Real men cry

Breaking news...it turns out that men (not only women!) are emotional beings. Growing up I could have sworn that men were supposed to be physically and emotionally rock solid, tough as nails, and that any sign of emotional vulnerability was surely on par with having some sort of debilitating illness.

Men were and continue (a bit less) to be portrayed as tough, aggressive and dominant, with any sign of weakness opening the door to being laughed at, taunted and bullied. Phrases like "suck it up" and "don't be such a baby" was a reminder to those that dared to cry or complain that they were stepping out of their accepted gender role.

Together we can hold space for each other, we can heal, grow closer and create a world with greater depth and authenticity.

Peering through the fog of generations of emotional suppression, men are now faced with the challenge of learning to be vulnerable and revealing themselves as sensitive beings.

I believe there are a lot of confused men out there (and believe me, my process of unlearning is very much a work in progress). From depression and anxiety to rage and physical aggression, the cost of suppressing our tender emotions can be dire.

The good news is being vulnerable is now a 'thing'. And where we may have once squirmed at seeing a man cry and express difficult emotions, we are now starting to applaud him for his courage. It's a big conversation, and it's one that for the evolution of our species I believe we need to continue to have.

Challenges around accepting emotional vulnerability is by no means an assignment for men alone. Whoever you are I encourage you to take the chance in revealing more of your sensitive side. Together we can hold space for each other, we can heal, grow closer and create a world with greater depth and authenticity.