Welcome back to Manology: April 17th Topic- Forming
As a potentially new group comes together in spring we often experience the sensations of forming. Questions arise in the mind; what’s going to happen? Who are these people? Do I fit in? Our thoughts might say things, like; they are going to make me talk about my feelings, F- that! And the body if you’re listening might say another thing, like, my jaw is clenched or my stomach is upset. Until you get the information that explains the goals and the purpose of the group it is completely appropriate to experience apprehension and some anxiety as we fill in the unknown with fear.
So the truth of the matter is, tonight we are going into the unknown and fear is normal but with some structured activities that help us introduce ourselves the jaw clenching softens and the stomach may settle as we spend time getting to know each other. Some may share feelings, others may not, It may be quiet at first as we define what everyone is looking for and from there we gather information and place it on a flexible list of topics and that leads us to the goals and purpose of our new group.
We will review structure and commitments and answer any questions that arise. Above all I will be transparent and acknowledge that it takes a lot of courage to come to one of these meetings and that is exactly what we are looking for as we define a new form of masculinity. A form of masculinity that challenges why, Soldiers take their own lives when back at home, why men are jumping out of office buildings due to work stress, and the daily news of yet another violent attack on a wife, child or sister.
See you tonight from 6-7:30 in the Golden Family Centers Group room.
Justin Telfer
www.goldenfamilycenter.bc.ca
