Men & The Life of Desire

This presentation from March 11, 1990 featuring Robert Bly, James Hillman and Michael Meade addresses many of the unique challenges faced by men in the modern world.

I’ve listened to it many times over the years, and each time it offers new insights into what it means to be a healthy, mature man. I highly recommend this listen for both men and women who live with men — whether they’re their spouses, lovers or daughters.

In this recording, Bly, Hillman and Meade draw on mythology, storytelling, poetry and archetypal psychology to unravel and examine the complex issues around:

• what is desire and what role does it play in a man’s life?

• male power and purpose

• men resolving resentment toward their fathers

• forgiving and appreciating the father

• differentiating between the real father and the ideal father image

• the different roles mentors and fathers play in a man’s life

• men making their lovers into their mothers

• the necessity of rekindling imagination and vision for one’s life

• moving from boy consciousness to adult male consciousness

• tending to the wounded child within

• embodying the archetypal potentials of the King, Warrior, Magician, Lover, Trickster and Wild Man