It starts with you!
Are you a man who continually shows up in service for others but often leaves your own wellbeing as the last priority? Signs of this might be poor sleep, feeling exhausted, getting sick, feelings of tension, overwhelm, carrying too much weight, overthinking, or relationships breaking down.
BROTHER, I am here today to gently remind you that to support your family, community, mates, or colleagues well into the future, you need to prioritise No 1 – YOU – now!
I know all too well what happens when you don’t. I myself have been through the fire of poor sleep, mental distress, and relationship breakdown. I know the struggle of being self-employed for 20+ years. I’ve lost too many family members and friends – good men – too early.
The pain I have been through, I have turned into purpose in the work I now do with men’s wellbeing.
In 2019, I committed and trained to do my bit to help change the trajectory of men’s health in New Zealand. Since then, I’ve worked in a private capacity with hundreds of Tāne from around Aotearoa who turn up to me in Tairua, with burnout, depression, trauma, addictions like alcohol/vaping, mental unease, relationship issues – an awareness that there is a better way to live – and are looking for answers.
I’m a big believer that we find the answers in Te Taiao (nature – the environment), and so that’s where I do most of my work with men: on our regular 4-day Men’s Wellbeing Retreat in Tairua.
Men are drawn to and relate to our down-to-earth, non-pharmaceutical-based approach. We use a non-judgemental and safe space for men to unpack the weight off their shoulders.
After 35 of these small personal retreats, I’m bringing many of my community of good men together for a gathering on 22–24 May in Ōpoutere, and I extend an invitation for local Tāne who feel the call to join us. We’ve put the karanga out right around Aotearoa and Australia, but would love to see the local bros making the most of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
To support me in this larger hui, I have brought together a powerhouse team of facilitators from around Aotearoa and Australia to join me, including a legend, Dr Arne Rubinstein, who has spent 30 years helping communities around the globe create Rites of Passage camps for father and son.
What can you expect at this gathering? Honest and brave kōrero around the fire, nutrient-dense kai, hīkoi, swims, tools to regulate your nervous system like breathwork and meditation, tools to get self-sufficient like food forestry, tools to raise good young men, and tools to navigate adolescence as a father.
The world, more than ever, needs strong, emotionally healthy MEN. They are the protectors, providers, leaders, and lovers. Regeneration of the land, ocean, and community starts with the regeneration of our own 70 trillion cells, and the little things we do each day to stay well in mind, body, and spirit.
Do you feel the call?
Join our Men’s Wellbeing Summit here.
Find out about our Monthly Men’s Wellbeing Retreats here.
Get in touch! [email protected]
Words by Carl Muir
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