A MAN'S LEGACY
...let me take a moment to thank the men who, in the absence of fathers, uncles, elders who did not step up to the plate —thank you stepping up to the plate today. You inspire me.
Apprenticeship to Love: September 24, 2025
- Today’s questions: Are you aware of the things you take for granted? Your privileges? And to what good purpose to you turn these unearned gifts?
- Today's suggested practice: There will be a moment or two, or more, today when you will notice how damned lucky you are, to be born in this moment, in this body, in this neighbourhood, this country. Relish the moment. Don't let it slip, taken for granted. Breathe into it, and wonder: How may I turn this blessing to good purpose?
Rev. Hans Peter Meyer
Click on my name and join me in the fairly quiet space that is the Apprenticeship to Love Signal chat group. I’d love to hear about your experiences with this short desire practice.
VIDEO
TODAY'S MEDITATION
I am angry. And yes, ashamed.
Why? Because I’m not doing a very good job.
But before I continue, let me take a moment to thank the men who, in the absence of fathers, uncles, elders who did not step up to the plate —thank you stepping up to the plate today. You inspire me.
That said, there is very good reason for me, as men in my 60s, to feel regret and shame. Unfortunately, I’m not alone. Too few of us are carrying the burden. We’ve left that as our legacy for younger men and boys.
Our patrimony, that these younger men and boys should feel confused about how to be a man. Angry even at women and girls for somehow knowing how to be who they are.
Shame on us. Indeed.
…
I’m sorry. Please forgive me.
If you’re a younger man, let’s say in your 30s or younger, or if you're a boy, please accept my apologies.
I’ve let you down.
Yes, I have “good excuses.”
But really, these excuses mean nothing.
I’ve grown up with privileges, I’ve been aware of these privileges, and I’ve done very little to use them for anyone’s benefit but my own.
Yes, I’ve been aware of the privileges I’ve enjoyed, the iniquities visited on those who haven’t enjoyed the benefits of being born a white, middle-class male in North America. Aware, but not as aware as I could be. But really, it’s been there for me to know. Right in front of me. If I chose to bother.
Mostly I didn’t. Even when women have been gently turning my face towards the knowing since I’ve been a very young man. No wonder there is anger in so many women, and in people of any colour other than white, etc etc etc. I’ve gotten off easy. But I see the young men who are today paying the price of me not being held to account. So, yes. I am sorry. Please forgive me.
…
So, what other patrimony can I offer? You are suffering or carrying the shame that is rightfully mine. How can I now let you know that I take this seriously?
First, I want you to feel safely held. Your skin, like mine, is thin. Tender to touch. Your heart, too. It aches to be held and known.
And then, I want you to fully blossom your hurt and your anger and your shame into something beautiful. How can I help you turn this into the gift you are to this world?
I’m working on it. It’s why I learn what I do. It’s why I teach what I do.
…
What I know: This moment of anger with myself will pass. I will settle into my work of making peace with the world. I will commit to leaving a legacy that I am not ashamed to leave you, dear men.
As I do this work I bow to those who teach me. Some men, and so many women. People who’ve trusted me to be more than my privileges.
TODAY’S INSPIRATIONS
🌀Any improvements you make in your life are temporary. So you're screwed if you actually think that what life is about is improving your life, because you're automatically deprived of that, Absolutely and automatically you lose. (David Deida)
🌀Don't seek, don't search, don't ask, don't knock, don't demand-relax. If you relax, it comes. If you relax, it is there. If you relax, you start vibrating with it. (Osho)
🌀 Before you make love, meditate.
Never make love without meditating, otherwise the love will remain sexual.
Before you meet the woman you should rise higher in your consciousness because then the meeting will happen on a higher plane... (Osho)
🌀 If you only ever move at the speed of your woman's authentic opening, she will always trust you sexually. (justin patrick pierce)
🌀…tolerate your limitlessness; accommodate the same in others; realize "reality" is a habit of current thinking, just patterns in the un-expanded models of time. Expand your model to such a degree that it welcomes the changes that will automatically occur in others… (Guru Singh)
🌀You are beautiful. (My beloved. My Oracle)
SIGNAL CHAT
If you have thoughts about this meditation on the crooked path of sacred marriage, please join me on the Signal Apprenticeship to Love chat group.
