Discovering a new way of Communicating
Self-doubt, incomplete, inadequate, shameful, lonely… the list can go on! These are the feelings that circled my mind and continued to show up at various times in my life. But what was I doing about it? Read more self-help books, watch motivational videos, listen to powerful speakers, mindful meditation and exercise. These are just a few of the practices that I perfected over the years. The common theme is that they were all internal where I self-diagnosed and prescribed the “best solution”.
Do I have a solid circle of men in my life? Yes
Do I truly enjoy sharing myself with others? Yes
Am I open and can easily express myself? I think so!
Then what could possibly be wrong? One would say nothing… Wrong!
Over the years, I have formed deep relationships with the men in my life. We shared family milestones, tears of joy and laughter, and with some the plan of riding into the sunset together. Throughout all these journeys there were voids. The void of being with men who were not comfortable being vulnerable. The void of being with men who held back on compassion. The void of being with men who were not willing to explore their feeling. M3 filled my voids!
In M3, I found a group of men who above all trust me to share their most intimate feelings and life experiences. As a new member, I spent most of the time listening very intensely. I listened intensely because I was discovering a new way of communicating with men. There is a liberating free flow of sharing with a circle of men who care deeply; not only about what I am saying but most importantly about how I am feeling. I have also learned to develop relationships with my different feelings. This was only possible through witnessing my M3 brothers care for each other week after week. This caring is revealed in many ways including giving the assurance that I am not alone, asking the questions to help synthesize the experience at the moment, and most importantly the virtuous advice from all men who had that chapter in their life. This is a level of caring and sharing that make me say daily – I’m proud to show up as a Man of M3!