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Gay retreats offer the ideal chance for those who are feeling tired and drained to find peace and fulfillment. Most people need a holiday at some time in the year. With the pressures of modern life this has become even more important. If you are gay and have experienced discrimination your need might be greater than some. There are a variety of places that are ideally suited to gay retreats. All you have to do is choose where you want to go.

There are a variety of different types of gay retreats you can experience. There are many organized retreats that you can go on that feature seminars, yoga, meditation and many other activities. If you would prefer to be a little more independent then there are a number of travel companies that organize vacations away to various gay friendly locations.

If thought provoking and informative seminars, lectures and workshops are what you are looking for then you could try Hamilton Hall. This beautiful building is the only gay run and gay owned center for retreats in the whole of Europe and also offers party weekends. This means it is ideally suited for both party animals and those seeking peace and education.

Noosa Cove on the North Queensland coast is a beautiful small town that is a gay friendly paradise. The area boats a national park that is filled with bushland, forests and lakes and you are guaranteed to see animals including koalas if you are lucky. The beaches that are so plentiful in the area are not only clean and warm but are also ideally suited for surfing and swimming if you like your sports.

Whether you like your luxury or prefer your surroundings a little more simple and rustic there will be an organized retreat to suit you. There are retreats that run any number of sorts of programmes from erotic exploration to philosophical discussion. There are retreats with such facilities as saunas, jacuzzis, spas and beauty treatments. These facilities also offer fine dining as well as other extras. On the other hand there are places that are run along more simple lines.

Costa Rica is a tropical paradise that offers everything from a lively nightlife with restaurants and discos to lush rainforests, beautiful beaches and entrancing and majestic volcano’s. The area has a number of gay friendly tour operators that can help you plan your holiday. The deep sea fishing in Costa Rica is particularly good and well worth a try. Surfers won’t be disappointed either as the surf breaks are particularly good.

For something a bit different you might want to try the Dhanakosa retreat. The retreat is situated in the stunning Scottish highlands and is run by Buddhist monks. The retreat is based on the idea that irrelevant of race, gender or sexual orientation everyone can find spiritual fulfillment. Weekends specifically for gay men are run. These are based on the Buddhist path of ethics, meditation and wisdom.

Whatever your situation, whether you feel under pressure at work or in your family or if you are in the process of ‘coming out’ you probably feel in need of a break away from it all. Whether you prefer partying the night away or hiking through a tropical paradise, with a little bit of searching you are sure to find the right place for gay retreats.

Gay tours to gay retreats help written by Howie Holben. He is the dreamer behind Spirit Journeys, a gay travel association. Spirit Journeys provides gay tours all over the planet.

Gay Vacation Spots In South America

For many years Brazil was the only gay destination in South America. However all that is changing with more liberal laws and a growing LGBT movement there are now a number of destinations which are gay friendly. These days it is easy to find gay vacations to South America of all kinds. It is a continent with great variety and incredible natural beauty and you can explore it all.

Even in Brazil things are changing and gay people no longer need to restrict themselves to Rio and Sao Paulo. The two biggest cities in the country have tons to offer, especially if you want to party. However now a gay vacation in Brazil can be more varied with a trip up the coast. The area between Salvador and Fortaleza now has many gay destinations for those who want to experience some incredible beaches, colonial towns and unique cultures.

Buenos Aires is probably the most European city on the continent and its residents, Portenos pride themselves on their open minded attitude. It is now legal for same sex couples to have a civil marriage ceremony in Buenos Aires so things have come a long way in a short time. There is not a dedicated gay area but there are increasing numbers of gay bars and clubs all over the central areas of the city. Palermo is the most popular place to stay among gay travelers. It is a chic area with high class boutiques and bars and some hotels dedicated to gay travelers.

Bogota, the exciting capital of Colombia is no longer associated with drug lords and terrorists and is a safe destination for anyone. Colombia is a rising travel destination and thanks to some recent laws same sex couples have the same rights as straight couples. There is a gay neighborhood in Bogota called Chapinero Alto which is full of bars, clubs and some hotels. In June, Bogota hosts a growing gay pride event. All in all Bogota is a great destination for gay travelers looking for a great time. Colombians are friendly folk who like to have a good time and these days anyone can join them.

Cosmopolitan Santiago, the capital of Chile is another up and coming gay destination. Thanks to an especially active and vocal gay rights movement things are changing rapidly. A new law has just been proposed to legalize same sex partnerships so gay visitors to the city should not have any problems. The second city Valparaiso is a fascinating city with a LGBT movement of its own. When many travelers visit Chile though, it is not for the cities. The country has an incredible variety of natural habitats from the glacier covered south to the northern deserts and incredible landscapes of all kinds in between. These offer countless opportunities for sports and adventure so a trip to Chile could really include a bit of everything.

For the adventure traveler Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador have a huge array of possibilities. While they do not have as much gay friendly infrastructure as other countries they do have growing gay scenes in their capital cities. There are a number of companies who could set up a gay trip to go exploring the jungle, climbing, trekking, exploring ancient ruins and visiting historic cities.

There are now many travel agents organizing trips for gay people to South America. Some are dedicated to gay travelers but other mainstream travel agencies are realizing the opportunities and providing gay trips.

Gay tours to South America are growing in popularity. This is because there is so much to offer all over the continent.

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: metaphysical,education,spirituality,advice,travel,vacations,self improvement,gay,society,inspiration,motivation,health,fitness

Gay Holiday Ideas For The USA

While most individuals are welcome in most areas of the United States, there are definitely areas which are more accepting of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered community than others. So, when such individuals travel, there is often more planning and research involved in choosing such a destination. To this end, there have been a number of travel guides published in relation to gay vacations in the USA and beyond.

One such place is that of the cape off the coast of Massachusetts, as is reflected in a number of gay related tour guides and other information. In addition, areas such as Key West, FL are also more accepting and tend to host a predominately gay crowd when it comes to an area in which to celebrate marriage or visit while on Spring Break or for a Summer vacation. Therefore, it is possible for such individuals to feel quite at home in these two locations as well as many others which can also be found both online and in a variety of travel guides relating to same.

In addition, there are many other options offered for those in the gay community who wish to go on an extended vacation. These can include, but are not limited to, staying at a bed and breakfast which caters to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexuals and Transgendered individuals, gay cruises, or spending time at a resort designed in a way so that all individuals can have a fun and relaxing time regardless of sexual orientation or other personal information.

Regardless as to whether one buys travel guides or looks for such information online, there are a number of destinations which are more gay friendly than others. Although, one may want to call or e-mail businesses listed in such guides to be sure one is still in business. For, while most are successful, there are others which have had to close, especially during the recent economic downturn.

So, if one plans accordingly, based on knowledge about such a business, one can avoid any surprises which may be waiting at a preferred destination of choice. By doing so, one can also plan ahead with regards activities and lodging in the area along with finding a number of restaurants which not only cater to the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered community but which also offer foods which one may require in relation to any dietary restrictions.

While the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered community has come along way, not only in the United States, but around the world, there is still a great deal more to be done before individuals can find true equality. Therefore, as one might envision, the States within the United States which honor and recognize gay marriage have some of the highest rates with regards to tourism. Something States such as California and others, currently striving to offset deficits may also want to consider before allowing such discrimination to continue.

For, when a State can encourage tourism of any kind, generally such State reaps big rewards in return. Of course, as is the case with other issues, the rights of each individual State in such regard decides the fate of such issues. Still, with the right amount of legislation in order to promote equality in all areas of life, States could do a much better job at generating dollars through tourism if all members of society were welcome within their borders.

Therefore, it is essential for safety during travel for individuals desiring to go on gay tours in the USA to do their research with regards to such travel. This is because if one knows the best and most welcoming areas which to visit, one can save oneself a great deal of frustration and possibly grief in the process. However, if one does such research and visits places which are openly welcoming of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered community, then one can have an outstanding vacation which can possibly offer more fun than one believes one can have in a lifetime.

Howie Holben is the owner of Spirit Journeys, a gay travel organization that focuses on spiritual travel. Howie has travelled the world learning from indigenous peoples. You can learn more about Howie, his work and a gay retreat with a spiritual focus at Spirit Journeys website.

Gay Travel Sites In Europe

Thinking about going on a vacation? Are you gay? Look into gay travel to Europe where you will have the best time from a vacation then you have ever had before. Getting the most out of Europe is a great thing to do, and now you can. If you’re unsure of where to start on planning your get a way then get a travel guide or travel consultant that will be able to help you with all of this, and more.

There are many destinations for you to see when you go to Europe; this includes taking a cruise to go to the destination of your choice, and relaxing on the cruise ship with other gay people who would enjoy your company, and companionship. There are the cologne gay games in 2010 allowing you to visit with other people, and play the games you all enjoy.

Go sightseeing in the many places of Europe, either on your own, or with a sightseeing group allowing you to learn more about the place you’re staying at, and the history behind the towns. Go check out Russia’s romance tour, and find others who are like you, and mingle with anyone. Visit Russia’s largest shopping district taking care to stop into Gums.

Go right into Amsterdam’s gay pride, and share music, fun, food and laughter with other people enjoying the festival, and the weather in Europe. They have a gay friendly community that allows you to mingle freely amongst the guests, and have a breathtaking experience. Spend the time before the parade wandering alongside the canals, and looking into the wonderful views ahead of you.

When choosing to go on one of the cruises of Atlantis you will have all the perks you never thought you could have before. You can dine from gourmet meals, and get all of the perks of living a luxurious life while being pampered on the ship. Find other people out on the decks by the pool and the hot tubs that are available.

Of all the gay oriented cruises, when you choose this one you get the most comfort for the money you pay plus the perks of the extras they have going on for you to enjoy with fellow shipmates. If you’re a single then mingle with other singles during nights when they host parties, or celebrate being a couple when you go to parties held in couples honor. The choice is yours.

When you visit Prague, you can learn of the history, and the wonders of what the city is truly about. Located within the Czech Republic, you will be able to find out where to go to watch the rivers, and shop, stay at one of their luxurious hotels, and eat their native foods while you enjoy all they have to give while staying with them.

There is no need to wait for gay vacations since you have so many options available for you when it comes to gay cruises or airplane rides to gay places within Europe. You will be able to choose the best one that works for you, and maybe visit more than once. This is a time to expand your horizons, and move on to better things. Learn more about the world when you visit.

Howie Holben is the force behind Spirit Journeys, a gay vacations outift that focuses on conscious tours. Howie has travelled the world learning from indigenous peoples. Find more about Howie, his work and gay tours with a spiritual focus at Spirit Journeys website.

Gay Men’s Retreats:

If you are a gay man, you probably have often wondered exactly how you can plan the perfect gay men’s retreats or gay vacations in order to reconnect with men who know exactly what you are going through and what you have been through. There are many different benefits to men’s retreats and in this article, we are going to go through some of the benefits and make sure that you know all about the locations as well as the activities that will allow you to have some fun!

Firstly, you want to decide on the location. There are many different locations within the United States and Massachusetts is just one of the many gay-friendly states in the US. Naturally, Massachusetts is open to gay marriage and if you are looking to plan a retreat, Provincetown right on Cape Cod might be the best option for you. Not only is P-Town known for their gay-friendly establishments, but a lot of the businesses are owned by gay couples.

It does not matter where you go in particular; your group is what is going to matter. You want to know exactly what type of group you are taking with you, that way you can find something that is going to be fun and exciting for everyone. If you are taking single men with you, they would not have all that much fun on a romantic retreat. Keep this in mind whenever you are planning.

Finding a happy medium is a great way to ensure that everyone has a good time. Just keep in mind that if you are going with a bunch of couples, couples are going to want alone time, so make sure that you schedule that in, if you are planning on having a schedule at all. You do not have to schedule everything out though, remember that. People like to sometimes just do their own thing too.

Again, your group may consist of single men. In that case, the same thing holds true where planning is concerned. It is important to give each member of the group time to themselves. Everyone needs time to explore and have individual experiences.

The object of a retreat for gay men is to connect. As we all know or can at least imagine, even today being gay can present a lot of problems and hurtful, uncomfortable situations. As such, it is important to make the most of an opportunity like this. Whatever else you do on your retreat, make time to share with one another, to empathize with and understand one another.

Now that we have talked about connecting and the location, the accommodations are the next step. You want to find some place that reflects you and your group. If you are very high fashion, find something high fashion yet affordable. Remember, you want to make sure that everyone can afford to go on the retreat, so do not go overboard by booking a hotel that is very expensive.

Finding the right location for gay men’s retreats and ensuring that everyone has a fun time can be hard, but in the long run, it does pay off!

Howie Holben is the caretaker of Spirit Journeys, a gay and travel company that examines on conscious vacations. Howie has travelled the world learning from indigenous peoples. Discover more about Howie, his work and a gay weekend at Spirit Journeys site.

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

Ideas For Gay Adventure Holidays

Gay adventure travel options are available across the globe, with options that are ideal for any month of the year. From snowboarding in New Zealand or skiing in the Andes, to exploring volcanoes in Ecuador, Iceland or Hawaii, there is essentially no limit to the options available for gay adventure vacations.

Whether you prefer a physically challenging mountain climbing adventure, exploring ancient ruins in dense rainforests or a less strenuous excursion to see the great statues of Easter Island, the perfect gay weekend adventure or extended vacation is simply waiting to be planned.

If you would like to plan a gay adventure vacation that includes volcanoes, rainforests, exploring islands and time on the beach, Chile, Hawaii or Ecuador are all great options. Although Ecuador is small, it is home to a variety of landscapes that include tropical coastlines, dense rainforests, the Galapagos Islands and volcanoes, such as the snow-capped Cotopaxi.

If you opt for travel to Chile, you will be greeted with opportunities to see the Mirador de Chepu Penguin Colony, ski the Andes, explore Easter Island, trek up volcanoes, or visit the desert landscapes of the Torres del Paine National Park in the vast Patagonia region.

If you only have a few days to spare, a gay weekend adventure in Hawaii might better suit your needs and offers a wide variety of outdoor adventures, which can be combined with the many leisurely dining, shopping and entertainment options available on each of the major islands.

As in Ecuador and Chile, visitors to Hawaii will find beautiful beaches, an active volcano waiting to be explored, rainforests and plenty of opportunities to partake in island exploration. With gorgeous waterfalls, cliffs and canyons, a coral reef perfect for snorkeling and diving, the snow-capped Mauna Kea and beaches boasting black sand, Hawaii never disappoints when it comes to adventure travel.

Heading to Iceland is another popular option for those in search of exciting gay adventure vacations. Iceland is home to numerous opportunities for outdoor adventure, including kayaking, bird watching, whale watching, rafting, ice climbing and hiking. If you visit the island of Grimsey, you can also pick up a certificate for crossing the Arctic Circle, while back on the mainland you can explore volcanoes, visit the largest glacier in all of Europe or take a swim in the geothermal waters of the Blue Lagoon that shines with a fluorescent blue hue. Additionally, there are always the verdant jungles of Brazil, the volcanoes of Bali or the vast array of adventures to be had in Australia’s Northern Territory, particularly in the North End.

Wherever your adventurous side leads you, you are bound to have a wonderful trip when you choose any of the variety of destinations offering enticing options for outdoor fun. Your vacation can be even more rewarding if you choose a destination that also offers options for leisure activities or relaxing days on the beach or by the pool. Your best bet when planning a gay travel adventure is to take part in a professional tour, which is the ideal way to ensure an exciting, safe, memorable excursion.

Gay vacations pointers from author Howie Holben. He is the the force behind Spirit Journeys, a gay retreat organization. Spirit Journeys presents spiritual gay travel destinations world wide.

Gay Holidays In 2010 For Amplified Self Awareness

Cruise ships, retreats and organized tours are wonderful things to consider while trying to establish the details of your vacation. Stepping our of your comfort zone is a must to ensure the success of your travels. Resistances that are not properly dealt with will prove to be an obstacle once you get underway. Prepare yourself to be open and willing to explore new dimensions. Gay vacations have to be inspiring and enriching.

Your drive in the quest for building a dream lifestyle should be rewarded with time to play. Allow your non- serious and playful self to create fascinating play arrangements. Try not to be predictable and discover others areas of excitement in your life. Connecting with foreign lands and the people who cultivate that land will foster new insights. Let your imagination continue to serve you and prepare to be amazed.

Establishing what you need to get out of your travels will help you avoid needing another vacation upon your return. There are a number of resources that will embrace a variety of budgets. Respecting your budget will help keep things into proper perspective and leave you without financial guilt. And, as an added bonus your budget can lead you to discovering a hidden aspiration.

So, why not have everything you want your vacation to be. Identify where you want to go and what you want to do once you arrive. This may be a time to take new risks or ground yourself within the beautiful landscapes of the world. Either way the choices are yours to make – just make them memorable.

Fail proof suggestions that could enhance the diversity of your travels are things like theme parties and other activities to encourage socializing. Your willingness to allow others to participate in building the success of your trip will make a difference. And, mingling with others will create dimension and texture within your experience.

Being in good company is crucial to the experience of releasing tension and creating open space for good energy to prevail. The gifts that come along with meeting people who have shared interest are invaluable. A vacation should appeal to the desire for community – one that laughs and plays together.

The powers of short getaways are so under estimated and it’s ashamed; they are the perfect medicine for managing a balance life. For those end of the work week strains, a weekend surrounded by nature keeps your feet on the ground. It also provides a forum to build inner peace for a healthier mind set. Creating time for self reflection keeps things in their proper place.

Gay vacations are for the adventurous and the bold. New experiences await you and only require you to surrender your entire self. Whether you desire some self reflection time or an entrance into flavorful interactions – seeing it makes it real. Bring your fantasies and the courage to live the journey.

Howie Holben is the owner of Spirit Journeys, a gay travel 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 vacations with a spiritual focus at Spirit Journeys website.

categories: travel,society,vacations,tours,travel tips,gay,advice,education,spirituality,metaphysical,recreation,liesure,health,fitness

The Ease Of Gay Tours

Gay lifestyles have always been recognized as existing, but their acceptance is something that has struggled through history. The last example of any sort of gay welcoming culture would be the Greeks and Romans and that was over two thousand years prior, with the world not rushing to recreate that sort of gay prevalence. Today, some countries are extremely welcoming towards gays, for example Canada which allows for same sex unions or places around the world that welcome gay tours.

Around the United States there are many people who have no issue with gays and others who most certainly do and can, unfortunately, incite violence to make their claim. The gray scale acceptance in America is still worlds above some countries, like Iran, in which homosexuals can be sentenced to death.

While everyone wants to debate if being gay is a choice or whether or not it is genetic, those that are gay struggle with their feelings from childhood. Realizing that they are different and surviving puberty which is a time of sexual exploration can be extremely difficult for them as it is for straight teenagers. Staying in the closet to fit in or coming out and being a beacon for your sexuality is a choice that straight teens do not have to struggle with.

Coming to terms with sexuality and a place in the world means finding like minded individuals. Technology, thankfully, has stepped forward and given gays a voice and a community. Lesbian Gay and Transgendered (LGBT) groups have come forward to make gayness a safe and normal state of being that is supported and full of love.

It cannot be underestimated the acceptance that a gay person feels walking into an all gay function. It is something that most straight individuals never have to think about. Getting this alone time with fellow homosexual individuals can feed the soul and so tailoring a vacation to be around other gay people can be the vacation of a lifetime. Gay tours travel all over the world and offer gays the chance to meet and celebrate one another.

Gay tours also work as a great travel template to know where there are areas in which acceptance is high, bringing the overall anxiety level down. These tours can be centered on cruise ships with varying destinations and a very party boat atmosphere or they can be more focused and smaller, like wildlife tours that let you explore the natural wonders of places like Alaska.

There are a variety and number of vacations that will have you surrounded by other gay people and couples. No matter your interests there are tours specific to your desires. Also, the extent in which tours are gay can vary according to your interests be it gays, lesbians, and their friends, gay families, just gay men, and only lesbian women.

Experience the world and let your true personality shine through without fear of being rejected. Gay vacations are a great way to relax and take a moment to be around so many other gay people, a luxury that straight people have every single day. The psychological benefits cannot be discounted.

Howie Holben wrote this commentary about gay vacations help. He is the the force behind Spirit Journeys, a gay spiritual retreat enterprise. Spirit Journeys advances spiritual gay tantra workshops all over the planet.

Gay retreats are for those who have given all of themselves to the daily demands of life. A great deal is required of you and you manage to get through it with efficiency. At the end of the day you might have enough energy to water the plants. This is not surprising though; you nourish others and the world around you. A familiar advertisement for call to step into paradise amuses you – now its your turn.

Finding something new about where you are and where you see yourself in the future requires beauty. You don’t have to know all the details of what you need just yet; but you need to be open to the possibilities of the unknown. There are a variety of things to consider. Trusting that life will meet you where you are is the first step.

Getting down to the basics of what you need is a perfect starting point to map out your road to healing. Everyone should have an appetite for the unknown; and people have been finding a new introduction to life through the textures of food forever. Exciting the pallet wakes you up and gets the endorphins in motion. Exotic foods should be on your list of things to require of your retreat.

The presentation of the food you consume is just as important as what it will do for your body. A healing process should include an array of food that will be good for your soul. Having the option to study it and decide if or how you’ll receive it is a great exercise to slow you down. The best foods for this process are in the fresh category. The nutrients will be potent and add to your efforts of restoring balance.

Balance must be decided based on the specific needs of an individual. Restoring it takes an honest approach before a plan of restoration can be found. Knowing the difference between getting by on a few hours of sleep is vastly different from what you really need. You want to accomplished the day with efficiency and have enough energy for you later.

Your chemistry communicates your lifestyle choices or lack thereof. You might enjoy lending yourself out for this and that; but there is no space for what you need. There are many people who appreciate being able to call on you. But, your most sincere contribution is your authentic self. There are a variety of experiences that can help you get in tune with yourself. Taking the time to actually slow down and experience your choices is a powerful thing to do. Taste your food, really have the conversation and really feel the bubbles in your bath.

The world is always extending an invitation for those in need to access its healing agents. There are mountains with fresh air, exotic flowers and wildlife; waves that crash against rocks and sand to dig your feet in. And, there are people who present opportunities to get still and quiet when you search for inner calm. There are countless places to go and get in touch with yourself – and that’s the stuff retreats are made of.

Exploring new territories and things helps you to recapture your ability to play. Heightening your senses strengthens your awareness of how you see yourself, your role in relationships and your positioning within the world. Change happens everyday and sometimes secretly changes our position on matters you resolved for yourself a time ago. Gay men’s retreats support the process of healing; allowing for a re-newed connection to your life and what you need to live. Get beyond the day to day limitations by experiencing a place of possibilities.

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 tours with a spiritual concentration at Spirit Journeys website.

categories: gay,lgbt,spirituality,advice,education,metaphysical,health,fitness,motivation,self improvement