November – or Movember as it is known to those who are aware of the annual event involving the growing of moustaches in the month of November to raise awareness of Men’s Health issues, such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer and men’s suicide – is also a time to give extra attention to the plight of men.
What do I mean?
In our society, men are expected to be the bread-winners, the providers and the protectors. They carry a heavy burden and traditionally have had no support for the times when the challenges of this role become too great to bear. And what help there is, is a too well-kept secret!
For example, The Canadian Centre for Men and Families (CCMF) Albertahttps://ccmfalberta.ca/about-us/ provides a safe and welcoming space for men while they navigate relationship distress. CCMF Alberta rejects discrimination of any kind, and focus on filling the gap in services for men’s mental health. They recognize that men and women often require different forms of emotional support that a blanket approach may not account for. The clients at CCMF are mostly men who have experienced distressing events and/or trauma causing them to suffer emotionally and usually financially. They need a safe place to belong and have meaningful conversations so that they can create a better future for themselves and their families.
I had no idea this organization existed until a girlfriend pointed it out to me for our consideration as the potential benefactors of our charitable donation this year. And there are other organizations supporting men, but few people know about them.
Another powerful example is the Loaner to Leader program being offered in Calgary by Eric C Mortimer, and supported by my own Neil Thrussell. Neil wrote the message below the day after the Man Up Mastermind Event that he and Eric hosted earlier this month:
“I’ve just returned from an unforgettable 3-days at the ManUp Mastermind event, and I feel compelled to share some reflections on the experience. It was a powerful few days filled with deep conversations, courageous breakthroughs, and a strong sense of brotherhood that reminded me why I love doing this kind of work.
When Eric first approached me to support the event, I was eager to step in. I knew the kind of transformational space he aimed to create and felt honoured to be a part of the journey, especially since this aligns so beautifully with the Shin Dao philosophy of opening the heart, embracing the warrior spirit, and cultivating genuine connections.
From the moment we gathered, there was an undeniable energy in the room. The men who showed up didn’t just attend—they showed up fully. They brought their authentic selves, their vulnerability, and their willingness to face hard truths and take the next steps toward becoming better versions of themselves. It’s rare to see a group of men connect so quickly and deeply, but the environment was ripe for breakthroughs. We dug into discussions that challenged limiting beliefs, shed light on new perspectives, and fostered a space where growth could truly happen.
Throughout the three days, I was moved by the level of honesty shared. Men opened up about their struggles, fears, and dreams with a courage that was inspiring to witness. Each story and each challenge shared was met with respect, understanding, and a collective willingness to support one another. This kind of connection is at the heart of what it means to embrace a warrior spirit—standing together as we face life’s battles.
Supporting Eric was a pleasure as well. His vision for the event was clear: create a space where men could come together, grow, and leave feeling empowered. He facilitated with heart, skill, and an intuitive understanding of what the group needed in each moment. I’m proud to have partnered with him, knowing that our combined efforts made a real impact on the participants.
Moments like these reinforce why I’ve dedicated myself to heart-based work and why I’m so passionate about helping people tap into their full potential. It’s about creating a realm where we can all feel seen, heard, and uplifted, and this weekend delivered that in spades.
I walked away from the ManUp Mastermind feeling inspired, grateful, and more connected than ever. It was a reminder of the power of community, the strength we find in vulnerability, and the profound transformation that can occur when men gather with a shared intention for growth.
To everyone who attended, thank you. Thank you for your courage, your honesty, and your willingness to show up fully. It was an honor to stand beside you and witness your journey. And to Eric, thank you for trusting me to be a part of this experience. It was a gift I won’t soon forget.
Until next time, remember: the journey of growth doesn’t end when the event does. Keep embracing your inner warrior, keep challenging yourself, and know that you have a circle of brothers who are here to support you every step of the way.
In gratitude and brotherhood, Neil”
If you know any man who could use support because he is carrying a big load on his own, reach out to Neil at neil@shindao.com to discover ways the man you know can be supported.
Tina Thrussell
