Men Mountains & Money by Bert Bota

Men Mountains & Money
by Bert Bota

When I moved to Taos, New Mexico a little short of two years ago, it was to ostensibly hang out in the clean, clear mountain air, motorcycle the magnificent, twisty backroads of the Land of Enchantment and write my book. Ah, yes!the things that dreams are made of and that the Universe doesn't always concur with.

We've done some great hangin' out, we've ridden many of the twisties but the book is still hangin' fire. What's also surfaced is the need for more men's healing work in this community, my need to take a look at how unaware I was of the connection between my emotions and my money, and a deepening love for these mountains.

One of the local artists says of this area, "You either grow or Go" referring to the power this area exerts on one to either let go of the stuff that retards us spiritually and grow or leave town. You Sedona pilgrims can relate to that, eh?

Soon after I arrived in Taos in march of '96 I realized how much I missed the men of the St. Louis New Warrior community - men who had been with me in the building of that community, men who had not only created missions of service from their heart's passion but had taken those missions into the community in a tangible, effectual way.

So, I'm happy to tell you that we've established the northern tribe of the New Warrior network (NW) here in Taos, an annex of the Santa Fe NW center. This came about more out of my own need for a place to show up regularly and heal than from some lofty, altruistic need to serve; tho' serve the self in a good way and thusly serve others.

My cry to anyone who would listen was that St. Louis was my first real home. Even though I was born and raised in San Francisco, the energy I put into helping to create the St. Louis New Warrior men's community was the first time I showed up regularly and was committed to doing the work of learning how to, not just get along with family but grow it in a good, powerful, productive way

Then I was forced to take a look at how unconsciously speedy I was regarding my retirement money; money that I had figured to live on for the rest of my life. How, if I continued to spend money on frivolous, depreciating things that did nothing to further my growth or help solve the problems of the planet, then I would be well on my way to ''investing my money 'til it was all gone." I was still part of the problem, not the solution.

I have taken an up close and personal look at the bond between me and money, the fears around not having enough, of not being worthy to have plenty and especially the one that says that if I have lots then someone out there isn't going to get their share.

Once I acknowledged and began to look at the money fears that drove me, solutions showed up almost immediately. As we continue to expand our Taos New Warrior men's tribe, all the while gratefully riding the back roads, I'm now taking a proactive stance on resolving the money issues and who knows, I might even get a chapter or two done on my book!

Respectfully submitted

Bert Bota

Bert Bota is an Author, Seminar and Workshop Leader-
PO Box 2457 Ranchos deTaos
NM 87557 Tel (505) 751-1215