Client Newsletter - July 2010
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Pride Has Changed 
We recently returned from a trip to Chicago where I had a great lesson in letting go while trying to get there. Once we arrived we had a couple of days to enjoy the city. It's been a while since I was there. We even had a really nasty thunderstorm and tornado warnings! Oh, I miss thunderstorms. While in Chicago I was able to reconnect with an old friend from school. We hadn't seen each other for over 25 years and it amazed me that we reconnected and caught each other up on our lives as if we were only apart for a few weeks. We were good friends in school, and I realized that good friends stand the test of time. It also amazed me how much we shared in common. Yes, we were doing different things, but there were also many common interests that we found since school. While we were there, we took in Pride in Chicago. I haven’t been to the parade in SF for several years. We always enjoy the festival, but lately have bypassed the parade; I guess that we grew tired of seeing the same things each year. So, in Chicago we took in the parade. The parade was a lot of fun. Yes it was crowded and hot, but it was enjoyable taking in the parade somewhere new (or old considering how much time I spent in Chicago when I was younger.) One thing I did notice though was the number of high school kids at Pride. I really enjoyed seeing the kids having fun at Pride. Some were clearly queer and some weren't so clear. Many were there with partners. I especially enjoyed seeing the kids holding hands with their partners. Times have changed. It really doesn't seem like high school was that long ago (but it was!) When I was in high school in the 70's, the thought of going to Pride or even holding hands with a boyfriend never entered my mind. In fact, what I recall about high school was confusion around my sexuality and hoping that I could keep my secret. While I'm sure there are still many issues facing queer kids in high school, I was pleasantly surprised by how comfortable these kids were with themselves. I have to confess I felt a bit of jealousy for the freedom that these kids have in expressing themselves. I can’t help but think what would my life have been like had I accepted my sexuality and come out younger. At the same time, I’m also aware of the stories of older men about the difficulties they faced and I’m thankful for the path that they forged for all of us. Stonewall may be 40 years old, and the struggle and opportunities continue! Upcoming Events I'm teaching at a couple of events over the next few months: EROS SPIRIT CAMP This experiential week will focus upon relating erotically in ways that foster personal growth, genuine human connection and contact with the divine. We will explore the possibilities of interacting erotically that are respectful, safe and life affirming -- ways that both help us to go within and to discover new depths of 'self' by connecting with others. This retreat will follow our typical camp format with a variety of workshops from which you get to choose the program that is right for you. Sensual touch, erotic massage, "rosebud" massage, asking for what you want, and erotic partner meditation are some of the topics that will be covered. If you're in a lighter mood you might take a mud bath, play naked touch football, or go in for some body painting followed by disco in the main room or dancing around a campfire. Discover and accept your deepest levels of sensuality! Express your feelings, wants and needs and learn to handle the times when someone may say "No' and learn how to say "No" in caring ways that will not diminish the other person's sense of self. In addition we will find new ways of saying "Yes" that get everyone's needs fulfilled. Easton Mountain is a community, retreat center and sanctuary created by gay men in upstate New York. Check their website for more information and how to register for this breakthrough week. SOBER SEXUALITY Learn how to have a happy, fulfilled sexual life again while also honoring and supporting your recovery from drug and/or alcohol abuse. I’ve worked with many men in recovery and have noticed the need to help men have complete sexual enjoyment while also staying clean and sober. Relearn sexuality in a way that integrates all of your body and all of your life. Connect with a network of men to support you on this important journey. John David Burke, MFTI and I for our first introductory workshop in San Francisco on August 21! Check out sobersexuality.com for more information on this upcoming workshop and you can also register online. Enjoy! Ed Copyright © 2010. Sacred Touch for Men. All rights reserved. |