All-Star Middle Linebacker, Shea Emry, is one of the fiercest and nastiest players in the Canadian Football League and has been simultaneously tackling on a new field: men’s health and development. Sidelined with an injury in 2011, Emry battled a lifetime of negative self-image from traumatic childhood experiences which lead to the ensuing torment of upholding the machismo standards of masculinity in professional sport. Immersed in a culture that expects men to mask their feelings, Emry recognized the toxic silence of manliness was affecting more than just him. Using his platform in professional sport, Emry founded Wellmen, a movement that proves being a ‘real man’ is about being a balanced man.
Emry uses the seeming strength of an axe and vulnerability of tree pose blended into an experience which opens ones heart to the possibilities of transparency and freedom. He aims to inspire a rewilding of the culture of masculinity, one that accepts a more whole and complete human. No part, tear, feeling or grunt left out.
A look at masculinity, the opportunity we have to shift framework, and how to ignite that change in our lives, now.
Trying to be a man within the framework of masculinity sucks! The noise in your head silently creates toxic thoughts for those who feel they don’t measure up. Whether it be on an adventure, around a bonfire with a guitar in your hand, or through spoken word — We need to let that shit out. It’s time to pop a bottle — of sparkling water — and celebrate all the different ways men can express, rather than repress, their true nature. Because it’s critical to our overall health.
All-Star Middle Linebacker, Shea Emry, one of the fiercest and nastiest players in Canadian football has been tackling on a new field: men’s emotional wellbeing. Sidelined with an injury, Emry battled trials of the past, including negative self-image and a lifetime of upholding the machismo standards of masculinity in professional sport. Emersed in a culture that expects men to mask their feelings, Emry recognized the toxic silence of manliness was affecting more than just him. Using his platform in professional sport, Emry founded Wellmen, a movement that proves being a ‘real man’ is about being a balanced man.
Emry uses the seeming strength of an axe and vulnerability of tree pose blended into an experience which opens ones heart to the possibilities of transparency and freedom. His talk will inspire a rewilding of the culture of masculinity, one that accepts a more whole and complete human. No part, tear, feeling or grunt left out.
Sport culture is an identity time-bomb. We need to cultivate a growth mindset in all aspects of life — regardless of whether we’re first rounders or not.
Our culture around sport makes transition out of athletics pretty damn tough. Those of us who grow up in sports culture perceive it as the be all, end all of who they are. Ultimately, an identity that is built only accomplishments and competition is going to leave you with that empty feeling. At some point you will get injured, get taken out of the game, retire, or get too old. In any competitive sport, or elite competition, eventually there is an end. Without consideration and proactivity outside the arena, the end can have a disastrous outcome for the athlete, and his or her loved ones, when being thrown into the unknown; Depression, Alcoholism, Loneliness, Grief, Bankruptcy, and Divorce are just some of the possibilities.
Life can’t, and shouldn’t be, all eat-sleep-train-repeat. Becoming well-rounded human beings instead of 3-point-shooting, faceoff winning robots will create a happier, more purposeful experience when the ‘glory days’ are over.
Tags: health, mental health, well-being, athletes, athletic development, personal growth
Perfect for: athletic groups associations, sports teams, all levels of schools, after school associations, training & health societies, parent & teacher associations.
Talk Notes: the thrill pillars of a healthy life and fulfilling existence before, during and after sport: flow state, a sense of community and a purpose — and the things that you can to proactively nurture them.
The ‘smart people’ are telling us what we already know. Nature Rocks. It has been scientifically proven to be frigging amazing and has the ability to stoke our minds, bodies, and souls.
After suffering traumatic events as a child, Shea Emry has battled depression throughout his life. Intuitively, he sought refuge in places he felt were safe. Sheltered by the trees and consoled by the seas, he knew they were not going to judge or betray him in as he had been in the past.
The restorative qualities of nature harness unlimited ability to evoke the stoke. People suffering from physical, emotional, and mental traumas can utilize nature’s ability kickstart their journey to restore their health and connection with one another. We’re all a little messed up, no reason to keep it inside. Take it outside!
