Like every human being, gay men’s experiences are deeply colored by societal norms, including those we unconsciously internalize even when we sense the harm they cause us. Each of us has our own histories and ways of processing, but during my many years as a facilitator, educator, and coach, I've noticed patterns among gay men that merit a closer look as part of the journey to self-actualization.

Meditation, in its myriad forms, has been a cornerstone of spiritual practices across cultures for millennia. Among these, shamatha meditation—a foundational Buddhist technique focused on cultivating calmness and mental stability—offers a pathway to peace and clarity.

You work hard. And when you take a day off it’s probably to spend time with family or even be productive in other parts of your life. But what about your mental health? When do you care for it?

Developed by Richard Schwartz in the 1980s, IFS is a transformative approach to psychotherapy that views the mind as made up of "parts," each with their own feelings, strategies, and motivations.