The Men's Mindfulness Project, otherwise known as the Shine a Light Men's Project, began when it became clear that men's groups were not taking on men's issues with a mindfulness framework. The latter is foundational to the stated agenda: a call to action by men, for men, to come together and discuss the issues most profoundly influencing their lives. The mindfulness framework encourages safe, respectful and open dialogue - even among a diverse group of guys - and also a means of applying what we learn in our respective communities.
Very often project participants come away with the “What the f**k just happened?” reaction, as if permitting such open dialogue among one's peers is not allowed or at least actively discouraged. That's because the discussion topics shine a light on some very tough issues, and from our collective wisdom, practical solutions emerge.
The origins of the phrase “shine a light” are interesting and enlightening in themselves (pardon the pun). It is the title and main lyric of a song written by The Rolling Stones and released in 1972 on the Exile on Main Street album. The song is about a person struggling with addiction and how friends and family love him in spite of it. The song was released in memory of Stones founding member Brian Jones who died of a drug-related drowning in 1969.
From modern English, to “shine a light” is to metaphorically spotlight an issue or subject so that others will notice it, pay more attention to it, or learn more about it.
Northern Old English produced an earlier variation. Here “shine a light” is a phrase meaning surprised exasperation as in, “Shine-a-light, I can't believe it!” Similar to “Fuck me!” Or as a verb, “It's fucking dull in here, shine a light!”
The oldest known expression of the phrase is the biblical verse from Mathews 5:16 (KJV):
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
This verse is most certainly based on the many earlier versions from the Hebrew scriptures which reference the “light of divine revelation” and variations thereof.
There are many other musical versions, some playing off the religious texts, otherwise known as “elevation worship.” Groups that have performed songs featuring versions of the phrase include C90 (2010), Banners (2017) and Bryan Adams (2019).
Finally, “shining light” is an advanced mindfulness exercise among Zen monks to observe and identify the potentials and challenges of a brother monk or disciple to help him or her gain insight, and in so doing, build a loving and enlightened community.
Each of these bears a certain striking resemblance to what we do in the Men's Project meetings. While non-religious and non-judgmental, the discussion is often refreshing, forthright, heartfelt and hopeful. As one member recently put it, “we are ordinary guys talking about serious shit!”
Shine a light, brother! And thank you.
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