Two Things:
1. Our meeting on July 26, 2007 was a success, we all enjoyed some nice fried chicken and discussed our lives since the retreat. We looked forward to the next retreat in September with some discussion about what we liked and what we would encourage to have happen differently in September. The feedback and friendship was nice. It was good to see everyone again.
2. Let's step into some thought about "WHY" Queer Spirit?
"Gay people are a community constantly coming out of erasure. With little in the way of social institutions or institutions that are themselves too young or too busy to remember where they came from, Gay people have, from generation to generation the odd experience of feeling like “the only one” and having to construct a healthy adult personality, usually in a hostile environment." Bo Young Editor of White Crane.
My friend Bo has been helping us at Queer Spirit in our quest for grants that supports our efforts in hosting retreats and other events that would address the overall psycho, social and spiritual selves of gay men. The above comment certainly defines the NEED, in particular for the Utah Community, although, I would suggest that this need is both national and global. In our section within this website titled "articles" is an essay by Bo Young that is explores the need for gay men to discover themselves, not only sexually, but intimately, socially, emotionally, culturally, communally, but MOST importantly PROFOUNDLY! To step into a sense of inner and outer confidence that we are a Pro-Found tribe/community with many expressions and culturally relevant and unique gifts to offer society in general.
We (Queer Spirit) are creating the caldron at Windwalker Ranch for us to conjure and explore. Admittedly this is an initial process, a new process and open to suggestions and influences by those participating. Our earlier description of the retreat sounded like this:
"By using ceremony, storytelling, movement, and expression we will create a space that will facilitate friendship, (inter) connection, and improved self-esteem by the unraveling of "old stories" (belief systems that no longer serve us) that often sabotage our efforts in life. This retreat seeks to assist participants in creating "new stories" (healthier belief systems) of empowerment as gay men. Participants will find the higher purpose of their lives by the sharing/processing of personal stories. We will incorporate the use of group process and indigenous ceremony/ritual with the aim of honoring our path as queer men. This process will tap into the hidden mysteries of our lives; mysteries that most indigenous communities have understood for centuries." In many ways this is how we find ourselves. I have had some questions as people attempt to understand this process of what they are getting into. Some want to compare it to popular, intense seminars. So let me see if I can offer more input into what Queer Spirit is about.
Our Goal; To create an opportunity to freely and openly explore who we are, to seek out what we want and to find the loving support of our peers to experience this new found sense of self. To broaden and deepen our sense of what it means to be Queer and to embrace this as a sacred and legitimate gift to the world and to ourselves. There are unique approaches in finding this sense of "vision" that may be our of the ordinary, and yet the mundane and routine is where we often get stuck.
SO
You can sit on your couch, or do the same thing you do every other weekend........ Or you could step out into something new this particular weekend that could alter your sense of self.
Old Story or New Story
Please contact us for further information. Its important to note that we are holding monthly meetings and gatherings that are social, fun and opportunity to share and connect. It is a great way to be introduced to the retreat and get more information.
Stayed tuned! Lets see what unfolds! Would love to see you there.
Jerry Buie
(801) 557-9203
jerrybuie@mac.com
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Thursday, July 26, 2007
TONIGHT IS THE NIGHT!
A friendly reminder that tonight is our first night of planning and collaborating about the retreat in September. If your curious, want to ask questions, explore and dialogue then please join us tonight at 7:30 p.m. Please call Jerry at 801 557-9203 for directions. Tonight is potluck so bring something yummy to share.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
UPCOMING EVENTS
July 26, 2007 Starting at 7:30 p.m. Queer Spirit Potluck BBQ
This potluck is meant for anyone interested in learning more about Queer Spirit Retreats. We are coming together to share in their experiences, provide information about the upcoming retreat and to socialize and have a good time together. We will be able to answer questions regarding the retreat and hear some of your ideas about what provokes you to attend this year and what you might be looking for to ensure the retreat is successful for everyone. By coming together we begin to break the ice and explore the possibilities for a wonderful event. To gather information about location of this event call Jerry at (801) 557-9203 or e mail at jerrybuie@mac.com
Q: Is attendance at these meetings mandatory?
It is a good idea as we begin to gel as a group, but not mandatory. At the last retreat we had people sign up at the last moment and they did just fine integrating with the group!
Q: Is there a cap of particpants at Queer Spirit?
We would close the group off at 20 participants. In April we had 13 attend and that was a nice size group. If we end up with more we will evaluate what we need to do to address the request. We have several options in facilitating this process so size is not a huge factor. Slots are going fast for this particular retreat so do not delay!.
Q: Can I pay with Credit Card?
Yes you can. Go the page for registration and download the registration form, we will need this completed by all participants. You can pay with Check or through Pay Pal which requires credit card. The White Crane Emblem should take you to a Pay Pal site.
August 8, 2007 7:00 p.m. Queer Spirit Yoga (See above description from John)
August 22, 2007 7:00 p.m. Meditation (See above description from John)
August 23, 200 Queer Spirit Talking Circle and Retreat Planning This event will be creating dialogue about what we desire and hunger for in our lives and how we anticipate the retreat helping us to access that place. We will do potluck and Talking Circle in exploring what we are looking for in the retreat.
SEPTEMBER 7-9, 2007 Queer Spirit Retreat
This potluck is meant for anyone interested in learning more about Queer Spirit Retreats. We are coming together to share in their experiences, provide information about the upcoming retreat and to socialize and have a good time together. We will be able to answer questions regarding the retreat and hear some of your ideas about what provokes you to attend this year and what you might be looking for to ensure the retreat is successful for everyone. By coming together we begin to break the ice and explore the possibilities for a wonderful event. To gather information about location of this event call Jerry at (801) 557-9203 or e mail at jerrybuie@mac.com
Q: Is attendance at these meetings mandatory?
It is a good idea as we begin to gel as a group, but not mandatory. At the last retreat we had people sign up at the last moment and they did just fine integrating with the group!
Q: Is there a cap of particpants at Queer Spirit?
We would close the group off at 20 participants. In April we had 13 attend and that was a nice size group. If we end up with more we will evaluate what we need to do to address the request. We have several options in facilitating this process so size is not a huge factor. Slots are going fast for this particular retreat so do not delay!.
Q: Can I pay with Credit Card?
Yes you can. Go the page for registration and download the registration form, we will need this completed by all participants. You can pay with Check or through Pay Pal which requires credit card. The White Crane Emblem should take you to a Pay Pal site.
August 8, 2007 7:00 p.m. Queer Spirit Yoga (See above description from John)
August 22, 2007 7:00 p.m. Meditation (See above description from John)
August 23, 200 Queer Spirit Talking Circle and Retreat Planning This event will be creating dialogue about what we desire and hunger for in our lives and how we anticipate the retreat helping us to access that place. We will do potluck and Talking Circle in exploring what we are looking for in the retreat.
SEPTEMBER 7-9, 2007 Queer Spirit Retreat
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Meditation & Relaxation
eNerGY is a group in Salt Lake City giving men a safe environment to explore and reconnect with themselves and others through the power and practice of yoga. On Monday, July 23rd, eNerGY will be hosting a Relaxation & Meditation Session at 7pm. The intention of these sessions is to unwind and relax after a long day. The facilitator will teach you healing and cleansing breathing techniques then assist you through a guided meditation. The cost of the session is $10. $5 of your contribution will go directly to the Queer Spirit Scholarship Fund. This fund will allow more men to experience the upcoming Queer Spirit Retreat in September. There will be another eNerGY sponsored Meditation & Relaxation Session on Wednesday, August 22nd. There is still space in both sessions. You may sign up by visiting www.mbody.org.
Sunday, July 15, 2007
About Queer Spirit Monthly Gatherings
One of the intentions of the Queer Spirit Retreat is bring queer men together in a process of sharing and expanding the stories of our collective lives, sharing, talking, challenging and expanding our sense of who we are with the feedback and support of one another. This fosters a sense of intimacy and connection that we wish to grow upon.
Knowing that connections will occur in this retreat process we desire to facilitate a meaningful dialog beyond the retreat to keep the process moving, creating a community of support and growth.
We are hosting ongoing, monthly gatherings such as Sweat Lodges, talking circles, workshops, mini retreats, BBQ's and various social activities. We are currently meeting the fourth Thursday of each month from 7:30 to 9:00 PM with a new focus each month. These gatherings happen at different venues considering the event and process but are generally located in the Salt Lake Valley.
The Queer Spirit Monthly Gatherings are for gay male Retreat participants and invited guests. Please contact us for more info and questions.
July Queer Spirit Meeting
July 26, 2007, 7:30 PM ~ 9:00 PM
Salt Lake City, UT
Facilitators: Jerry Buie & John Cottrell
This month we will have a fabulous outdoor BBQ in the garden, Talking Circle, and discuss the upcoming Queer Spirit Retreat in September. Potluck to follow. Past and future participants of the retreat are invited to attend.
CONTACT>> MORE INFO & TRAVEL DIRECTIONS
August Queer Spirit Meeting
August 30, 2007, 7:30 PM ~ 9:00 PM
Salt Lake City, UT
Facilitators: Jerry Buie & John Cottrell
TBA
CONTACT>> MORE INFO & TRAVEL DIRECTIONS
VISIT THE WEB SITE: QUEERSPIRIT.ORG
Knowing that connections will occur in this retreat process we desire to facilitate a meaningful dialog beyond the retreat to keep the process moving, creating a community of support and growth.
We are hosting ongoing, monthly gatherings such as Sweat Lodges, talking circles, workshops, mini retreats, BBQ's and various social activities. We are currently meeting the fourth Thursday of each month from 7:30 to 9:00 PM with a new focus each month. These gatherings happen at different venues considering the event and process but are generally located in the Salt Lake Valley.
The Queer Spirit Monthly Gatherings are for gay male Retreat participants and invited guests. Please contact us for more info and questions.
July Queer Spirit Meeting
July 26, 2007, 7:30 PM ~ 9:00 PM
Salt Lake City, UT
Facilitators: Jerry Buie & John Cottrell
This month we will have a fabulous outdoor BBQ in the garden, Talking Circle, and discuss the upcoming Queer Spirit Retreat in September. Potluck to follow. Past and future participants of the retreat are invited to attend.
CONTACT>> MORE INFO & TRAVEL DIRECTIONS
August Queer Spirit Meeting
August 30, 2007, 7:30 PM ~ 9:00 PM
Salt Lake City, UT
Facilitators: Jerry Buie & John Cottrell
TBA
CONTACT>> MORE INFO & TRAVEL DIRECTIONS
VISIT THE WEB SITE: QUEERSPIRIT.ORG
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)