Rites of Passage: The Magical Transition from Child to Adult

“Magical” may seem a strong term to use – but when the challenging and complicated leap over the gulf between childhood and adulthood is made well, it is indeed magical.  With so many competing messages about what it means to be an adult, from parents, peers, social groups, movies and tv,  Rites of Passage provide guidance for the transition.  They support youth becoming adults within the community rather than outside it.

Frederick Marx, one of the producers and writers of the award-winning documentary Hoop Dreams, has begun work on a film about Rites of Passage.  The trailer for the film (see below) shows some of the impacts of the lack of Rites of Passage, as well as the benefits of having those ceremonies and rites.

Joseph Campbell talks about the need for and benefits of Rites of Passage, especially related to the transition from teen/child to adult and the major shift in the individual’s place in society which happens at that time (“On Becoming an Adult”):

The Sweet Medicine SunDance Path includes extensive Rites of Passage ceremonies, for age-related transitions from birth to childhood, teen, and adult rites, including the critical teen-to-adult transition.  It also includes ceremonies for major life events such as marriage and bonding.  If you are interested in learning more about our Rites of Passage ceremonies, please contact our Rites of Passage coordinator at ritesofpassage@dtmms.org.

Rites of Passage Intro cover

DTMMS has published a short intro to the SMSD Rites of Passage:

They enable us, both as individuals and as families/communities, to deal with change and provide an energetic “boost” to help us meet the transitions that occur on that journey. This booklet presents the reader with an excellent overview of the rites of passage of the Sweet Medicine SunDance Path.

Self-Defense Training Starts Tomorrow!

The self-defense training weekend with Marc MacYoung starts tomorrow (Friday) evening!

If you’ve been thinking about attending, whether to hone your skills or to start developing them, now is the time!  There are still a FEW spots open for the weekend (or any part thereof – yes, you can do just one day of it, as well).

If you’re uncertain, but curious, consider coming just to the Friday night talk and Q&A!

Marc MacYoung – what’s he known for?

Marc MacYoung, self-defense expert

Marc is known for several things: an awareness-based approach to self-defense; his ability to break things down into easily understood and digestible pieces; his no-nonsense approach (what really works); and knowledge and expertise developed through both study and experience.

He’s thoughtful, careful, and challenging – challenging to our preconceptions, to our projections, to our illusions, to our stories. He’s dedicated to seeing reality as it is, and dealing with it.

Who is this appropriate for?

This workshop is appropriate for the young to the elderly, men and women, from beginners to experienced self-defense/martial arts practitioners.  In other words, it is appropriate for anyone who would like to learn more about self-defense – and, in fact, about self.

What if I need to know more?

If you want to know more about the event itself, check out the calendar event listing on the DTMMS site:http://www.dtmms.org/event/macyoung2013

If you’d like to know more about Marc MacYoung, visit his self-defense site, No Nonsense Self Defense.  (Our calendar listing also has links in the description to some of his writings on self-defense.)

If you have any other questions, contact Ten No Kishi at dojo.info@ten-no-kishi.com.