Undefining what it means to be a man

I came across a topic that really draw my attention- what it means to be a masculine man nowadays. In my research I discovered there is a movement started by actor Justin Baldoni founded on the belief that by 'undefining traditional roles and traits of masculinity, men will be able to realize their potential as Humans and their capacity for connection'. He has written a book: 'Man enough: Undefining my masculinity' (is on my rather long reading list) and co-hosts a popular 'Man Enough' podcast (link at the end of the blog).

The video podcasts feature thoughtful, candid conversations with a wide array of men talking about relationships, vulnerability, body image, success, mental health and more, investigating 'how traditional structures and attitudes toward masculinity oppress and negatively affect men, women and humanity as a whole'.

Justin Baldoni wants to start a dialogue with men about redefining masculinity- to figure out ways to be not just good men but good humans. In these warm, personal talks these men share ideas to reconcile what a man is with who the society tell men to be. He has a challenge for men, to use the same qualities that they feel define them as men to go deeper. He says:' Your strength, your bravery, your toughness: Are you brave enough to be vulnerable? Are you strong enough to be sensitive?'.

He points out that we need to teach young boys that the strongest muscle in their bodies is their heart. The world will tell them to grow up and have a strong body and they are going to forget their heart. And most adult men have lost that connection at a very young age and severed the connection between themselves and their hearts.

Teaching men to reconnect with their hearts is a journey. The world is putting girls in a box and men in a box. They teach women to be polite, behaved and sweet. To be gentle and nurturing... They are telling boys the opposite. Boys will be boys...That to be rowdy is ok, that they should take physical risks, take up space, show no emotion, be stoic, provide, compete...

What if we allow and reinforce the opposite? Teaching women that is ok to take up space, be loud and have an opinion? And reinforce men that a real man is about being kind and that being sensitive and sweet is beautiful and attractive. That crying and showing emotions is the most manly thing a man can do. That showing vulnerability is a sign of strength, not weakness.

I really enjoyed watching these videos and I learned a lot about men.  I hope you like them too and if you feel like chatting about it, I am open to listen and support you in any way I can. Also a tantric message can be an useful tool of reconnecting with your heart and your emotions.

One thing that came up from these podcasts was that men are longing to speak more about meaningful things in their lives and they are finding it hard to open up. So I have an idea- if you feel like you would like to have a vulnerability male friend, let me know. Feel free to send me an email with a short introduction about yourself and your intention. I will match up similar profiles. Please only get in touch if we have already met in person.

There is strong power in brotherhood connections.

Enjoy the video

Why don't men talk

Man Enough Episode 1 - Why Don't Men Talk

Love

Rosie