Without Sanctuary

American society has toxic masculinity woven through its veins. This, inevitably, often leads to many boys (and therefore men) being starved of sensitivity and safety within themselves. They are often not taught nor shown strong examples of men being present, vulnerable, or tending to their own self-care and emotional needs. Rather, there is an ingrained need to “be the protector”, assess “nearby dangers”, or as the Boy Scouts of America say - “Be Prepared”. This sadly leads to an inability for many men be truly present within themselves, trust and accept others, or indulge in healthy ways to treat and pamper oneself. I know if I never let myself access those things, I would always be on edge, too…

How can we embrace our boys and our men and help bring them back to themselves, let go, and sink into a comforting, nurturing space to reconnect and heal? Can we demonstrate how to let our guard down?

Can we help them find sanctuary one relationship, household, or community at a time?