For the Degenerate Man, Creation is Redemption
There is a crystalline, liquid, and clear energy that characterizes the man that is at his fullest. When finances, sex, or society no longer diminish the full spirituality of his being, there is true centeredness and wellness. While this may be the case of a select few, many men find themselves to be less than that ideal. The weight of the world, expectations, and desire diminish the inner vitality of the spirit.
In a vain effort to give life to the heart that seeks true aliveness, ineffective alternatives to true integration are pursued. The accumulation of wealth and sexual prowess are but some outlets through which a man tries to justify himself. There is always a sense of having to perform, of having to prove something to the world, that diminishes the vibrance required for joy. It becomes easier for the unaligned man to pursue excessive work and pleasure, going from one extreme to the other, rather than find balance and joy in a life well-lived.
There are two personalities of degeneration that to me are keen: the shadow king and the spineless miser. The shadow king is the man who has an alpha mentality that is beyond what masculinity requires. Of course, aggression and independence are great qualities to have, but the type of mentality that I see being promoted is one that pretends not to need anyone. It is deemed more powerful to harden the heart than to soften it and be vulnerable. The true freedom that could be found in allowing the heart to bleed is never found because the shadow king is bound by self-obsession. On the other side, the spineless miser is the man who desires to be the shadow king. The spineless miser cannot even reach the level of self-respect to find the success that gives the alpha type a semblance of pride and fulfillment. The spineless have a different form of obsession, one that is a product of delusions and fantasies that prevent him from engaging with reality. This type of man will not even deem himself worthy of being the alpha, as he is lost in the feelings of his own depravity and listlessness.
I think that after some time, when wisdom is allowed to flourish, both the shadow king and the spineless realize the lack of vibrance in their lives. When the focus goes from looking inward to true engagement outward, there is a chance to give the gift that would lead to freedom. This gift is the act of creation, a concept that we often misconstrue. We fail to give the first fruits of our mind because we are selfishly trying to use them for our own personal gain. Creativity is only seen in the lens of becoming famous or making money, and the true gift that is inherent within this action is lost. The act of generation is necessary to let go of the escapism and gloom that characterize our age. Most of us have become consumers addicted to the storylines and arcs that have been artificially created for us. We never craft our own story, and legend dies at an early age. To begin to restore wonder is the path to peace.
When the degenerate begins to pursue creation and end self-obsession, there are numerous benefits. First, he begins to let go of the mental burden of his own inadequacy. Through the application of the mind in more useful tasks, there is no time or energy to dwindle on personal failures. Through constant momentum, psychological rebirth can occur. If only to make a man better and to forge him through fire, even the attempt to create can be enough to find personal salvation. Second, the degenerate can begin to feel disgust for his former ways and attachments. His fantasies and illusions no longer serve him, and ego-induced escapades would only dampen his newfound joy. A sense of fulfillment leads to a lighter mind, which in turn is more inclined to think of the wellness of others. Lastly, there is greater effectiveness in other realms of life that were once points of pain. When the heart is clear and true power is found, no sense of self-doubt or worthlessness can invade the soul.
Staring into the eyes of many a man will reveal a sense of lack or of purpose. If not, there is listlessness or indifference. The stout stature of spiritedness and grace are rare gifts that need to be cultivated. Then can businesses be fixed, the heart of women more inclined to trust men, and the desperation of society removed. It begins with taking up the pen and the brush when everything within is telling you it’s worthless.
