To support the connection and intimacy necessary to make this group meaningful, each meeting will be limited to 8 men.
As men, we’ve often been conditioned to go it alone; to figure out the problem and solve it. We are used to be relied on, to be strong, to “tough it out.”
Does this seem familiar? Do you find yourself wrestling with what this might look like for you amidst the COVID-19 crisis?
This problem is too big for us to solve alone. Many who feel they are relied on have been sent home, some without jobs.
How long do we need to tough it out? Is that even sustainable? Maybe not.
Probably not.
In 2008 a friend of mine recommended that I consider going to a weekend for men through an organization called the Mankind Project (MKP). I checked it out – the New Warrior Training Adventure – and ended up going to the weekend in November of that year. It was a profound and healing experience for me. What followed was even more so – I joined a group of men that met regularly to support each other in processing the challenges in their lives, and to help one another express their gifts. I was blown away by what is possible in a circle of men.
I’ve gone on to found and be a part of men’s groups outside of MKP, and have continued to find healing, joy, and deep connection among men. For me it’s been a necessary place to go in order to be able to bring more of myself forward.
I can’t help but think of the power of a circle of men during today’s crisis. What would it look like for the men being impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic to come together to support one another?
Let’s not do try to do this alone.
I’m inviting anyone who identifies as a man to step into a circle to be together in this uncertain and frightening time. Together, we will hold what is true for each other – our fears and concerns, our anger and sadness, and the joys that are mingled in as well – and walk each other into this new territory.
It doesn’t matter if you are wrestling with work issues, your emotional response, or other challenges that the pandemic are bringing up for you. You are welcome.
What This Is
This is a space to come and bring what is on your heart and mind, to be in support with other men.
We will have small and large group discussions designed to support one another. Tools that can support us all in being with and addressing the challenges before us will be used and offered.
It’s offered every week for 90 minutes. I’ll keep doing it as long as we are still navigating this crisis. We meet on Thursdays from 9am - 10:30am PDT. Come to one, come to all, it’s up to you.
I’m offering this free of charge, as I want to support men in this time of need. If you are moved to make an offering to support this work, you can email me and I will send you my Venmo info with gratitude.
Men Connecting is hosted by Gregory Flynn of Connection Works. Gregory is a coach, facilitator, and supporter of humans. You can learn more about him and his work here.
Men, regardless of what we’ve been taught, we need one another. Please join us.