Words: Matthew J
‘Crisis’ sadly continues to be an appropriate description for the experience of so many men when it comes to management of their mental health. Globally, on average, one man dies from suicide every minute, and whilst awareness-raising is moving things in a more hopeful direction, it’s hard to come by a family that hasn’t experienced the devastation and suffering associated with the unique mental health struggles of men.
I very nearly became a statistic myself in 2009. After years of silently suppressing emotional pain and internal turmoil as the status quo, I found myself believing that the only option was to take my own life. Yet incredibly (for reasons I’ll always be unpacking), I’m still here. In fact, I’m grateful every single day that I’ve been able to hang around a bit longer on this majestic rock. I’m lucky enough to live a life where I can ask myself and others the important questions I wish I’d thought to ask so many years ago. Questions like: why do men suffer the way they do and what can we actually do to stop it?!
Matthew Johnson
After decades of purposeful curiosity (and hundreds of hours of therapy) I’m starting to get to the bottom of why this (now) 40-year-old guy from south Wales came so close to taking the ‘big sleep’ so early.
As a broadcaster, I’ve been lucky enough to receive invitations to some of the most impressive wellness retreats in the world. I see my role as ‘handing over’ what I’ve found to be useful in a way that makes it accessible to as many men as possible. The Tapestry Retreat in Marrakech provided another opportunity to do just that.
The magnificent Jnane Tamsna boutique hotel is just a short drive from Marrakech airport. It brings together the warmth of a family home, mesmerising Moroccan architecture, a sense of peace that feels almost religious and a quality that I’ve never experienced before. The warmth that this location possesses is undoubtedly down to its owners Meryanne Loum-Martin, Gary Martin and Thais Loum-Martin. They create a unique atmosphere to the hotel that has to be seen to be believed, with each family member bringing their own special ‘gifts’ to the table.
Set over three days, the retreat gets off to a great start with a massage, followed by a beautiful welcoming supper within the gorgeous gardens. Following a great nights’ sleep you then get down to business, after a yoga session of course, for a deep dive into values, shadow work and life goals. On the final day we set clear intentions for the future, having taken a comprehensive look at who we are and what we want – today. Across the three days, I was able to better make sense of and understand the major life changing events in my life, wonderfully inviting me to make conscious life changing decisions, based on my reimagined values. To be able to hold your life under the microscope and look at who you are and what you want to be and do with your life is an exceptional, necessary, experience.
Matthew Johnson
The retreat approached these sensitive subjects with the care and delicacy they deserve, guiding you in the most soft and gentle way. To carry such heavy topics so lightly and safely in such a peaceful environment was a true joy.
Time spent in the remarkable ‘space’ that Maren and Rosy created couldn’t have been better timed for me. Post-attempt, it was crucial for me to go ‘back to basics’ and embark on a rather grimy, gritty pursuit of self-discovery and talking deep therapy. I had to peel away many layers; to painfully visit (and re-visit) the darkest parts of myself. It’s been a long process that over time, has lightened and transformed from remedial and urgent to gentle and holistic. I now view the ongoing management of my mental and physical wellbeing as a pleasure and opportunity to check-in, reset and optimise my approach to every endeavour in every area of my life. Tapestry enabled me to punctuate the story from where I am today, and ensure that my values and my actions align, as I intend to do the rest of my life.
If, like me, you intend on living a life with clear chapters – making choices on purpose and never forgetting the importance of caring for every aspect of your personal development – I couldn’t recommend it more.
Tapestry is a mental wellness company dedicated to helping people have a better relationship with their mind. Working with individuals and teams, Tapestry design immersive experiences that build new mind habits for life. Tapestry’s next Marrakech retreat is in November 2023. To register your interest and find out more about their full range of offerings visit www.tapestrydesign.life
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