Cory Richards

Cory Richards Instagram – Amongst the reading I’ve done, I’ve gone deep into polarity and the relationship between men and women, masculine and feminine, and what I see as one of the fundamental underpinnings of mental health. It’s been as much about understanding my own challenges as everyone else’s as I’ve dug into society’s contemporary view of masculinity vs what healthy masculinity can look like. As a result, I’ve started doing a lot of mens work (which I’d offer is women’s work as well insofar as healthy men make for a healthier society overall with less oppression and more compassion). There’s no real consensus on what overarching healthy masculinity looks like which creates a tremendous opportunity for reimagining it and breaking down antiquated beliefs and cultural structures that keep all of us in unhealthy cycles. I’ve also been both encouraged and disheartened to learn that what we call patriarchy is not strictly a male problem but is a cultural issue that we all uphold in ways seen and unseen. I believe that much of the mental health issues we face are rooted in the repression of male emotion that leads to male pain which leads to anger and ultimately violence, both physical and emotional. Our wounds become our weapons. The impacts of that are foundational in the perpetuation of trauma and mental health. This book dives into a piece of that puzzle and helps us understand why men don’t want to talk about it, how when they do it is often rejected, and how that spins us forever forward in a self fulfilling spin cycle of oppression, both of ourselves and others. It also offers solutions and gives us tools for healthier communication, inviting us into a dialogue that uplifts us all. | Posted on 01/May/2024 00:37:30