The Man Wave Movement was developed as a non-profit by Judith Snell who was inspired by men in her career and personally.
- Judith was driven to launch the Man Wave Movement in memory of her husband who unfortunately took his life to suicide after living for many years suffering in silence with ongoing mental health which was inclusive of ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, PTSD-Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Mental Health- Addictions as a result of these challenges. Although he had the support of his loving wife and traditional community health, this did not prevent him from choosing to take his life.
The intent of the Man Wave Movement is to invite men to engage and learn best practices from each other while at the same time aiming to achieve the following outcomes:
1. To increase self-awareness and self-understanding relative to mind, body and spirit integration.
2. Explore various mindfulness and embodiment practices that would support enhanced connection with the body, thoughts and emotions that govern our actions, reactions and capacity to choose.
3. To develop and educate men about the impact that the stress response has upon our overall health, well- being and capacity to self-regulate
4. To resource from within to be able to access tools that will foster greater adaptability, coping skills and resiliency to stress, distorted cognitions, thoughts and beliefs that may need to be questioned, examined and reframed that are in better service of each person’s capacity to function at their best in the world
5. To engage each person in playful and joyful practices that feed into and support their ability to be more accepting, tolerant, non-attached, present, more focused, compassionate, and grateful in their personal and professional lives while at the same time building community of like-minded men who are on the personal path to healing, health and wellbeing.
6. To create a safe and secure container for disclosure and sharing of personal stories, insights, awakenings, awareness and trust in the spirit of acceptance, peer support and respect for privacy. While at the same time, accessing other ways of knowing that to help to support each person’s and the group’s overall goals, needs, hopes and wishes relative to personal and professional growth.
7. To raise men up to find a voice and as a collective offer comfort, reassurance and understanding of each other’s struggles with isolation, alienation, coping with mental, physical, emotional and spiritual challenges.
8. To explore opportunities to advocate for and be a voice for raising awareness and shifting perspectives around the health and wellness needs of men
The intent of the Man Wave Movement is to create a safe space for men to gather in men’s groups. With these groups allowing the men to connect with other men and open up and express what they are dealing with and feeling in that moment.. In addition, the Man Wave Movement will develop support systems and resources for men.
As men gather, collect and communicate their needs, a list of issues/themes will be generated and depending on the topic at hand, these issues will be explored and processed not just verbally but in active and interactive ways to meet the needs of how men learn and process emotions and thoughts best.
The unique Men’s Groups will offer the opportunity to increase self-awareness, reconnect with one’s authentic sense of self and life purpose while tapping into creative tools and inner resources of strength to support the whole and healthy individual. Potential outcomes for men include increased productivity and focus, learning and leading more effectively, awareness around how they operate in relationships with others, coping more effectively with stress and attaining a greater sense of fulfillment, inner peace and happiness.
The bottom line - living a more mindful conscious life as a man, a partner, a work colleague and community leader.