The Lost Art of Adulthood: Reviving Our Rites of Passage

Luke EntrupBuddha In Therapy, Emotional, Interpersonal, Intrapersonal, Spirituality, Video


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We’ve lost something critical to our mental, physical, and societal health: the rite of passage.

In this episode, Keith and Luke Entrup discuss the necessity of reintroducing formal rites of passage for our children, not as a fun thing to do with your kid but as something vital for their development – a piece most of us missed and have had to make up for throughout our lives.

Structured rites not only mark the transition to adulthood ceremonially, but also require young individuals to demonstrate maturity and readiness for adult responsibilities. The rite of passage isn’t just an event, like a Confirmation or Sweet 16th birthday, but an actual challenge they must face and overcome.

Successfully navigating these rites creates the experience of maturity withing the child, granting them greater autonomy. It sets the stage for parents to better help their kids navigate complex challenges like peer pressure, digital addiction, sex and hormones, interpersonal relationships, staying safe and making good choices, and finding a deeper sense of life purpose.

This episode highlights why we must revive these rites to support the healthy development of the most important people in the world – the generation of leaders, parents, and citizens to come.

Images and maps by Corey deVos

Keith Martin-Smith’s When The Buddha Needs Therapy is now shipping!


It is possible to be liberated from the suffering of this world, but the path is a paradoxical one of embracing your ego even as you let it go. If you seek true liberation and freedom from the seemingly endless strife of life, you’re in the right place.

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About Luke Entrup

Luke Entrup is the founder of The Father-Son Connection Experience and the Contemplative Leadership Institute. He is a coach and teacher helping people grow their leadership capacity, clarify their purpose, and deepen their love. He works with startup founders, men’s groups, and people wanting to live a more heartfelt existence. He is a father to Julian, age 12, and Amara, age 9. His happiest days are getting lost in the forest with the both of them. He is a Partner at the executive coaching firm, Evolution.

Keith Martin-Smith

About Keith Martin-Smith

Keith Martin-Smith is an award-winning author, writing coach, and Zen priest. He is passionate about human connection, creativity, and evolution. His books include "The Mysterious Divination of Tea Leaves", "A Heart Blown Open", and "The Heart of Zen". His most recent book is his first novel, "Only Everything", a novel that explores the promise and the pain of following an artist's path.