Sacred Lessons: Teaching My Father How to Love

Discover a deeply moving and inspiring memoir for those seeking self-love and healing. Sacred Lessons delves into the struggle men face in connecting with themselves and others, offering tools for personal growth and ways to build meaningful and authentic relationships in their lives.

You belong. You are sacred. You are welcome here.

Sacred Lessons is an invitation for men to connect and to heal.

In a world where men are often taught to “tough it out” and keep emotions hidden, the pressures of life can feel isolating and overwhelming. Studies show that 1 in 5 men experience mental health challenges such as depression or anxiety, yet many never seek support. Additionally, men are statistically more likely to experience high levels of work-related stress and less likely to share their struggles with others. It’s time to rewrite that narrative. Sacred Lessons is a supportive community for men to have access to healing and wellness tools, services, and events.

“Sacred Lessons is much like the monarch butterfly, it points beyond itself to the connection for which we all long... This fine book reminds us not to ‘break the cycle’ but to heal it.”

Fr. Gregory Boyle, Founder, Homeboy Industries

"This memoir is not just a tale of being a son, or even a father, it's something more, offering a deeply personal yet universal perspective on what it means to love, nurture, and break cycles of emotional repression."

dream hampton, award-winning filmmaker and writer

“This is a memoir of how sensitive men (most are) have had to toughen up to hide this crucial aspect to their soul's detriment. It's also how love comes through even when one is conditioned not to express it."

Luis J. Rodriguez, author of "Always Running: La Vida Loca: Gang Days in L.A."

“Sacred Lessons is a beautiful gift. To see and witness the vulnerability and authenticity of our parents, especially our fathers, pushes back against the cultural tide that dehumanizes parents trying to live a full experience in life."

Cole, Founder, Brown Boi Project

Order From Your Favorite Bookstore

About Mike

Mike de la Rocha is a visionary strategist, acclaimed artist, and compelling voice for change. Celebrated as one of the most influential changemakers of our era, Mike has been behind several of the largest policy victories and cultural shifts in U.S. history. He’s earned accolades as one of GOOD magazine’s top 100 people reshaping our world, recipient of the AFL-CIO’s prestigious Justice, Peace and Freedom Award, and was lauded as a groundbreaking innovator by Stanford Social Innovation Review.

A proud alumnus of UCLA, Mike co-founded Revolve Impact, Tepito Coffee, and Athletes for Impact. Mike lives in Los Angeles, CA with his family and sings in the punk electronic band ON/NOTICE. Follow him at @mrmikedelarocha.