TALK or not talk. Men’s Circle facilitator Greg Govinda does not mind. It does intrigue him though, why men are less willing to share their feelings.
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Mr Govinda is putting it out there that he will show up in Ballarat, lead with a mindfulness exercise and open a safe place for men to speak without interruption.
Men’s Circle started in Daylesford, where he lives, last October and he has fielded strong interest in Ballarat.
“There is a little cross-section of people who come along. Most are ready, they’re aware they need a little help. It is interesting when they talk, it’s like they’ve been waiting for years,” Mr Govinda said. “...We’re not in a hurry, you don’t have to talk. It will happen when the timing is right.”
Mr Govinda has informally studied male psychology and well-being for about 40 years. He said he had experienced plenty of life’s hurdles from heartbreak and homelessness to grief and depression.
He felt men had generally become confused about who they had to be through history, moving from chivalry and stoic expectations to uncertainty about whether or how to be sensitive and honest.
The group aims to create a place for men to share what is important to them without pressures or judgement. Others are there just to listen.
Mr Govinda uses a talking stick so each man has his chance to speak freely and be heard.
Each session also includes sitting in peace, learning how to find this when life gets busy.
“The main principles are respect for themselves and each other, confidentiality and harmlessness,” Mr Govinda said.
Daylesford’s Men’s Circle continues to surprise Mr Govinda how quickly participants grow in the sessions. In turn, he has learned a lot in facilitating the sessions.
Mr Govinda will host an information session for men, aged 18-plus, at Phoenix Studio (101 Sturt Street) on Wednesday, 6.30-8.30pm. He said this was a way men could see if the sessions were for them.
Details: facebook.com/OneMansHeart.
YOU ARE NOT ALONE.
There are a wide variety of numbers you or friends and family can call for crisis support and professional help.
This includes:
Lifeline: 13 11 14 or lifeline.org.au
Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636 or beyondblue.org.au
headspace Ballarat: 5304 4777 or eheadspace.org.au
Kids Help Line: 1800551800
Suicide Callback Service: 1300 659 467
MensLine: 1300 789 978 or mensline.org.au
Ballarat and District Suicide Prevention Network: suicidepreventionBallarat.com.au
QLife: 1800 184 527 (support for LGBTI community.)
Emergency Services: 000 (triple zero)
SANE Helpline: 1800 187 263 (talk to a mental health professional weekdays, 10am-10pm)
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