Mentoring in the modern world

The definition of a mentor is that of a ‘wise advisor’, someone who is trusted and can provide unbiased guidance, based on wisdom gained through experience.

Where do our young men of today find that guidance? Via our various forms of media?

Hardly!

Are we to model Arnold Schwarzenegger, Hugh Jackman or Ed O’Neil?

In reality every man is unique, as is every woman.

We need mentoring to remind us how we may find our own path, be ‘wisely advised’ by those who have travelled a way along their path, and be guided with the intention that we become the best version of ourselves.

Now more than ever our young men need to find the company of wise, Elder men, so that they can depend on this wisdom, since in reality, there’s not much we can depend upon in this time of the redefining of modern masculinity. Indigenous cultures have known this for millennia.

Our partners need this, our children need this and looking at the 30% increase in the last decade of men in Australian gaols for acts of violence, our society desperately needs this.

If you’re a man reading this, locate an Elder group in your area and find out how you can spend some time with them. Go hang out in a Men’s Shed and test the water. You will be amazed, challenged, supported, accepted and guided to be the best version of yourself.

If you’re a woman reading this, perhaps suggest the men in your life do this for themselves.