Expanding Masculinity : From Adrenaline to Authenticity with Steve Borloz

Hosted and Produced by J’aime Rothbard

Steve’s story demonstrates the transformative power of radical change as he shares how he risked all to shed false identities, confront his inner demons, and embrace his inner truth, strength and wisdom.

In his unwavering pursuit of his truth, Steve's epic journey took him from loneliness, disconnection, adrenaline and porn addictions, to authenticity, deep inner peace and connectedness. With raw vulnerability he shares the deep fear he felt when making radical life changes, leaping from a safe, successful lifestyle into uncharted territory, to recreate his life on his own terms. 

He delves deep into the harsh realities of overwhelming emotional pain, social isolation, self-doubt and his intense longing for genuine connection, as well as the internal conflicts that arose when old patterns confronted his newfound authenticity. 

Steve’s struggle with risk-taking behaviors and self-judgment will resonate with anyone who's ever felt at war with themselves. Amidst these challenges, Steve leaned into the transformative powers of self-compassion and acceptance, and the strength that came from embracing his vulnerabilities.

Join us to hear how Steve worked through his:
• Overwhelming emotional pain, which was both a source of struggle and a catalyst for change.
• Fear of not knowing who he would be, after making radical life changes; letting go of his previous identities, his successful career (risking his financial stability and self-sufficiency) moving to a new country and entering a completely different field of work.
• Social isolation, arising from his extreme sensitivity and the intensity of his emotions, for even as he was seeking community and connection, he often felt alone and disconnected.
• Risk-taking and adrenaline-seeking behaviors, as he recognized they were not aligned with his authentic self.
• Harsh self-judgment which led him to accept his vulnerabilities, and accept the challenge of practicing self-compassion, a practice that was integral to his journey, as it ultimately shaped his understanding of authenticity, intimacy and true connection.

For anyone feeling lost, disconnected, or trapped in a life that no longer serves them, Steve’s story will inspire you to:

• Question social expectations & ingrained beliefs • Face your fears & embrace change
• Seek genuine connections & live authentically • Cultivate self-compassion & inner peace
• Embrace your true self, even parts you've rejected • Build meaningful connections with others
• Examine addictions & destructive behaviors • Utilize curiosity as a personal growth tool

Steve’s powerful story will challenge you to examine your own life through a lens of fulfillment and authenticity. For anyone struggling to uncover their own truth, let his experiences inspire you to embrace self compassion and vulnerability, challenge your perceptions, and dare to live authentically.

About Steve Borloz:  

Compassionate Inquiry® Training Facilitator, Circle Leader, Certified Practitioner

In 2012, Steve embarked on a profound journey of self-discovery in Cape Town, South Africa. His path, deeply influenced by Gabor Maté’s book, In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts, led him to a new understanding of compassion's role in healing. 

As a Marketing Director, Steve experienced the pressures of corporate life, which ignited his commitment to self-regulation and compassionate care in the workplace. His journey through addiction, recovery and personal growth has further deepened his understanding of compassion's transformative power.

Being a passionate Kundalini Yoga Instructor became a significant role in Steve’s journey. He taught yoga with the Prison Freedom Project in South Africa. He also co-developed a mindfulness-based routine at an Addiction Treatment Centre in Cape Town, demonstrating his practical experience and expertise in mindfulness, addiction, and yoga. 

Inspired by Gabor’s psychotherapeutic approach, Steve recognized the importance of Compassionate Inquiry® in overcoming various coping mechanisms and fostering long-lasting personal change.

Since 2019, Steve has been involved in the Compassionate Inquiry® community, progressing from a training participant to an intern supporting training Facilitators, to a mentee, and eventually certifying as a Compassionate Inquiry® Practitioner. Since 2022, he has been a Compassionate Inquiry® professional training Facilitator and a Compassionate Inquiry® group therapy Circle Leader. 

Steve’s journey is a testament to his dedication to personal and professional growth, He continues to explore his attachment patterns with alternative healing methods such as shamanism, energy healing, men’s groups, and plant medicine. His commitment to supporting others in recognizing their own gifts is unwavering, as he pursues a MA in Counseling Psychology at Webster University in Geneva.

Resources:
Compassionate Inquiry Profile
Professional Website

Relevant Links:

Beyond Addiction Program

The Presence Process Portal
ManKind Project
Webster Counseling Center 

Book:

 In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts: Close Encounters with Addiction