Riverside rambles connecting Margaret River men

A bit of rain won’t dampen the enthusiasm of a group of local men who have been catching up each week to walk, talk and connect with each other.

Ryan Nilsson-Linne, co-organiser of Self Seen Margaret River alongside Peter Durey and Mat Kent, said a committed group of blokes braved torrential rain on Sunday to continue a tradition which began on the banks of the river earlier this year.

“The Sunday walks have been an epic place for us all to build connections both to place and to people and is a relaxed place to come and unload a little of your week with some like minded blokes,” he said.

“We chat about what is going on in our lives freely amongst the group, from what has made our day and week great, to what has been hard and what we need to work on.

“There is a great bunch of blokes from different walks of life… so we have lots of different experiences to talk about.”

Ryan said he had already learned from the participants.

“It has been amazing to listen to them, and on the other foot it has been amazing to have a safe space to talk through my day, week and life.

“I am super proud of the group, the connections being made, the support of our fellow blokes and the willingness of everyone to share has been a real pleasure to be involved with. We show up every week to support ourselves and our mental health but also to support others and their journey which is something pretty special to be able to do every week.”

Peter Durey said he most enjoyed the “warm sense of connection” at the morning gatherings. “And what I appreciate most is the collective honesty, humility, and wisdom of the group. No need for false bravado or humour.

Ryan said the initial meetings had sparked deeper connections with some members finding good mates amongst their number.

“Our coffee at The Hairy Marron has gone from a quick cuppa to some epic conversations and solving of all the worlds problems,” he said.

“As the months have gone on there has been a real strengthening in the relationships of the blokes who come down regularly, be that from some really close mates to people that without the group would never have met.

“We have a core group of guys who come down every couple of weeks and we are all gelling really well as a little community.”

Now, Self Seen Margaret River aims to establish a monthly Men’s Circle.

“The Men’s Circle will be with a structure in place that helps men to open up, and will give a safe space for people to get a little deeper,” Ryan said.

“It is essentially a place for men to gather and chat about their life with no judgement and full confidentiality.

“As with everything we do, it will be an evening where you only need to put in and take out of the group what you are willing to, and take away what you need from it. Nothing is forced, everything is optional and there is no pressure.”

Ryan said a group member would step up to facilitate the Men’s Circle.

“We are looking to run them once a month and it will be a couple of hours on a weeknight in town.

“You wont need to be a part of the Sunday walks to attend – it will be open to anyone who would like to come and free to attend.”

To find out more, visit the Self Seen Margaret River social pages, email selfseenmargaretriver@gmail.com or call Ryan on 0458 565 299.