What It’s Like To Cry In Front Of A Dozen Other Men

The secret to healing your body is in dropping any judgments that you might have or what you might make this mean about you.

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Last night, I got an amazing and much needed massage.

It was really healing, but doesn’t compare to the healing that took place this weekend for me…

I attended an event here in Boulder, it’s called AMP (Authentic Man Program). To summarize, it was me and eight other men that were being asked to fully “show up” as ourselves.

We weren’t asked to figure out who we were “supposed” to be. Instead, we were invited to be who we actually are.

In my experience, this isn’t something that is “welcomed” in our culture which actually makes a lot of sense to me. How could you sell men (or women) on buying things that they believe would make them feel whole if they already felt whole?

Being asked to show up as I actually am is really scary for me.

There are parts of myself that I believe if I share I might not be accepted for. And there could be some truth in that. Yet, what I’ve found from actually sharing those parts of me is that more often than not, it creates even deeper connection with others.

This past weekend, I didn’t hold back. I let myself cry when tears were there. I witnessed men share things with me that they haven’t even told their best friends. I could feel how much lighter I felt from having a space for this.

As I practice revealing more of myself with others, I notice how much lighter, connected, and whole I feel.

It’s become my top tool for healing my body.

I really don’t want you to know this about me because you might think I’m sensitive…(which I am! Hah, oh shame!). I’m beginning to feel what it’s like to fully own that.

One of my secrets for healing is letting myself be seen in the unconditional loving space of others. This involves welcoming all of me — my anger, sadness, tears, fear, nerves, joy, and everything in between.

My secret to healing my body can be your secret if you’d be open to dropping any judgements that you might have or what you might make this mean about you.

I feel a deep sense of appreciation for my ability to seek the reminders that I am whole, complete, and worth every single tear and more.

My wish is that this gives just one of you permission to seek a space where you can be yourself, without being wrong for it. If you don’t have anyone in your life that you feel safe in showing up in this way, reach out.

I appreciate the courage that you have to make it this far, you’re doing an incredible job, human. ❤

At In The Middle Seat, we believe that bravery isn’t something you’re born with, you build it. If you’re ready to step into the most courageous version of you, join our tribe:The ITMS Inner Circle — we’re a crew of mission-driven millenials that desire to authentically connect and  make a meaningful dent in the universe. Join us here.

This article originally appeared on In The Middle Seat

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