Ian MacKenzie, writer and filmmaker, discusses his recent film 'The Village of Lovers' which explores a community in Portugal living in harmony with nature and each other. They reflect on relationships, navigating criticism, and the importance of knowing how to love. They also talk about Tamara, a global love school, and the challenges of convincing a partner to participate in swinging.
Tamara provides a transformative experience for individuals to deepen their understanding of love, sexuality, partnership, and politics, challenging previously held beliefs and fostering authentic connections.
Tamara empowers men to explore and redefine masculinity, engaging in discussions about what it means to be a good man and developing healthier relationships based on trust and solidarity.
Tamara encourages individuals to embrace alternative relationship frameworks rooted in love, truth, and open communication, creating a safe and supportive environment for personal growth and meaningful connections.
Deep dives
Understanding the concept of love at Tamara
Tamara is a place that invites individuals to explore a new way of living in alignment with the principles of love, particularly in the way of interacting with others and relating to the Earth. The concept of love is emphasized as something that needs to be learned and cultivated. Through the Global Love School at Tamara, activists, peace workers, and media makers come together to deepen their understanding of love, sexuality, partnership, and politics. This immersive experience allows participants to challenge previously held beliefs and gain insights into building authentic connections based on trust, revelation, and deep solidarity.
Challenging stereotypes of masculinity
Tamara provides a space for men to form deep connections and explore concepts of masculinity. In intergenerational circles of men at Tamara, participants engage in discussions about what it means to be a good man and how to navigate challenging issues related to relationships, partnership, and the responsibilities and opportunities that come with embodying masculinity. These conversations aim to uplift men and help them develop a healthier and more authentic understanding of their roles and relationships, fostering a sense of solidarity and trust.
Reimagining relationship dynamics through love and truth
Tamara challenges conventional relationship dynamics and encourages participants to explore alternative frameworks that prioritize love, truth, and open communication. The community recognizes the importance of honesty and self-actualization in relationships, inviting individuals to be true to themselves and create an energy field of safety, respect, and kindness. The emphasis is on personal growth, inner exploration, and building connections rooted in trust and authenticity. Tamara provides a unique context for people to reexamine societal norms and discover their own path to fulfilling and meaningful relationships.
The capacity for love and exploration at Tamara
Tamara offers individuals, particularly women, a safe and supportive environment to explore their capacity for love and sexual expression. By creating a culture of safety, trust, and respect, Tamara allows women to fully embrace their erotic being and discover their profound capacity for pleasure and connection. Men also benefit from this inclusive culture by learning how to support and satisfy their partners, fostering a sense of camaraderie and relieving the pressure to be the sole provider of sexual pleasure. The open and liberated environment at Tamara challenges societal norms and perceptions about sexuality and encourages individuals to embrace their authentic desires and needs.
Expanding the understanding of masculinity at Tamara
Tamara offers a paradigm shift in the understanding of masculinity by emphasizing qualities such as courage to face consequences, accountability, and responsibility. Men are encouraged to tap into their own feminine energy and develop a deeper connection with themselves and the world around them. Through intergenerational circles, men at Tamara challenge societal programming and develop authentic and trusting relationships with other men. This cultivates a greater capacity to express vulnerability, offer support, and embrace attributes traditionally associated with the feminine, fostering a healthier and more balanced approach to masculinity.
Ian is a writer, podcaster (The Mythic Masculine), and filmmaker who is especially interested in exploring a regenerative future and how to get there. We talk primarily about his recent film, “The Village of Lovers.”
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