June is a time for enjoying barbeques, ballgames, yoga in the park, smores by the fire, outdoor concerts and hikes in the woods. It’s a time to relax, lounge and de-stress, taking time away from phones and computers. We’ve also historically celebrated the men in our lives, an easy and fun tradition as we continue to enjoy relationships with cherished friends, fathers, brothers and others we gratefully call family. As roles have shifted and stereotypes eased, we’ve grown together in heartfelt relationship and welcomed the gift of learning their joys and sorrows along the way.

There is no doubt the past few years have encouraged a great reckoning of priorities in the areas of community, human connection and the level of earnest intention among men. The passion with which they approach their work or their craft, the skills they have mastered and the care they extend to family often exhibit a fierce love and devotion to responsibility in a time when stress is at an all-time high.

Naturally, we wonder at the balance or lack thereof that creates the foundation for these busy, complex lives and what it means to be a human in today’s world—more specifically, a man in today’s society. We looked at what is helping most in the healing and ultimately flourishing mind, body and spirit for these beloved beings and found a repeating, age-old pattern of bonding that is more active than ever.

Many of the men in our lives look forward to meeting on a regular basis with other men to hang out, talk and connect. They do this in each other’s homes, on patios, at restaurants, on biking trips or weekends at a cabin. The outings can be casual, but most often are spiced with deeper discussions that ride on comforting rhythms which have evolved with the familiarity and trust these groups have created. Whether it’s sharing about family life, challenges at work, health issues and relationship dynamics or celebrating milestones, this coming together provides a common space that bonds them together in unique and healthy ways.

We need each other to be our best and healthiest selves, and it’s a choice to keep a support network alive with the courage to reach out for help and build new and vital connections. We appreciate our readers for being a part of this community of like-minded souls in the interconnected web of life. May you find resources and connections that meet you along the way.

Kendra Campbell and Jacqueline Mast, Co-Publishers