A Man’s Path Through Fear – Ray Arata - a podcast by Shana James: Coach, Speaker, Author

Fear is one of the biggest things that stops men from having the success and intimacy they want. Becoming fearless is a far fetched goal, so it’s important to figure out how to move through fear when it shows up. This conversation with Ray Arata shows you how.

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Show notes



Many men come to me with a desire to be fearless. They say things like:

“I want to talk with women (in dating or relationship) without feeling anxious or afraid.”

“I want to lead meetings without feeling self-conscious or thinking I’m not good enough.”

Men tell me they think they have to get over fear in order to be powerful.

I help them feel less afraid and more confident but I also remind them that fear doesn’t fully go away.

In fact, fear can be a guide, showing you what matters to you, or what your next step is to grow and mature.

Sometimes fear isn’t even what it seems!

A Surprise Lesson From Fear

Fifteen years ago, in the midst of workshop I was learning to facilitate, I learned an important lesson about fear.

I witnessed a man expressing loud, intense sounds — grunting and stomping around the room.

My dad was a quiet peacemaker type so at that point I hadn’t been close to a man in that kind of powerful, primal expression.

As he got louder I felt more and more anxious, to the point where I thought I would explode.

I ran outside and found my mentor there.

“What’s going on?” he asked.

“I don’t know,” I gasped. “I feel terrified.”

He looked at me with a slightly amused look on his face.

“You don’t look terrified, he said. “You look alive and turned on!”

I started to open my mouth to argue but stopped. I paused to check in with my body.

Energy was vibrating and pulsing through my chest and belly. But I had labeled these sensations “FEAR.”

When I took a breath and allowed the sensations, without getting caught in my mind’s story, I realized I didn’t feel bad. I just felt A LOT of sensation.

I suddenly saw that it was more aliveness than I was used to and an internal alarm had been activated.

Danger danger, too much sensation!

After a few moments of breathing deeper I was shocked to find I was found the experience pleasurable!

The Path Through Fear

Sometimes the path through fear is simply recognizing there is too much life force (or energy) for the small space your body is containing it within.

Other times the path is finding the emotions the fear is covering over.

Whatever the case, it can create even more fear to explore this alone.

On today’s Man Alive podcast episode I talked with Ray Arata about a path THROUGH fear. Ray has spent thousands of hours guiding men to move through fear in the ManKind project and his consulting work. In this conversation we covered…



* The relieving truth you discover about fear when you understand it

* How to stay empowered when you find yourself caught in fear

* How to navigate fear of the #Metoo movement and current cultural context

* Who to surround yourself with when you’re ready to face your fear

* A question to ask yourself that could change your life





Also, Ray created a conference — the Better Man Conference — that provides men with resources, support and community to create an inclusive culture. This year it’s in SF and NY. I will attend the SF conference and would love for you to join me.

He is generously offering discount for the Man Alive community.

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