A world in which men support each other. Instead of doing it all by themselves. A world in which men challenge each other, to both gain strength. Instead of taking the other one down. A world in which men take ownership over what is theirs, instead of making excuses and walking away. In which men learn to make healthy choices, that serve them and the world, instead of destroying themselves and others.
Living Brotherhood is vital. A talk with a friend when you are lost. Encouragement of a neighbour where all you expect is criticism and judgement. A group of men listening without judgement so you feel seen and heard. It seems small. It is huge.

Because if we no longer need to prove we exist, by fighting to win, by being or having the biggest… if we can dispose of all this juvenile hurt, we create space for the mature man. A man who takes care of himself. A man who carries himself. Who is there for himself. And can be there for the world.
The world needs mature men. As leaders, as roll models, as builders, as peacemakers, as fathers. Men who choose to take up a position as mentor. To be an example for a next generation. To show that opening up doesn’t make you weak. To showcase the healthy ways to express your power. To demonstrate how masculine energy is a positive, healing, conscious, sustainable addition to society. To bring balance in a world where unhealthy, immature masculinity creates the illusion that power is the domain of men and the rat race towards it destroys more than it creates.

A lot of the issues men have are the result of insecure attachment and a missing or inadequate transition to maturity. In the ideal case attachment and initiation are processes that parents – and other caregivers and educators in the child’s life – consciously engage in and guide. In our modern time however various factors (industrialisation, capitalism, commercialisation, to name a few) caused parents in general and fathers especially to have less and less time to give conscious attention to these processes. If they are present at all.
Due to lack of safety, guidance and healthy roll models a boy cannot grow up to be a healthy mature man. The consequences: isolation, addiction, violence, crime, suicide and toxic behaviour (especially towards women).

To grow in mature masculinity men need other men. So the man can mirror himself. Can discover and learn. Can feel he is not the only one feeling like this. Not the only one who struggles with problems he struggles with. So he can be inspired to bring out the best in himself. Can learn that self-care isn’t selfish but a condition for a healthy life. Can learn that it is totally unnecessary to do everything alone. That being vulnerable doesn’t mean being weak.
This helps for men to connect more. To not engage in competition and strife… with men… and with women. It helps them to express their desires and doubts. To communicate more openly. Causing less misunderstandings, which do not have to result in discord and disconnection.

In jest people sometimes say that men cannot multitask. Yet the world around us and what it asks of us…. is growing more complicated every day. We have to earn money, have a social life, raise children, do housekeeping, be a good partner, have hobbies and do volunteer work, mean something to the world, take enough rest, exercise, contemplate, make plans for the future… and all of these things are more and more complicated themselves.

That is why Firemakers choose simplicity. Man and nature. Nothing more is needed than a quiet place, a couple of men and a fire. Even if it is only once a month, for a couple of hours, being together in silence, listening to each other when something is shared, and letting thoughts and feelings just be in each other’s presence.
Regaining contact with your nature, your core, happens in connection with nature. By feeling the earth beneath your feet, you can feel how you are being carried and supported. By looking at the cycle of the seasons, you can regain connection to your own processes throughout the year.
That’s why we choose simplicity, natural materials, connection to the seasons. So men come in contact with themselves. Get to know themselves. And from there can form a healthier connection with the world around them. A connection contributing to peace and happiness for both the man in question and his surroundings.

This way Firemakers supports a world more connected, more open, more powerful and peaceful.