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Dwyane Wade engaged in an informal discussion on vulnerability and safe spaces for men at a wellness retreat held by The Wellness Oasis. The NBA icon and mental health advocate/community builder shared his views on the traditional male issues of expressing feelings and asking for support.
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In the clip, Wade looked into the various stereotypes about masculinity and how such pressures can make men lose contact with themselves. He then nominally demanded for male safe spaces to allow men to discuss their own struggles without being judged. “It’s great to work hard and be there for everyone, but you’re going to lose yourself in that process,” said Wade.
Last year, Wade hosted another type of retreat-the wellness retreat-to provide forty men with an opportunity to be vulnerable and connect. He found the experience tremendously transformative because once one or two started sharing, everybody else rapidly followed. “We all are dealing with very similar issues-either we’ve dealt with them, we’re going to discount with them, or we’re dealing with them today,” he says. Once again, it was a perfect example of allowing vulnerability to break down the walls and create strong communities.
The post by The Wellness Oasis really went away from the heart of their followers. Many applauded Wade for confronting the issue of male mental health while taking the lead in promoting it. One said, “Such an incredible perspective that’s so important to share,” and another said, “This is so so important! Keep creating a space!”
His endeavors in mental wellness have been long-standing, promoting for years the expression of emotional health by proclaiming it himself. Ostensibly, he has done more to create an environment for men to flourish from societal expectations through this alliance with The Wellness Oasis.
This discussion would expand to that bigger picture in need of more programs that, on a real and deep level, connect men: a program such as Wade’s retreat, which one participant described: “It was truly an honor to be part of such a deep experience.”
Wade was clear in his message: vulnerability is strength, and putting men into a safe space to express themselves is a recipe for personal growth, healing, and community building. Wade has been crystal clear about prioritizing mental health and community in action, demonstrating how the toughest athlete will lead heart-first.
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Thus, the discourse left doors open for everyone, regardless of gender, to benefit from this type of free-flowing dialogue and emotional honesty. Wade takes one conversation at a time in trying to build this better world.
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