Men’s Circle November - Finding Purpose

Purpose is a heavy word that for some of us has become hackneyed by repetition.

But its importance and allure remains as life can feel like a grind when we’re not sure what we’re working toward.

This month’s men’s circle is about slowing down, sharing our stories, and getting honest about what gives our lives meaning. No big speeches or quick fixes — just real talk, reflection, and support from other men who are figuring it out too.

We’ll also lean on some interesting articles and ted talks to guide discussions. I’ve gone through quite a few and the following 2 brief blogs and 1 Ted Talk do a good job of coming at it from various angles, some fun, some somber but all very pragmatic.

I ask you to please read/watch at least one (ideally all 3) and come ready to discuss!

1. A pragmatic Article by the Good Men Project that lists 10 questions (some of which don't seem to have anything to do with purposes). Which of the questions resonate or give you a view that you hadn't considered before?
   https://goodmenproject.com/featured-content/a-mans-guide-to-finding-true-purpose-in-life-dg/
2. An interesting Ted Talk that focused on the importance of legacy among other useful guidelines. What would you like to have on your "Legacy Statement"?
   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJrNLj8DxzA
3. A refreshingly honest take (as always) by the modern foul-mouthed Stoic, Mark Manson. The 7 Questions he raises touch on a lot of the topics on the above resources, but come at it from a different angle, such as "What's your Favourite Flavour of Shit Sandwich?" https://markmanson.net/life-purpose

If you know of any other good ones, feel free to add it in the comments below.

Looking forward to a fruitful conversation!
Mayar

----- Generic Meetup Description Follows ----

Join us for a friendly gathering of men (all ages welcome) where we’ll have an open discussion on anything and everything related to the experiences and challenges we as men face in the modern age.

The topics of discussion will vary from meeting to meeting, covering a wide range that could include work and money, relationships and intimacy, parenthood and family, loss and grief, travel and relocation, fitness and health, etc. The format is flexible and while we usually suggest topics and vote on them, we may also leverage articles or excerpts from books in the area to guide the discussion.

Please note that this isn’t meant to be therapy or coaching.

We’ll provide a safe and confidential space and require the same from all our attendees. If you’re not the type to enjoy deeper discussion, this group is probably not the right one for you. The group will be kept on the smaller side to foster an intimate setting and allow everyone enough time to share.

This group is for men only. We understand women also face many of these challenges and we encourage you to join one of the many women’s-only meet-ups available in Montreal. This group will be held in English.

There is a small fee for in-person events to cover the space costs, online events will be free.

PLEASE NOTE: This group strives to create a safe and respectful space for open dialogue that aims to heal rather than exacerbate the divisions in society. While we agree that a lot of men are struggling in the modern world, we do not condone much of the unsavoury takes found in "the manosphere". However, we do extend a warm invite to men who may have been drawn to certain ideologies but are eager to transcend them. So if you're seeking to move beyond divisive perspectives and instead choose to focus on personal growth and positive transformation to become a well-rounded active member of society (including as a partner and father, if you choose), this group is for you!