The first time I ever decided to go to a men’s workshop I was a bit skeptical. I seemed to have my life together and wasn’t sure what to expect. I arrived to a full house with men of all ages, we did some small talk and then sat in a big circle. One by one, we were asked to give a quick intro of ‘where we were at in our lives right now’. As soon as I started listening to the men one by one, any scepticism I had quickly turned to apprehension.
There is something very powerful about listening to other men openly express their truths, it seems in many other settings vulnerability has always been seen as a weakness. However, I had the utmost respect for every man who shared their story. Not to mention the courage it takes to actually express your story yourself, as I learnt by the time it got to me and I had to share. Happy or sad, confident or shy, openly speaking your truth to men there to support you, was one of the most liberating experiences.
It seems that society hasn’t set up the best conditions for men to come together and openly share, to a large extent the expectations of ‘being a man’ has reduced men to an aggressive, emotionless box. With no escape. It’s no surprise then, that the number one killer of men under 45 in the UK is suicide. Unable to break free of this box, men hide away with no chance of admitting their struggles.
Even if mental health is not a struggle for a man, having a support network of men to rely on is hugely beneficial. You learn something new about yourself every time you drop your armoury.
Inspired by this, we decided to start our own Mens Workshops.
Incorporating yoga and meditation, we’ve created a workshop to give men that very same space to openly listen and share. Yoga and meditation are great ways to embody the tools necessary to live a balanced life. One which allows strength in vulnerability and stability in grounding. All men are welcome to come and share their story of manhood, in a safe space which doesn’t leave the room. Together we can create a new vision for manhood, one which is open, grounded and has the full support of other men.
