Gay Spirituality And Spiritual Health
Research has shown that spirituality is increasingly popular with more people turning away from organized religions. Gay spirituality is also following this trend. The internet has a large and ever growing number of groups and websites dedicated to gay spirituality.
The reasons for a gay spirituality are just the same as for other types. Many people find the material world unsatisfying and long to connect with the world in a deeper way. They find that many faiths demand behaviors and beliefs they cannot fully subscribe to. Some people find that faith is often expressed through fear and they prefer to seek a philosophy which embraces love and expressions of joy at the world.
Organized religion causes problems in the minds of some gay people because of its condemnation of the lifestyle. Religious forces are an important factor in shaping moral beliefs and even laws in many places. This has led to societies where gay people can be ousted and threatened or at least suffer disapproval. This often translates into self hatred and denial in homosexual individuals. Some people feel there are similarities between spiritual practice and coming out as they both require self knowledge and lead to self acceptance through introspection.
Traditionally gay people have often undertaken caring roles in society either in the caring professions or as ministers, priests and healers. One reason for this may be that most homosexuals choose not to have children. This allows more time and energy for helping others. Following a spiritual path also takes time and energy and so many gay people find they have the opportunity for this practice.
Another cause of the rise in spirituality among gay men especially could be the suffering the community has undergone as a result of AIDS. It has meant that many gay men of all ages have cared for and lived with people who are dying. Historically faith and spirituality have had an intimate relationship with the idea of death.
Gay spirituality manifests itself in as many practices and types of belief as all spirituality. As homosexual relations are not about procreation but the giving and receiving of pleasure and expressions of love gay tantra is one of the most popular practices. It increases consciousness through meditation and intense focus on the present moment. To compliment this there are also workshops which focus on other ways to achieve intimacy besides sex. Other types of spirituality practiced by gay people include shamanism, healing such as Reiki, paganism, meditation, working with nature and drumming and singing.
The internet has lots of information from a wide variety of sources about gay spirituality and how it can be practiced. There are increasing numbers of spirituality groups who run workshops and retreats of different kinds. There are online communities with blogs and chat rooms so that you can explore your thoughts with other gay people even if you cannot find a group near you. There are also sites which produce literature by well know gay practitioners.
Gay spirituality is a growing phenomenon and you can be part of it easily by using online resources. Whatever aspects of spirituality interest you there are many opportunities to join with other to explore them.
Howie Holben, the author, is the owner of Spirit Journeys, a gay vacations organization that focuses on spiritual travel. Howie has travelled the world learning from indigenous peoples. You can learn more about Howie, his work and gay travel with a spiritual concentration at Spirit Journeys website.
categories: gay,lgbt,spirituality,metaphysical,religion,social issues,society,self improvement,advice,motivational
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