Overcoming the Fear of Change
Helping Our Men Embrace a Holistic Lifestyle
Adopting a holistic lifestyle can be a significant shift for anyone, but it can be especially daunting for our men; the fathers, partners, providers and protectors for the entire household. It’s common for men to feel strong resistance or even fear toward change or apprehension about altering their routines and habits.
Understanding the Root of the Fear
Let us first acknowledge and understand the immense pressure, stress and huge responsibility most of our men carry. In a world dominated by patriarchy we’ve all been conditioned to live in an incredibly fast-paced, goal-driven, masculine way. Even a lot of our women are actually living and operating from a conditioned masculine energy, forgetting their innate feminine urges and gifts of softness, slowness and creativity.
Our men often carry the majority of the financial burden - and in this day and age with the cost of living continuously rising, the amount of money needed to actually live comfortably - let alone abundantly - is at an all time high. Because of this our men are often forced into jobs that are not in alignment with their soul’s purpose and this undoubtedly has an effect on their physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health.
This role of 'the provider' and 'the protector' naturally steers the masculine mind towards the realms of logic and strategy. This tendency to need clear and defined outcomes can create resistance when faced with the more ambiguous and fluid concepts often associated with natural holistic health practices.
In contrast, the feminine mind may be more open to these notions, readily embracing natural, holistic approaches even without immediately clear benefits. This difference in mindset can be a significant factor in the hesitation men feel towards adopting a new, more natural lifestyle.
Outside Pressures / Cultural Background
Societal norms and expectations play a significant role in shaping men's attitudes towards health and lifestyle changes. Traditional views of masculinity often emphasize traits such as toughness, self-reliance, and stoicism. These cultural scripts can make men feel that prioritizing self-care or adopting holistic practices is at odds with being "strong" or "manly." For instance, the pressure to conform to these ideals may make men reluctant to engage in activities perceived as feminine, such as yoga or meditation, even though these practices have proven health benefits.
Cultural background can further complicate the issue. Different cultures have varying beliefs and practices related to health and wellness. In some cultures, traditional medicine and holistic practices are well-respected, while in others, they might be viewed with skepticism. Understanding these cultural nuances is crucial for providing support that resonates with individual experiences and beliefs. When we look to the East, a large percentage of sages, spiritual leaders, yogis and gurus are men. It’s our western conditioning that has shaped these skewed perceptions of what it means to be ‘masculine’.
By acknowledging and addressing these personal and cultural influences, you can create a more empathetic and supportive environment that encourages men to take the first steps towards a naturally holistic lifestyle. Recognizing the complex interplay of societal expectations, personal experiences, and cultural background can help in tailoring approaches that resonate with your partner’s unique expression, making the transition smoother and more appealing.
Personal Experiences
Personal experiences also significantly influence a man’s apprehension towards change. Men who have grown up in environments where traditional gender roles were strictly adhered to may find it particularly challenging to break away from those patterns. For example, if a man was raised in a household where emotional expression and self-care were unconsciously considered signs of weakness, he might find it difficult to embrace practices that require vulnerability and introspection.
Additionally, past experiences with health and wellness initiatives can shape their attitudes towards new approaches. If a man has previously attempted lifestyle changes and failed, he might be skeptical about trying again, fearing another unsuccessful attempt. This fear of failure, compounded with societal expectations, can create a significant barrier to adopting a holistic lifestyle.
Peer Pressure
I feel Men, more so than women often face peer pressure to conform to group norms, which may not always align with holistic health practices. For instance, in social circles where heavy drinking or unhealthy eating is common, a man might find it challenging to make different choices without feeling isolated or judged by his friends. This peer pressure can reinforce existing doubts and make it harder for men to embrace changes that promote well-being.
To achieve the pinnacle of health in a holistic sense, it’s essential for parents to consciously eliminate negative influences from their lives. This might involve letting go of toxic friendships, habits and environments that will likely hinder the path towards holistic well-being.
This commitment extends to the entire family, including our children. We must thoughtfully consider the energies we expose ourselves and our children to—do they uplift and inspire them and us? or do they cast a shadow over the collective spirit?
Cultivating a sense of oneness within the family is paramount, forming a sacred trinity of man, woman, and child, where the bond is unbreakable. In this harmonious unity, the greatest priority is the thriving and optimal health of each individual, ensuring that every family member is nurtured and supported in their path to holistic transformation.
This will take time. A gradual shift in our awareness will lead to a slightly stronger shift in our awareness and will eventually manifest into full conviction. To reach this place of deep inner knowing and conviction, we have to start somewhere - and that is with simple mindset shifts and actionable steps.
Go Deeper
If you want to go deeper into this mindset shift and also learn how to create the foundations for a completely natural lifestyle - addressing how to further encourage your man to embrace a natural way of life that will not only benefit himself, but inspire his children and create a ripple effect of positive change - then join us in our free masterclass HERE. Join the waitlist to reserve your spot and catch the replay if you can’t make it live.
To help men overcome the fear of change and embrace change, it's crucial to openly address their concerns and suggest supportive, actionable steps.
Starting with Small, Manageable Changes
Embracing a naturally holistic lifestyle can feel overwhelming if approached all at once. Men, in particular, may find it easier to adopt new habits gradually, allowing time for adjustment and minimizing resistance. Here are several strategies to help men start with small, manageable changes:
Incorporating Simple Habits
Begin by integrating easy-to-implement habits into daily routines. These small steps can make a significant impact over time and are less likely to trigger resistance.
Hydration: Encourage the simple habit of drinking more water throughout the day. Hydration, and in particular cell hydration is crucial for overall health, boosts energy levels, and aids digestion. Aside from the obvious - drinking more water! - offer him a refreshing, delicious and hydrating iced herbal tea when he gets home from work. Or make him a fresh fruit/veggie juice 30 minutes before his break-fast.
Definitely it will be ideal to eliminate all other forms of artificial hydration like ‘sports drinks’, energy drinks’ etc. But if that feels out of reach, take a step back and ‘add’ before you ‘subtract’.
Short Walks: Encourage the idea of taking short walks together as a family, whether during lunch breaks, before or after dinner, or as part of a morning routine. Walking is a low-impact exercise that can enhance cardiovascular health, reduce stress, and clear the mind. Sharing these walks as a family will not only promote physical health but also increase sunlight exposure (crucial for balanced hormones) and strengthen family bonds through meaningful connection.
The Power of Leading by Example
I’m going to just put it out there: women have a tendency to take the role of ‘the boss’ within the household. We often spend the majority of our days at home - tending to the children, preparing the foods and caring for our physical space. When our men return home from whatever duties they’ve had to take care of, it’s easy to fall into a more dominating role of ‘telling them’ rather than ‘encouraging them’, ‘inspiring them’ or ‘sharing with them’. Instead of saying ‘this is what i’m doing now and you should too.’ you could try ‘sharing with’ them about what's been working for you in a way that is encouraging and inspiring.
There’s a difference between telling someone ‘you should do this’ and sharing with someone - “I’ve been learning about x,y,z. It’s really helping me understand x,y,z. I’m adopting these practices and it’s making a difference to x,y,z.”
Sharing your wins and allowing the transformation to speak for itself is far more likely to motivate and inspire change in another person - especially your partner.
Mamas Lead by Example
When it comes to encouraging men to embrace a naturally holistic lifestyle, one of the most effective strategies is for mamas to lead by example. Demonstrating the benefits of holistic practices through personal commitment and visible results can inspire men to follow suit. Do it for yourself first, and inspire the change in your entire family. Here's how leading by example can make a significant impact:
1. Visible Health Benefits:
- When men see their partners experiencing positive changes, such as increased energy, improved mood, weight loss or better overall health, they are more likely to be curious and open to trying similar practices. The tangible results serve as powerful motivators.
2. Consistency and Commitment:
- Consistently engaging in holistic practices and making them a part of daily life shows dedication and commitment. This consistency can help normalize these practices and make them more appealing and accessible.
3. Positive Influence:
By prioritizing self-care and holistic health, mamas can create a ripple effect that influences the entire family. Children and other family members often emulate the behaviours of their caregivers, creating a supportive environment for everyone to thrive.
Reminder
If you are serious about transforming the health and wellbeing of yourself first, to inspire change in your family, then PLEASE join us HERE for our completely FREE masterclass (dates and time TBA next week).
In the masterclass we’ll cover:
Laying the foundations for a naturally holistic lifestyle
What to eat & what NOT to eat for optimal health
Mindset shifts for optimal wellness including a guided breath-work visualisation
Decluttering & detoxing your kitchen
Creating your family health goals
The Masculine & Feminine Balance - How to inspire husbands/partners/fathers to get on board the natural wellness train
You can reserve your spot for the masterclass by clicking the button and joining the waitlist below. Remember - if you can’t make it live, there will be a replay available, so there’s really no reason to miss this transformational opportunity!
In our culture, poor health has sadly become the norm. Everyone knows at least a handful of people struggling with cancer, diabetes, or other lifestyle diseases. Yet, this doesn't have to be our reality. By leading a life that is in true alignment with nature, you can transform your health and liberate yourself from disease and suffering. Embracing natural wellness not only enhances your physical well-being but also frees you from the mental chains and stress of chronic illness, allowing you to live a life of vitality and joy.
By tackling these crucial areas, you can inspire the king of your castle to conquer their (sometimes unconscious) fear of change and wholeheartedly embrace a holistic lifestyle - bringing more balance, ease and vitality to the entire family. Each step serves as a cornerstone for creating lasting, positive transformations that will have a lasting affect. Embrace this natural journey with patience, courage and grit and witness the unlimited transformations that arise from leading a life powered by natural wellness.
With more love, more health & more vitality!
Irie xx
PS - don’t forget to save your spot in our FREE masterclass. This is literally life-changing stuff!