A Poetic Capturing of June 26th

It was 5:57 p.m., and the room had shifted from a calm, lo-fi-filled atmosphere to one abundant with chatter.

Volumes of isolated conversations echoed throughout the space.

Newcomers had matriculated in, seeking companionship from familiar faces.

And ever so steadily, the room grew, not in size, but through an expansion of spirit that filled it.

Eager to lend both voice and ear to the conversation.

Although the assembly had gathered to discuss the well-being of men, a diverse collective had formed.

Not long after this meeting of the minds had commenced, the room fell mute.

The space unified in silence, in preparation for a guided mindfulness practice.

Together, we briefly embarked on a journey to rediscover the mind’s ability to overcome itself.

“The breath is a phenomenal anchor into our nervous system,” said the practitioner.

With each shared inhale and exhale, a sacred space was forged for the impending conversations.

A centered frequency had been declared.

The topic that had drawn us to this room began to stir a wide range of emotions.

To the right, sat faces both intrigued and perplexed.

And to the left, deeply attuned beings observed with eyes wide, eager for insight.

The tone in the space shifted fluidly, from a quiet concern, to moments of reassurance, and then to an eruption of laughter.

The two doctors spoke of an invisible crisis that called for a greater attention and allyship.

An enhanced empathy surfaced through intentional and introspective prompts as a result of the risen concerns.

This gathering reminded many of the communities in which they held belonging and responsibility.

An acknowledgment of the often-forgotten emotional humanity in our fathers, brothers, sons, and husbands.

So often obscured by myths of masculinity.

Paths paved long before their time, and the silent surrender of our minds to norms we've never dared to question.

Such moments invited inward reflection, revealing that the subconscious perceptions are often far more complex than what meets the eye.

There was a collective realization that our independent frequency carries a rippling effect, shaping the emotional landscape of those around us.

The male path within the human experience unfolds through an energetic reciprocity in which we all hold a stake.

There was a palpable sense that a dormant layer of empathetic vision had been awakened that day.

One that had always existed but awaited remastering.

By Amel Okoye