FEBRUARY 27, 2023
How many times have you looked back at your younger self through the lens of the wisdom you have now and thought - "If only I could tell myself ___"
For parents it's a daily event. Looking at mini versions of ourselves, seeing the oh-so-familiar mistakes and desperately wanting to impart the wisdom we've gained over the years. And then, now that you have enough experience to appreciate the role of a mentor, there's also those moments where you wish that there was someone to ask questions - someone to help you on the next chapter of the story - "If only they could tell me ___"
Arne Rubinstein, the CEO and founder of the Rites of Passage Institute, and our guest on today's podcast describe life as a series of steps. We move up these steps and each one is a small milestone. Sometimes there are BIG milestones - but so often, our existing social structures lack the collective social awareness to celebrate and acknowledge these very important steps.
Arne describes how, in the absence of genuine and meaningful rites of passage for young men and women, they set about creating their own rites of passage. Something primal inside KNOWS that they need it - and yet, unfortunately, so many of these rites of passage end up being unhealthy displays of adulthood.
Excessive drinking - Dangerous driving - Illicit sex and drug use - the list goes on - how to go higher, faster, further - how can I prove to the world and to myself that I am a 'man' or 'woman'. That's the internal cry that many young people (and many adults) are seeking to fulfil.
In this episode you'll find a deep dossier of Arne's insight and wisdom on the importance of rites of passage in our society and some great advice for parents, educators and other social impact leaders.
LINKS FROM THE EPISODE:
