Trails and Tarantulas

Date: 2024-06-03 AO: firestarter Q: midriff PAX: wildturkey, Rousey FNGs: None COUNT: 3 Grabbing our trusty cinder blocks, we delved into a series of strength-building exercises. Through exercises like block squats, bent over rows, curls and overhead presses, we pushed ourselves to new heights.
But this workout wasn’t just about physical strength. Interspersed with our exercises were moments of reflection on the broader circles of influence in our lives. As we caught our breath between sets, we discussed how we could better prioritize our relationships, commitments, and personal development, aligning with the principles of Concentrica.
The chapter on Concentrica in the F3 QSource book outlines a framework for prioritizing and managing relationships and responsibilities in a man’s life. The concept is visualized as concentric circles radiating outward from the individual, with each circle representing different levels of influence and importance. f3nation.com/q/m/
M: At the bullseye of the Q’s Concentrica is his M, his relationship with his wife, the one upon which all of his other relationships are founded. The M is the HIM’s transformative relationship because through it he becomes something new–legally, practically and spiritually. Before marriage, a man is an “I”, but afterwards he is part of an “Us”. The HIM aims most of his arrows at the M because if that fails, the rest of his relationships will fail as well.
Shorties: The HIM’s relationship with his children is unique in a critical way. It is the one connection that can never be fully severed. He can quit his job and get a new one. He can divorce his wife and remarry. But every child he has remains his child forever regardless of how far he may roam, how distant he may become or how many other children he may have. A man may depart from his children, but he cannot quit them. While he may hide from them physically or emotionally his responsibility for them is eternal, as will be the consequences if commits relationship malpractice in their upbringing. The seeds of discontent sown by the ineffective father will yield a legacy of damaged fruit.
Shield Lock (Close Friends): In this way, the first two rings of the Concentrica are inherently configured to warn him that he is out of Relationship Rhythm and in danger of committing malpractice. But the third ring, the Shield Lock, is different. If a man’s horizontal relationships with other men are Decelerating (or worse, non-existent), there will be no jangling alarm to warn him of the danger. Gradually, he will become accustomed to trying to hunt and defend alone, despite how unsuccessful and unfulfilling the effort is. Such a man may not even realize that he is not Right until he finds himself completely un-Prepared for the unexpected. Then, like the Amateur he is, he will wonder why all his friends have “abandoned” him when the truth is that it his own negligence that is to blame.
Whetstone (Mentorship): Here, the focus is on mentorship, both receiving guidance from mentors and providing it to mentees.
Mammon (Work and Money): While Mammon is critical to a man, his family and ultimately his Community, it is still the least important relationship on his Concentrica. As a Pro, the HIM prepares for the expected by always bearing the following in mind: – If he places work before his M and Shorties he has committed relationship malpractice–and risks losing them – If he places work before his Shield Lock and his Blades the Community will suffer and erode–ultimately it fall prey to what lurks outside the walls – If he loses his family and his Community to his work, there is nothing for his work to sustain–ergo, Mammon is least important
Overall, Concentrica encourages men to prioritize their time and energy effectively, ensuring that their most important relationships receive the attention they deserve while maintaining a balanced and purposeful life.