In this episode, Joseph interviews Arnold Westphal, the Executive Director and Workshop Presenter at Breakthrough for Men, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting men in leading more fulfilling lives. Arnold shares that Breakthrough for Men's mission is to help men uncover their aliveness and deepen their relationships by providing tools and practices for living with more authenticity and love.
When asked why he chose to dedicate his time to this mission, Arnold explains that he personally felt a sense of disconnection and wanted to find more meaning in his life. Through his own experience with the Breakthrough community, he discovered a set of tools and practices that transformed his relationships and every aspect of his life.
He became passionate about helping other men live more authentically and lovingly, and it became a calling for him. Arnold goes on to explain that Breakthrough for Men focuses on men because societal expectations and cultural conditioning often prevent men from expressing their emotions and being vulnerable. The workshop helps men challenge these expectations and create deeper connections with themselves and others.
He emphasizes the importance of providing a safe and confidential environment where men can share their feelings and be met with acceptance and non-judgment. Joseph raises the point that societal views on masculinity have been changing, and it is now more acceptable for men to have open and vulnerable conversations. Arnold acknowledges this but also points out that there is still a level of vulnerability that many men are hesitant to embrace.
He believes that men have been taught to medicate their feelings and have not been taught the deeper process of being truly intimate. The workshop helps men move beyond the surface level vulnerability and develop a deeper understanding of themselves and their emotions.
Arnold shares some of the tools and topics covered in the workshop, including recognizing one's inherent worth and value, exploring childhood traumas and their impact on adult behavior, and learning the language to talk about emotions and needs. He mentions the "Five A's" of love in action: attention, acceptance, appreciation, affection, and allowing.
These concepts are explored in depth during the workshop, and men are encouraged to practice giving themselves love first before extending it to others. In conclusion, Arnold emphasizes that Breakthrough for Men aims to empower men to live more deeply and authentically, which in turn positively impacts their relationships, families, and communities. He believes that by breaking free from societal expectations and embracing vulnerability, men can create a more compassionate and loving world.
Arnold and Joseph discuss the impact of the Breakthrough Workshop on personal growth and relationships. Arnold shares how the workshop helps individuals show up better in their relationships with children, family members, and colleagues. He emphasizes the importance of seeing women as equals and creating a human-to-human world. The workshop takes 26 weeks to complete and focuses on self-exploration and building skills.
Arnold also highlights the community aspect of the workshop, with check-ins and support from partners. He explains that the workshop is accessible to all, regardless of financial situation, and encourages donations to support their mission. Arnold expresses the desire to expand the reach of the workshop through online content and partnerships with other organizations. He invites engagement through applying for the workshop, making donations, sharing resources, and connecting with interested organizations.
The conversation concludes with the importance of self-esteem in loving others and the transformative power of vulnerability.