Battle Cry

1. Escape Emotional Incarceration: Embrace Your Full Range of Emotions

Emotions [are] like Ping-Pong balls under water. You can only hold them down for so long before one pops up unexpectedly—and often uncontrollably.

Emotional suppression is harmful. Many men have been conditioned to hide their emotions, especially those perceived as "weak" or "unmanly." This leads to emotional incarceration, where men become disconnected from their true feelings and struggle to express themselves authentically.

Embrace emotional freedom. To break free from emotional incarceration:

• Recognize and acknowledge all your emotions, both positive and negative
• Practice expressing your feelings in healthy ways
• Seek support from trusted friends, family, or professionals
• Use tools like the Feeling Wheel to identify and articulate your emotions accurately

By embracing your full range of emotions, you can live a more fulfilling life, improve your relationships, and reduce the risk of mental health issues and destructive behaviors.

2. Redefine Masculinity: Become a Comprehensive Man

A comprehensive man embraces all of his emotions so he can express them rather than be ruled by them.

Challenge traditional masculinity. Society often defines masculinity in narrow terms, emphasizing strength, stoicism, and aggression while discouraging vulnerability and sensitivity. This limited view can be harmful to men's emotional and mental well-being.

Embrace comprehensive manhood. To become a comprehensive man:

• Cultivate both traditionally masculine and feminine traits
• Allow yourself to be strong and vulnerable, courageous and compassionate
• Express your emotions freely and authentically
• Nurture your relationships and prioritize emotional connections

By embracing a more holistic view of masculinity, you can develop stronger relationships, improve your mental health, and live a more authentic and fulfilling life.

3. Cultivate Inner Peace Through Mindfulness and Combat Communication

Peace has to be in us before it can be around us.

Develop inner peace. True peace isn't the absence of conflict but the ability to remain calm and centered in the midst of life's challenges. Cultivating inner peace requires intentional practice and mindfulness.

Practice mindfulness and effective communication:

• Use the Shalach meditation technique to release stress and negative emotions
• Implement the "four Rs": Reflect, Release, Reset, and Rest
• Apply combat communication principles in conflicts:
  • Listen actively to understand the other person's perspective
  • Remain calm and composed while addressing issues
  • Respond thoughtfully rather than reacting emotionally
  • Seek mutually beneficial solutions

By developing these skills, you can maintain inner peace and navigate conflicts more effectively in all areas of your life.

4. Abandon Shadow Missions to Fulfill Your True Purpose

A shadow mission is an unaccomplished goal or unfulfilled desire that we continue to pursue, even when it is detrimental and hinders us from walking in the Most High's present will for our lives.

Identify shadow missions. These are pursuits that may align with your talents or past successes but no longer serve your true purpose. They can keep you stuck in the past and prevent you from embracing new opportunities for growth and fulfillment.

Align with your true purpose:

• Reflect on your current goals and motivations
• Identify pursuits that may be holding you back or causing harm
• Let go of outdated dreams or expectations that no longer serve you
• Seek guidance through prayer, meditation, or counseling to discern your true calling
• Embrace new opportunities that align with your authentic self and values

By abandoning shadow missions, you free yourself to pursue your true purpose and live a more meaningful and fulfilling life.

5. Overcome Passivity: Assert Yourself with Courage and Compassion

Aggression is untamed power, but assertiveness is a calculated action that keeps you in an advantageous position.

Recognize the dangers of passivity. Many men, especially those of faith, struggle with passivity due to misunderstandings about humility or fear of conflict. This can lead to resentment, unfulfilled needs, and missed opportunities.

Cultivate healthy assertiveness:

• Distinguish between aggression, passivity, and assertiveness
• Practice expressing your needs, opinions, and boundaries clearly and respectfully
• Stand up for yourself and others when faced with injustice or mistreatment
• Balance assertiveness with empathy and compassion for others
• Remember that assertiveness is a skill that can be developed with practice

By overcoming passivity and developing healthy assertiveness, you can advocate for yourself, improve your relationships, and make a positive impact in your community.

6. Master Sexual Self-Control for Healthier Relationships

If you're searching for a Proverbs 31 woman, you won't be able to find her until you become a Proverbs 31 man.

Recognize the importance of sexual self-control. Lack of sexual self-control can lead to broken relationships, fatherless children, and perpetuation of harmful stereotypes about women and masculinity.

Develop sexual integrity:

• Challenge societal messages that objectify women or promote promiscuity
• Treat women with respect and view them as equal partners, not objects
• Practice self-discipline in thoughts and actions
• If married, cultivate intimacy and emotional connection with your spouse
• If single, focus on developing your character and preparing for a committed relationship
• Seek accountability and support from trusted friends or mentors

By mastering sexual self-control, you can build healthier relationships, strengthen your family, and contribute to a more respectful society.

7. Accept Affirmation: Heal from Past Wounds and Embrace Self-Love

When we do not love ourselves, we eventually start condemning ourselves.

Overcome barriers to receiving affirmation. Many men struggle to accept praise or love due to past wounds, especially from father figures. This can lead to self-condemnation and difficulty in forming healthy relationships.

Cultivate self-love and acceptance:

• Recognize and challenge negative self-talk
• Practice receiving compliments and affirmation graciously
• Engage in self-compassion exercises
• Seek healing for past wounds through therapy or counseling
• Surround yourself with supportive, affirming people
• Practice giving and receiving affirmation with others

By learning to accept affirmation and love yourself, you can heal from past wounds, improve your relationships, and live with greater confidence and joy.

8. Prioritize Rest and Self-Care to Avoid Burnout

If you don't take a break, you will eventually break.

Recognize the dangers of constant grinding. Many men pride themselves on their work ethic but neglect the importance of rest and self-care. This can lead to burnout, health problems, and strained relationships.

Implement a self-care routine:

• Prioritize adequate sleep (7-8 hours per night)
• Take regular breaks throughout the day
• Practice Shalach meditation or other mindfulness techniques
• Engage in hobbies and activities that bring you joy
• Learn to say "no" to unnecessary commitments
• Schedule regular check-ins with a counselor or trusted friend
• Make time for exercise and physical activity

By prioritizing rest and self-care, you can maintain your health, improve your productivity, and be more present for your loved ones.

9. Forgive to Free Yourself from Emotional Bondage

Letting go of offenses keeps us in good standing with the Most High.

Understand the power of forgiveness. Holding onto grudges and resentment can keep you emotionally trapped and hinder your personal growth. Forgiveness is not about excusing harmful behavior but about freeing yourself from its ongoing impact.

Practice forgiveness:

• Recognize that forgiveness is a choice and a process
• Acknowledge the hurt you've experienced
• Choose to let go of the desire for revenge or punishment
• Seek support from trusted friends, family, or professionals
• Practice empathy and try to understand the other person's perspective
• Focus on personal growth and healing rather than changing the offender
• Remember that forgiveness doesn't always mean reconciliation

By learning to forgive, you can release yourself from emotional bondage, improve your mental and physical health, and cultivate more positive relationships.

Last updated: September 6, 2024