Strong Men are vulnerable...

After an incredible weekend of immersing myself in breathwork meditation and taking a chilly ice bath, I've been reflecting on how men can increase their vulnerability to create amazing experiences in their lives. Building strong and supportive relationships with partners, children, family, and friends is of utmost importance. As humans, we thrive on connection, and the people in our lives are our most valuable assets.

When life gets tough or when we achieve success, we all need someone to talk to. However, men often face the challenge of isolating themselves and trying to handle everything on their own during difficult times. It's crucial to recognize the correlation between physical and mental well-being. When one aspect is out of balance, it affects the entire body. We must prioritize maintaining both our physical and mental health in every aspect of life.

As someone who has worked as a first responder, I've learned the hard way that neglecting mental health can have serious consequences. Ignoring self-care during stressful times often leads to burnout. Simple practices like eating healthy foods, staying hydrated, and reducing harmful habits such as alcohol and smoking can significantly improve our energy levels throughout the day. Additionally, incorporating regular exercise, meditation, yoga, mindfulness, breathwork, and other relaxation techniques into our routine can enhance emotional well-being and mental health. By doing so, we can increase our empathy, authenticity, and connection with ourselves and others. Engaging in physical activity and exercise can also create opportunities to socialize and meet new people, leading to new experiences and an improved quality of life. The feeling of increased energy and the drive to achieve new goals can encourage the building of new relationships and meaningful connections.

When men lack positive connections in their lives, loneliness and isolation often take over. Acknowledging the need to improve these connections is the first step while avoiding comparisons to others and being fully present in every interaction is key. By giving every person we meet our full attention and engaging in meaningful conversations, we can foster better connections. Remembering people's names and being open to new experiences also contribute to building stronger relationships. If you find yourself feeling lonely or socially isolated, don't hesitate to reach out and ask for help. It's important to recognize that our emotional state often influences our behaviour. Men and women tend to handle emotions differently, with women being more likely to express their feelings and seek support, while men often hide their emotions or withdraw. Men often feel the pressure to be self-reliant and provide for their loved ones, which can make it challenging for them to express their emotions openly.

In high-stress situations, it's beneficial to understand how each emotion manifests in our bodies. Emotions always have a physical presence. For example, anger might feel like a flush of heat in the face, sadness might tighten the throat, and anxiety might manifest in the stomach. Taking a moment to acknowledge these physical sensations and sit with the associated emotions can be helpful. Sharing our vulnerability with people we feel safe with and having open discussions about our bodily reactions to experiences can improve our empathy towards others and provide a sense of relief. Men have often been judged based on their performance, successful careers, and ability to provide for their loved ones. Emotions have been seen as a weakness in their character. However, permitting ourselves to feel is essential. Accepting our feelings can open new pathways and help us discover deeper layers of ourselves. Many men feel disconnected from having a purpose or a greater meaning in life. Often, they describe themselves as just "going through the motions." It's important to acknowledge this truth and share it with others. By doing so, men realize that they are not alone in feeling this way, which can normalize their experiences and empower them to take action. Improving emotional reactivity, practising non-judgment, and cultivating self-compassion through mindfulness can enhance our ability to identify, describe, and differentiate our emotions.

When it comes to relaxation methods like mindfulness, meditation, and yoga, the most common excuse is a lack of time. However, it's essential to reflect on our daily lives and how we spend our time. Often, we waste precious minutes scrolling through social media, watching TV, or finding other excuses. If we have just 10 minutes in the morning or before bed, dedicating that time to meditation or mindfulness can be incredibly beneficial. There are numerous resources available, so find the one that resonates with you. If your mind is still racing before sleep, try journaling to clear your thoughts and promote a peaceful mind.

Unfortunately, many men overlook the benefits of mindfulness meditation, which involves intentionally observing the present moment. Instead of embracing this practice, men would rather argue about their right to be unwell than take the time to understand the workings of their minds. However, research has shown that meditation has multiple health benefits, including increased knowledge, stronger immune systems, improved memory, increased energy, and increased libido. Combining breathwork with meditation allows us to reap the rewards of becoming better partners, friends and lovers.