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Why do we need Man's Inner Journey?

"Traditional male socialisation and ‘cultural scripts’ encourage men to be tough, self reliant, competitive and independent. According to these traditional values, men must appear to be highly independent, super-competent, experienced, rational, invulnerable, unemotional, in-authority, tough … the prime values of masculinity can be seen to be performance, competence and independence." (Alan Jenkins, An Owners Guide to Male Sexuality).

Most men would agree that we still get brought up under the scenario, ‘Big Boys Don’t Cry’. Clearly, this male training routine doesn’t work. Consider that:

• Men on average live 6 years less than women

• Men routinely fail at close relationships – women initiate relationship separation in 80% of cases

• Over 90% of convicted acts of violence are carried out by men

• In schools, 90% of children with behavioural problems are boys, 80% of children with learning difficulties are boys

• The most common cause of death for males between 12 and 60 is suicide

• As boys grow and experience pressures of the male role, their suicide rate increases 25,000% compared to girls

• Male violence has been linked to a lack of empathic nurturing from parents

The traditional male role model is restricted, we have witnessed radical changes in the role of women in society (wife, mother, worker etc), and men have experienced difficulties being raised in a way inconsistent with the changed roles and expectations of our society. The MIJ program was developed to offer a vehicle for men to tackle the challenges now being faced.

MIJ offers insights and opportunities for changing your internal world, providing tools, ways and means for developing greater self-awareness. In achieving this, you will have the opportunity if you choose, to implement the changes you think are important for delivering more positive and effective life outcomes.