by Ed Gurowitz,
In MKP we initiate into mission, work on ourselves, being there for each other, and collectively taking responsibility for healing the world, one man at a time. MKP is composed of circles – I-Groups, communities, areas, leadership tracks. All the circles together comprise a Community. What could an MKP Community be?
What would it mean to not only take responsibility for healing the world, but to be in action for it? The great humanitarian Albert Schweitzer said “I don’t know what your destiny will be, but I do know that those among you who will be truly happy are those who have learned how to serve.” He also said “Existence will thereby become harder for [he who serves] in every respect than it would be if he lived for himself. But at the same time it will be richer, more beautiful, and happier. It will become, instead of mere living, a real experience of life.”
I believe that being initiated in the NWTA, then doing my work in I-Group would constitute “living for myself,” but I don’t do just that – like most MKP men I also support my brothers in I-Group and in trainings in doing their work, and in my professional life I bring what I’ve gained in MKP to companies and organizations. Yet something is missing for me. When I think about MKP – over 6,000 men in almost 700 I-Groups – I wonder what we might accomplish in the world, at every level – I-Groups, Communities, Areas, and MKP USA. What impact could all of our circles have on society and on the world?
At the local level, with the holidays approaching, what if your I-Group took on a food pantry or warm clothing drive and committed to its being successful? What if a Community took on homelessness in its city or a blood drive where it was needed? What if an area took on a statewide or regional need – water conservation, fire prevention, you name it? MKP USA has led the way under incoming Chair Julien Devereux in partnering with National Suicide Prevention Day last month. I challenge each of us to start the conversation in our I-Groups, Communities, and Areas to take on real, impactful action in the world that honors all our circles and the impact we, as awake men, have in the world.
Ed G.
Till next time, Aho!
Out with Gratitude,
Ed Gurowitz
