Turning Inwards through Meditation

Abstract

So far we have seen that, encouraged by masculinity norms around toughness, men often became disconnected from their inner world. This meant that men had trouble engaging with their emotions, and as such, found it difficult to deal with distress. Various ’remedies’ men hoped would take care of their problems proved ultimately ineffectual. Thus, men eventually turned to meditation in the hope of finding a better solution to the particular burdens they were struggling under. Now, these next two chapters focus on meditation itself. This chapter describes how meditation was primarily a way for men to become more aware of their inner world. The next chapter explores the way this awareness helped men to better manage their emotions, thus engendering wellbeing.

It’s very easy to look at meditation [as] you shut your eyes, do the pose. [But] it’s about reflection, finding out where you’re at, what makes you tick…going deep [and] being introspective. (Ali)