This week on The New Man, Tripp and I continue our talk with LiYana Silver, relationship expert about how to find deeper connection through intimacy.

LiYana brings her fresh and intense approach to relationship and gives tripp and I some helpful advice on how to get what we want in our romantic relationships, and get closer to our partners in the process.

I spent the weekend in San Francisco at the Authentic Man Program workshop.  I went out there intending to help with production of the event.  Lucky (i think;) for me, there was an extra spot and they threw me in to fully experience what AMP is all about.  Boy did I get it!

AMP markets to guys having trouble in relationships or in meeting women.  Fair enough, this is a big challenge for most guys and a pretty good motivator to get in there and do some work on themselves. 

I personally don't have much trouble meeting women, or getting into relationship, but I am single, and deep conection can be a challenge for me.  I always thought this was because I had not met the right woman.  That might be part of it, but I uncovered something I had never known about myself that is a key contributor to this situation.

It seems pretty simple to me now, I close off my heart.  My core wound, or shadow issue is expressed as a guardedness, mistrust and defense.  I let people in, but only so far.  I have created complex systems of defenses to keep people at a distance where this shadow side of me does not have to feel threatened.  The result--I don't feel anything.

The expert facilitators at the AMP program have put together a brilliant series of exercises and experiences designed to explore the parts of ourselves that are hidden, in effort to achieve more wholeness, Integrity, appreciation and presense.  it works.

I was blown wide open.  I had no idea this shadow was coloring my worldview so strongly.  This is the singlemost transformative shadow-work intensive I have ever been a part of. 

I realize this is a state experience, and old habits can and will rise up and challenge this openness I am currently experiencing.  Now that I have seen what is possible, I am setting up practices to support this work, that I will continue for the rest of my life.

From this place meeting and talking with women seems effortless.  I am excited to explore deeper relationships with everyone in my life, and invite new relationships.  I am in touch with my passion and feeling it fuel everything I do.  It's good.  I recommend this work to everyone,,,,wholeheartedly.

Is your career really aligned with your life's purpose? How important is a man's purpose in life when choosing a career?

This week we sit down with Marty Nemko, Career Editor for U.S. News and World Report and Kiplingers.com and get his unique perspective on career and the popular stereotype of men.

Marty brings a no-nonsense approach to his career advice, but there is wisdom in his perspective. He tells us what the most rewarding careers have in common and what to look for when seeking that perfect job. He flips conventional wisdom on its head and looks at the truth behind the flashy careers like doctors and lawyers and why these may not be the best paths to a rewarding life.

Marty is also passionate about how men are seen in today's western society. He argues that the portrayal of men as incompetent, aggressive, and powerless is not only inaccurate, but is having a harmful effect of the psyche of men and buys.

Listen as he shares with us what he has learned from a lifetime of writing and research on professional life and specifically men's roles in society.

Dan Taslitz is a war veteran. He served on the front lines in the Iraq war in Marine reconnaissance in some of the most extremely high stress, high pressure situations. When someone goes through an experience like this, their brain and body adapt in order to survive.

How does that adaptation translate into normal life when a soldier, like Dan, returns from the battlefield?

Its not always easy.

Dan paid close attention to his experience and the changes that were occurring for him. He made a successful transition back into society, translating his stress into strength. He has developed an intimate understanding of the traumatic experience.

He brings this wisdom to his work with OneFreedom.org to help integrate soldiers into society after their service in battle. Dan helps soldiers resource their strength and learn to adapt in the face of challenges.

Listen as Dan shares his warriors journey through intensity towards integration.

Resources:

- www.onefreedom.org
- www.magisgroup.com