“We’re all healing together and it’s beautiful”: Mindfulness and self-compassion practices as embodied praxes for transforming relationships of domination into relationships of care among men

Abstract

This thesis holds that hegemonic masculinity in Western contexts is constructed around alienating and dominating relationships with the “feminine” – emotions, women, and the natural environment – largely for the purposes of capital gain. It shares the profeminist perspective that while this systemic subordination may confer men socio-economic and political advantage, it leaves many men sensually impoverished, disembodied, and disconnected to earth, others, and self. Drawing from ecofeminists such as Val Plumwood, the thesis argues that to contest, dismantle, and even heal relations of domination, that which is being subordinated and contained must be affirmed, connected with, and reconceptualised. This study presents mindfulness and self-compassion practices, with a focus on teachings from the Vietnamese Buddhist Monk, Thich Nhat Hanh, as praxes that may allow for such radical reconnections. Given that mindfulness and self-compassion practices are embodied practices, the study contends that the body can be a powerful site of observing, contesting, and healing relationships of domination and opening to relationships of care.

This thesis explores the accounts of 11 men as they navigated through a bespoke 6-week workshop centered on mindfulness and self-compassion practices. Their experiences were captured through qualitative research methods, including ethnography and in-depth interviews. The narratives uncover how the embodied practices allow for a softening of the impulse for control, an opening of sensual, non-oppressive connection, and an invoking of a sensibility of care toward self and others. The findings suggest that these embodiments may be supported by increased awareness around emotional intelligence and therapeutic and trauma-related discourses, and may offer pathways to disrupting gender inequalities. The thesis engages in conversations at the intersections of critical studies of men and masculinities (CSMM), ecofeminism, and contemplative pedagogies.