
Sharing the benefits of vulnerability and sensitivity.
Listen to Real Men Feel, #236, “Your Sensitivity Is a Gift” here:
Author, entrepreneur, and change manager, Thomas Anderson, joins us to share the benefits of vulnerability and sensitivity. These characteristics are often perceived as a weakness, but we bust that myth today. We also discuss why material possessions won’t lead to happiness, how fear reduces choice, and what emotional mastery looks like.
“If you allow life, you can actually feel emotion, and nothing gets stuck within you.” ~ Thomas Anderson
One of the most severely misunderstood characteristics is sensitivity. In mainstream masculine culture, it is seen as a weakness, a hindrance, and something to overcome. That couldn’t be further from the truth, as you’ll learn in the episode. Thomas was deemed a Highly Sensitive Person and has been exploring this aspect of his personality ever since. Once in a dark and desperate place, Thomas used his vulnerability to reclaim joy and freedom. He shares his journey while offering others a roadmap for healing.
One of the central benefits of empathy and sensitivity is the increased ability to care for others. Without feeling, we can’t sense our tribe’s needs, nor our own. At the end of the day, what’s more important than our capacity to serve others? Impeccable self-care is another vital aspect of service covered in this episode, as we can’t give from an empty cup. All in all, this heartfelt interview is sure to inspire greater emotional awareness and vulnerability.
Grab the Real Men Feel Guide to Friendship for a list of places you can meet more male friends and get on the Real Men Feel weekly newsletter.
Highlights and Topics:
- (4:00) Why avoiding talking about the things that matter will lead to pain.
- (5:13) How small steps and therapy transformed Thomas’s life.
- (8:01) How did Thomas discover that he was a Highly Sensitive Person?
- (15:42) Why putting yourself first is instrumental to helping others.
- (17:35) What does being vulnerable mean to Thomas?
- (24:05) Why is emotional mastery often misunderstood?
- (28:24) What can happen when suppressed men finally allow emotion?
- (32:20) How suicidality has impacted both Thomas and Andy, and how others can get help.
- (40:23) Why is sensitivity a superpower?
- (43:55) What books, habits, and practices does Thomas recommend?
◊♦◊
Watch Real Men Feel, #236, “Your Sensitivity Is a Gift” April 27, 2021
“When going through something rough, can you talk to your mates and friends about it?” ~ Thomas Anderson
◊♦◊
Connect with Thomas Anderson:
Book | The Vulnerable Man: Break your patterns. Master your emotions. Reclaim your life.
Website | ThomasAnderson.se
Instagram | @thomasanderson.se
Facebook | Thomas Anderson – Author, life coach & inspirational speaker
LinkedIn | Thomas Anderson
Need to talk about getting out of your own way? Visit TheAndyGrant.com/talk.
Scroll down to the author bio for all the links to access more #RealMenFeel
—
This post was previously published on RealMenFeel.org.
***
Improve your writing, expand your reach, and monetize your craft.
Join The Good Men Project’s Writers’ Community on Patreon.
We welcome all experience levels.
Learn more on our Patreon page.
***
Photo by Engin Akyurt on Unsplash
