Deep Dives are online, member-led, one-hour discussions on wide-ranging topics — but always linked in some way to masculinities, gender equity, mental wellness, and/or healthy relationships.
This time we're talking about vulnerability.
We've definitely heard the mantras like "vulnerability is courage" or "vulnerability is strength" — which can certainly be the case. Especially for men who have too often been told that "vulnerability is weakness," it's good to hear counter-narratives.
But for us, vulnerability is also nuanced (and gendered!), and we want to dig into it.
Some of the questions we are keen to explore:
How do we accept, acknowledge, understand, and/or grapple with our own insecurities, imperfections, or vulnerabilities? How many of our insecurities/vulnerabilities are impacted by gendered expectations?
How do we accept, acknowledge, and/or discuss our insecurities, imperfections, or vulnerabilities with others?
Are there some topics it feels more acceptable to talk about about than others? Why might that be?
Are there some people that we feel more comfortable being vulnerable around than others? What factors influence who we trust to open up around? Does gender play a role in this?
What have we learned about settings where vulnerability is okay or not okay? What differentiates those settings?
If we're resisting acknowledging or addressing an insecurity/vulnerability, how do we know if it's because we're being sensitive to what's "socially acceptable to share" or if it's more related to our patriarchal conditioning as men? (i.e. am I more concerned with being 'polite' or 'appropriate', or am I more concerned with looking like a 'strong man'? Maybe it's both? How will I know?)
How do we balance privacy with secrecy? What do we feel like we need to be open about, vs what do we think is reasonable to keep to ourselves? What impacts this distinction for us? Does our genered upbringing play a role?
And we'll go from there!
Bring your coffee and settle in for a great conversation. Or, if you've got a busy day, you're welcome to join from your phone while you're on the go!
Hope to see you there On Sunday Dec 10 at 10 am PT / 11 am MT / 1 pm ET! 🙌
Access to Deep Dives events and our private online community, Inner Circle, are available to Next Gen Menbers only!
What is Next Gen Menbership? It’s a $5-50 monthly or $50-500 annual contribution that goes directly to our youth programs with the added bonus of exclusive discounts, free events, and more!