Let's unpack the realities of vulnerability as tāne (men). What barriers, expectations, or old stories are we holding onto that keep us from opening up? Share your whakaaro (thoughts). No heat, not judgement, just honest korero (talk) about our experiences.
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I was talk with Richie the other day and have been reflecting on our kōrero about vulnerability for tāne, and the many layers that are there to navigate. Cultural layers, whānau layers, societal layers, our own layers - the expectations of what it means to be strong. I wonder, how many of our tāne have felt that internal struggle? The desire to open up, butting against years of conditioning that whispers, "keep it inside, bro."
How can we create spaces where tāne feel free to kōrero and express? It needn't always be heavy either - sometimes laughing is the best medicine. I think there are lots within our cultural knowledge boxes and spaces where we can practice deep listening and speaking from the heart. Can we weave vulnerability into our everyday kōrero, normalising it through our own openness?
Value what others' think about this kaupapa and what you have observed has worked well. Kōrero mai!
I think we need to actually consider what it means to be vulnerable and, possibly, how vulnerability becomes a normality. For me, I don't feel vulnerable when I open up with my close brothers; and I hope they don't with me. The feeling I feel when I let my guard down with those I trust is less a vulnerability and more a sense of safety and being seen or heard. So, perhaps, a question is how can we normalize being and feeling safe with other men and move beyond being vulnerable? I'm aware that not everyone has this luxury and that vulnerability is a huge impediment for men who want to open up but don't feel they can. How can we normalise this to the point where it is no longer an onbstruction?
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