovered that Canadian values grow sharper when tested, our culture attaches more firmly to our hearts. These Olympics have given us so much joy, so many instant friendships; so much beautiful, powerful, positive energy. So our task and the challenge to our leaders couldn’t be more clear:

Find a way to keep the flame alive in us.

Creative content needs to be free.

This is a recent realisation. But over the past couple of years, I am beginning to recognise that culture is best left to grow and flourish unrestricted. It all came about having read Lawrence Lessig’s Remix (published by Bloomsbury Academic) and seeing the possibilities the expression of art has if it is harnessed under a set of protective tools that respects the creator’s intentions. I even wrote my thesis on it and continue to try and keep up-to-speed on the debate. As a result, while even working in publishing (and understanding the importance of copyright), I believe the authors’ wishes need to be taken over the bottom line of the company.

Yes, of course, some creators get into it for only the reward of money, but so many more create for the sake of creating, sharing and expression – this is why I believe in the work done here.

Karma will be the ultimate decider - ’nuff said.

Skipping six and going straight for seven (you’re going to love this!)

I AM CANADIAN!

What I’m talking about…

…when I’m talking about Men’s Groups!

It’s been a process, trying to discover what it is in my life that I want. Finding a purpose is never easy. Seeking your desires, being clear about them and sticking to them with conviction can be hard for a twenty-something year old male. You have to make what you stand for count – for you most importantly!

I’ve been really impressed with some of the work others are doing with their own personal development recently.

Curiosity was raised came via my brother back in Canada; as a social worker specializing in men’s issues and domestic abuse towards men I never really understood what it was he really did. But if I’m honest I used to feel that when I spoke to him, I was speaking to the social worker more often than my brother.

This created barriers and suspicion in my own mind, but recently he tipped me towards a new way of taking ownership of my emotions because of the shit that’s been happening in my life recently: break-ups, break downs (in relating to my other brother), and just trying to deal with all the negative emotions and thoughts running around my head. It was a tumultous process, still on-going, and if I’m honest I haven’t been as present in my life as I’d like to be.
Until now!

Clearly, with a little research, a men’s group isn’t all about sitting in a circle and expressing your feelings (or naval-gazing, as some might say). It’s more about recognizing the opportunities to challenge yourself, rising up with your peers by your side and being called on your bullshit (or empty pledges) – finding guys to be true with.  I honestly think if more men had access to these groups the world would be a different place.

Which is why I’m excited to have been made aware of just that kind of opportunity available here in Oxford, and it’s really all thanks to The New Man Podcast and the work Tripp Lanier has been delivering for over 10 years.

Now you may or may not be aware of the recent “controversy” stirred up when Alex Linsley, a Oxford University student, took to the airwaves (YouTube Video at the bottom of page) to explain why it was he started a men’s group. Compare this to the ideas he presents when he isn’t being grilled by the national media. It’s certainly inspired me to take things forward with my own development. I just need to find the right group of guys to challenge me to be better.

Beginning to see the forest for the trees, I can see there’s more to my life and my situation. I’ve recognised that a lot of my life has been spent trying to please others (for one reason or the other), taking their considerations ahead of my own. It has, at times, really kicked me in the ass too. I know I’ve made mistakes, I try to take ownership of them, but you’d think I would have learned by those mistakes already – sadly not. But now I’m starting to ask what it is I want out of my life, preparing to move in the direction I want, finding out what’s important to me and how I can achieve those goals! What do I want to take a stand for?

Turns out that I’ve really had a group of men to bond with all along…

The Rise of Publishing Men Together

Starting my career in book publishing, studying at Oxford Brookes, I met a group of guys who at first were more social acquaintances: meeting for beers, watching the football, and ‘shooting the breeze’ (as it goes). However over the last three years, we’ve all graduated and found jobs, but still remain in contact; I think this has allowed our sociability to come more rooted in an honest-form of friendship. Hell, a friendship can’t get more rooted more when two of you are living together! So if they’re willing to develop further and go beyond the surface, I think we could really explore our true desires, find out what we’re each looking for in life.

Publishing Men Together est. 2007

Now plans are obviously still in development but as we continue to move forward we all recognize that we want to make more of a contribution to our industry. This is including a fundraising drive for literacy. Plans are being shaped and research is being done, so through this blog and another (I’m sure I will create) I will keep you updated.

Thanks for reading.