What is Spirit Journeys all about?

Spirit Journeys offers opportunities for the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender communities (and our friends) to travel together exploring our world or to gather together in retreat environments, with the intention of adventuring into the frontiers of self-awareness, personal growth, and spirituality. Many of us question the values of the world around us, and we look for greater meaning and purpose in our day-to-day lives. Spirit Journeys provides you the chance to gather with similarly intentioned people, and explore what that means.

The spiritual flavor of our journeys allow you to travel the world in a community with a common intent. This focus can allow you to interact in new and meaningful ways with others, and gain fresh insights into yourself as well.  Our trips combine a focus of personal growth and exploring the sacred, while traveling and playing in beautiful and magical surroundings.

We offer four types of programs: workshops, retreats, traveling journeys, and one-on-one Coaching. Our workshops have specific themes, occur over a weekend, and encourage in-depth personal exploration. The retreats are typically four to seven days in length and offer self-discovery, spiritual practice, and create time for rejuvenation.  Whether at a Buddhist Zen Center, or in the natural beauty of Sedona, our retreats provide a container for you to engage with others, learn new skills, and nourish your spirit.

Our traveling journeys include a variety of events where inner experience is matched by the mystery and magnificence of the natural world and ancient civilizations. These journeys, which we like to call pilgrimages, can include interacting with indigenous cultures, tapping into ancient philosophies and cultures using meditation or ceremony, and wandering sacred sites, as well as offering opportunity for adventure, sightseeing, and relaxing. Since prehistoric times sacred places have exerted a mysterious attraction on billions of people around the world. They have been claimed to heal the body and enlighten the mind. They continue to be the most venerated and visited locations on Planet Earth. Exploring these sacred places worldwide with Spirit Journeys, can provide an interaction with ancient ways and sites, that can lend to personal insight and healing.

Coaching provides an opportunity for "Spirit Journeyers" to put into action the insights that may have been realized while attending a Spirit Journey.  We also recognize that some people are not able to participate in our programs, yet desire support in heightening their spiritual awareness and personal growth. Spirit Journeys Coaching provides that support. Coaching brings the essence of what Spirit Journeys is about, directly into your living room.

What is a pilgrimage and how is it different from typical tourism?

A pilgrimage involves conscious travel or movement to a specific place (often sacred in nature) and with a specific spiritual intention. Typically a pilgrimage includes making a conscious exchange or connection with the place visited either physically or energetically. Most participants leave with more than they came with, having gained some sort of personal gift by making contact with the mystic beauty and magic of these places. Some sites are natural wonders like Sedona or the Grand Canyon, while others are man-made like a Buddhist temple or the Mexican pyramids. Certain sites become pilgrimage places simply due to the human-aura or energy that is inherent of thousands, and in some cases, millions of people bringing themselves and their intentions to a particular place. On a basic vacation, one travels to "vacate", where on a pilgrimage, the purpose is to "arrive" and stand more wholeheartedly at a specific spot on this planet invoking one's birthright. The travel or journey to/from home itself can also be considered a pilgrimage, not just the destination. In some cases, pilgrims circumambulate sacred mountains or temples without a specific destination as an end point. A pilgrimage can be done alone or with a group. Frequently, a pilgrimage might include travel to numerous sacred sites over a period of days, weeks, or even months.

Why do some of Spirit Journeys traveling journeys seem expensive?

We always endeavor to keep the cost of our journeys as low as we can because we want as many people as possible to benefit from them. However, keep in mind that a Spirit Journey pilgrimage is not just a vacation. The opportunities we offer are frequently unavailable to the general public. For example, during our Egypt pilgrimage, just two of the things we arrange for are a private visit inside the Great Pyramid and a chance to stand between the paws of the Sphinx.  Both of these opportunities have been unavailable to tourists for many years. During our journeys to Peru, we engage local shamans to oversee and administer the use of plant spirit medicine. In Southeast Asia, we work with local tribes to build schools and sink water wells. All of our journeys become extraordinary due to the unique and very special opportunities we offer a Spirit Journeyer.

Our journeys also always include at least one facilitator (and frequently more than one). A facilitator is not just a "tour guide".  A facilitator must perform all the functions of a "tour guide", (from making sure everyone's luggage is ready to making sure no one is missing when the bus leaves) plus they need to have specialized training or skills.  These skills and training include being adept at sensing and directing the energy of the group, years of studying a specific pratice, teaching various spiritual practices or being available to journeyers when "things come up" (as they frequently do during a spiritual quest). A good facilitator will play the energy of the group dynamic like a conductor leads an orchestra, and this adds to an individual journeyer's experience immensely. Our facilitators are a big part of what makes a Spirit Journey, a Spirit Journey (sorry Subaru).

Who are the participants?

We enjoy a diverse range of participants with regard to both age and background. It is not uncommon for a group to include those in their twenties to those in their seventies. Participants come from all over the United States and sometimes from abroad. Typically an event will include mostly singles as well as a few couples. Some of our journeys are oriented for gay men, others for gay men and lesbian women, and some are open to everyone. 

Do I need any previous experience to participate?

No, you do not. Mostly, you should come with an open mind and be prepared to learn some new things along the way. Some journeys require certain skills like swimming or hiking and we suggest that you be in moderately good physical shape. If a journey has a special focus such as yoga or meditation, all necessary skills are taught throughout the trip to make it enjoyable for everyone. Our journeys are about having fun and learning from one another! Whether you're a seasoned group traveler or have always done it solo, we think you will enjoy the manner in which Spirit Journeys events are organized. We design the itineraries to allow a healthy balance between scheduled group activities and personal time, with careful attention not to over-schedule. From the outset, our events provide meaningful interaction which cuts through superficiality. One comment frequently heard during our events is "I can't believe how comfortable I feel with a group I've just met." 

How do I obtain additional information?

The Upcoming Journeys section of this website lists all our upcoming journeys. Please contact us via phone or e-mail with any questions or to request additional information. Although we respect electronic communication, we really enjoy speaking to people, so give us a call to talk with one of our staff members or guides.

A few testimonials from previous participants:

"The true care and heart showed by you set the stage for a journey that could not happen otherwise. Any little glitches or nuances are completely meaningless when one travels with people like you. I cannot imagine better "leaders", and you have set the bar quite high for any further group adventures - no wonder you have so many repeat customers!!" 
- MT, Gold Hill, OR  

"It was the best thing I have done for myself - EVER. I met so many nice people....your energy, wisdom, advice, knowledge and experience all combined to make it a very cool week in Santa Fe."
- Dan, Washington DC

"The two weeks we spent together on the Pilgrimage to the Sacred Andes are probably the most memorable so far in my long life. So many things...a compatible group; the rich spiritual experience we shared many times in many places; and the sense of being 'at home' at the navel of the universe!"
- TK, San Antonio TX

"Through the retreat I discovered that I could slow down, that I could open my heart more fully to the sacred within and in others. I brought home new ways to further deepen my capacity to be present to myself, others and the world. The experience was indescribable. I felt closer to the group of men than anyone ever before - a connection - supportive, nurturing spiritual bond that I will long remember. It was one of the most memorable & important things I've ever done."
- David, Orlando, Florida

"....it more than met my expectations and ignited a fire which I hope I can maintain as at least a spark within my heart as time goes on......I have been to many retreats over the years which were intended to bring about a spiritual renewal.......On a scale of 1 to 10, I would have to score the overall event as a 12."
- Charles, Houston TX

"I feel this was the most sustaining retreat I've ever participated in. I have reached some breakthroughs in how I would like to move forward on my path."
- Joe, Brooklyn NY

"The workshop lived up to it's name more than I could have imagined. I returned with many new insights about who I am. Moreover with a very comfortable & deep sense of peace within." 
- Tony, Keswick, Virginia

"The retreat was extremely important event in my life. It has changed me in so many ways. I dream differently, I treat people differently, I have lost my guilt, sins and scars from past events. I have gained courage to take risks and not be afraid. I feel like I know who I am again." 
- David, Fort Myers FL

"The synergy between the places we visited (natural and man-made) and the rituals was nourishing, sustaining and left me with something real but difficult to describe. Ruben's combination of qualifications was stunning. Chief Archeologist, host, shaman, guide and all around 'Zorba then Peruvian', it was a joy and a privilege to meet and get to be with him for two weeks." 
- KK, New York NY

"Thank you both for organizing and providing what was a fabulously perfect journey in each and every way. I know I'll be back to the magical land of Peru before I even know it....this journey was a major turning point for me." 
- SP, Hurley NY

"Everyone involved at Spirit Journeys carried with them a persistent dedication to remaining in integrity with Spirit and in maintaining loving intent throughout the retreat. The participants who were called to the retreat were a diverse group of great people who are consciously walking their own paths." 
- Kerry, Seattle WA

"It has far exceeded any expectation I had in that it made me feel alive again and ready to live and not merely exist as I had been doing. I have this feeling of being a tightly closed bud that has finally felt the sunshine and is opening up for the first time in years." 
- Brian, Atlanta GA

"The vistas, the landscapes, the stone work, the general vibration of all we experienced, the connectedness of our group, and the guidance of the shamans who helped to lead us, defy my ability to adequately describe."
- DC, Slate Hill NY
 

An article written by Spirit Journeys founder, David Frechter, for White Crane, a journal exploring gay men's spirituality:

I first became aware of the idea of making a pilgrimage around 1984. At the time I was co-founder of a traditional travel company based in Miami, Florida. That year, my business partner, Martin, decided to take a leave of absence, journey to Japan, and ride his bike to several major pilgrimage sites. A few months after his return to Miami, Martin departed for South America to once again visit many ancient sacred sites, this time the bicycle stayed home. My business partner never really returned to the day -to-day responsibilities of the travel business. Instead, he sold me his interest in our travel company which helped finance his continued worldwide travel, study and photography of sacred sites. A few years later, Martin and I made pilgrimages together to Japan and the following year to Greece.

In Japan, I remember being on Miyajima, a small mountainous island of twelve square miles and home to the great temple of Itsukushima. Miyajima is located very near Hiroshima. We agreed to meet on top of the sacred Mount Misen San. I did not know it at the time, but I lost the main trail and had to climb through thick forest, sometimes on all fours. Along the way, I encountered a gentle dog who escorted me on the remainder of my journey. A few arduous hours later, I reached the top and was blessed with incredible vistas and several lovely shrines. The reward was appreciated yet it was clear to me that the solo journey up the mountain and through the forest was one of the significant reasons for crossing the Pacific and coming to Japan. The vistas and shrines were just the icing on the cake. This was my initiation into the value and inner purpose of a pilgrimage.

While in Greece, we visited the famed site of Delphi, considered by the ancient Greeks to be the navel of the universe. Our pilgrimage began at the Temple of Athena where we sat in meditation. From here, as tradition suggests, it was appropriate to cleanse ourselves in the nearby sacred Castalian Spring. Being Saturday, the Spring area was formally closed to the public. This meant we had to dodge some temple guards and scale a few fences. With our mission accomplished and our bodies cleansed, we continued to the Temple of Apollo, a place where one consults the oracle. There are many theories about how the oracle took place. One belief finds a woman, considered more receptive than man, seated on a tripod-shaped chair. The medium enters an altered state through the inhalation of fumes emitted from fissures in the rock below. Once in the clairvoyant altered state, questions could be asked of the oracle. So here I sat, among the partially reconstructed pillars and columns of the temple as so many had before me. I silently wrote and asked my questions to the gods and goddesses of this ancient place whose theme revolved around impending major life changes. I cannot say that instant bells went off or the sky opened and angels sang melodic answers to my concerns, however, as I left Delphi that day, I felt subtle reassurance that I was on the right path and walked away with greater confidence.

Later that year, I flew to the Southwest for a six day horseback riding journey through Canyon de Chelly in Northeastern Arizona. Joined by Dine (Navajo) friends, our group of eight entered the mouth of the Canyon near Chinle and slowly made its way to several sacred sites such as White House Ruin, Kokopelli Cave, and Antelop House. The last night we camped near Spider Rock, home of the 800 foot spectacular red sandstone monolith. The Dine believe Spider Woman lives at the top of Spider Rock. Being one of their most honored deities, she is a protector of their people and possesses supernatural powers. That day happened to be my birthday. After we settled in camp, I wandered off to sit at the base of Spider Rock. There in the coolness of the autumn night, I gave thanks to Spider Woman for the journey thus far and prayed for protection and guidance for all that lie ahead. I was returning home to pending divorce proceedings, child custody arrangements, feelings of uncertainty, and ongoing soul searching. I felt as if Spider Woman grabbed me into her womb and let me know how much I was loved and protected. Everything would be OK. In the distant I could hear the other members of our group singing, chanting, and drumming. The moon was slowly making its way above the walls of the canyon. It was a sacred moment. I made my way back to camp, to be greeted by my friends and pulled into a dance that I can best describe as the Dine version of the Virginia Reel.

In 1991 circumstances led to the closing of my travel business. As a result of the experiences mentioned above as well as personal pilgrimages to a few other places, the following year I started Spirit Journeys to provide the gay and non-gay communities workshops, retreats and pilgrimages to sacred sites for spiritual evolution and the heightening of self-awareness. This was the same year I met my husband and life-partner, David Stewart. Our mutual interest in pilgrimages to ancient power places was apparent on our first serendipitous meeting. For the past decade, we have had the great opportunity to sponsor group journeys to many of the world's major pilgrimage sites including Machu Picchu, Peru; Jokhang Temple, Lhasa, Tibet; Great Pyramid, Giza, Egypt; Palenque, Mexico; and Pura Besakih, Bali, Indonesia.

I remember a group pilgrimage in October of 2000 aboard a barge-type boat across the Brahmapurta River on our way back from Sayme, the oldest monastery in Tibet. Our journey began that morning in a comfortable hotel in Lhasa. After an early breakfast, we traveled by bus from Lhasa, about a three hour drive, to a small informal port along the riverbank. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains with a piercing blue sky backdrop, we smoothly crossed the river and were greeted by a flat-bed truck for the final leg to Sayme. Once at Sayme we had a few hours to wander the monastery filled with Buddha images, burning incense, prayer wheels, and a handful of Tibetan monks.

We waited in the courtyard with a group of Tibetan pilgrims (maybe 35-40) for the truck to begin our return for the mainland. It became obvious that the Tibetans were as curious about us as we were with them. A few casual exchanges turned to bouts of laughter followed by some singing and more laughter. Two trucks arrived, the Tibetans boarded one, we the other. Fortunately, when we reached the riverbank, there was only one boat, so we all crossed the river together providing further opportunity for song exchanges. From our bi-lingual Tibetan guide, we discovered that our new friends had been traveling for three months thus far and lived quite a distance away in the Western Tibetan province. They were on a pilgrimage to numerous sacred sites throughout Tibet, newborns as well as grandparents well rounded their tribe. The singing ended with our group's rendition of "You Are My Sunshine…". I have wonderful video footage and photos from that memorable afternoon. Their smiles, eye-gazes, and laughter are quite a treasure. When we reached the other side of the river, our group got back into a heated bus for our ride back to the hotel. The Tibetans gathered around an open fire and sat on the ground to share a meal. I learned that their vehicle, which provided the transportation for this ongoing pilgrimage, was an open flatbed truck with tall rail guards, the kind of vehicle you see used to transport cattle. I will never forget this group of Tibetan pilgrims and the good fortune of our pilgrimages intersecting for a few precious hours.

Pilgrimages and Conscious Travel
to Sacred Sites, Beautiful Lands and Mystical Places.
Workshops, Retreats, and Coaching
for spiritual evolution and greater self-awareness.
Come with us...
Explore the World.  Explore your Self.