TNMU #215: Why We Need Ceremony with Eric Browning

Ceremony is not part of our society in the way it used to be, especially when it comes to the passage of a boy into manhood. Our guest today is tying to change that. Returning to the show for a deep dive into why we need ceremony is Eric Browning. Along with being a father and a husband, he’s the founder of Sand 2 Stone which helps fathers guide their sons on their journey to becoming the men they were created to be.   Website: http://sand2stone.us Email: [email protected]   Expanded Notes: A boy needs a man to guide him into manhood; in a post-industrial revolution society this no longer happens naturally as a boy works along side his dad Ceremony happens in a sacred space, something different than common space; it marks something special and memorable As boys grow and mature, ceremonies help them mark those transitions and honor their increased capacity to understand and act A boy’s relationship with his mom also needs attention, allowing for separation and transition, especially around the 12-13 age timeframe Rite of passage can either move a boy toward rebellion or toward independence; don’t outsource the responsibility to guide your son toward his independence A good place to start is to gather with a few other like-minded men and fathers and start talking about what it means to be a man Additional steps include blessing your son, making a commitment (covenant) with him, model for him active faith in God, and then find a natural time in his development to call him into manhood Book resources:  The Power of Moments by Dan Heath & Chip Heath Raising a Modern Day Knight by Robert Lewis The Intentional Father by Jon Tyson The Manhood Formation Plan pdf resource