Empowering Men’s Wellbeing

June is recognized as Men’s Health Month, dedicated to raising awareness about issues affecting men, including the importance of mental health. On June 13, 2024, a transformative wellbeing and leadership workshop for men took place at KOFISI Riverside, led by the inspiring Coach Cece Ojany-Bekhor. The session was a blend of insightful discussions, practical exercises and thought-provoking reflections, all aimed at empowering men to thrive in both their personal and professional lives. Here are 5 key takeaways from the workshop.

The Importance of Wellbeing For Men
Cece Ojany-Bekhor, has extensive experience in working with men, with her mantra of “when you are well, you do well.” Wellbeing is not merely the absence of illness but encompasses a holistic sense of health that impacts every area of life. Cece encouraged the attendees to continually ask themselves on which dimensions they might not be feeling okay and to take proactive steps to address these areas.

How Men Can Introduce Themselves Powerfully
In a world where first impressions can open doors to new clients or business partners, Cece guided the participants on how to introduce themselves powerfully. This involves waiting for the other person to show interest or disinterest, ensuring that introductions are engaging and impactful. The attendees practised these introductions with each other, refining their approach and building confidence.

Embracing Challenges and Growth
Cece shared a profound perspective on challenges and problems, likening them to portals that must be navigated to emerge as better versions of themselves. Drawing parallels to superhero films and comics, she illustrated how protagonists face challenges and emerge elevated. This metaphor encourages viewing life’s obstacles as opportunities for growth and transformation.

The Adventure of Life
Encouraging men to see life as an adventure, Cece reminded the attendees that downtimes are simply part of the journey. She introduced the concept of archetypes, universal patterns of human behaviour and highlighted four key archetypes for men: the King, Warrior, Lover and Magician. Understanding these archetypes helps recognize behaviours and helps men strive towards healthier expressions of each behaviour.

Building a Support System
A significant point of discussion was the importance of having a support system. Cece stressed the value of having allies like coaches and mentors but also emphasized the need for friends – trustworthy individuals with whom one can share struggles.

The workshop concluded with a breathing exercise that helps harness your Prana (aka Life Force or Qi) which left the participants feeling grounded and reflective. This was not just an event but a call to action for all men to become living forces in their homes and communities. It challenged the attendees to embrace their archetypes, see life as an adventure and cultivate wellbeing in every dimension of their lives.

For those who missed it, listen to the latest KOFISI Konnect Podcast on Spotify or YouTube where KOFISI’s Sam Imende explores the importance of men’s wellness with Coach Cece Ojany-Bekhor and Daniel Orenge.