Breathwork Retreat for Gay and Straight Men in Northern California
A Heartfelt Introduction: Embracing All Identities at WILD HEART Men’s Camp
Men from all walks of life—gay, straight, bisexual, trans, queer, and beyond—deserve a space to reconnect with themselves and each other in authentic ways. Set against the majestic Redwood forests of Northern California, this retreat aims to create a heart-centered, inclusive container. Over four days and three nights (Thursday through Sunday), you’ll immerse in transformative workshops, daily breathwork and men’s work sessions, and meaningful men’s circles. The key goals of the retreat include emotional liberation, freedom from outdated stories, and genuine brotherhood. Whether you identify as queer, straight, or somewhere in between, you’ll find that WILD HEART Men’s Camp welcomes and honors your unique identity.
In line with our mission, this transformative retreat is designed to help you shed labels and reconnect with your innate power. You’ll share laughter, dive deep into your emotional realms, and open your heart to the healing potential of vulnerability and community support.
Unfolding the Power of Breathwork: From Ancient Practices to Modern Transformations
One of the highlights of the WILD HEART Men’s Camp is transformative breathwork, a potent tool for emotional and spiritual healing. Breathwork is more than a simple breathing exercise; it’s a centuries-old practice found across various cultures.
Ancient Roots of Breath-Centered Meditations
Many of the earliest breath-centered practices originate from Indigenous ceremonies and Eastern traditions, such as yogic pranayama and Taoist qigong. Ancient yogis believed that the breath was the gateway to prana, or life force energy, a conduit connecting body, mind, and spirit. Meanwhile, some Native American tribes used rhythmic breathing in healing rituals to align with nature’s wisdom. These diverse lineages point to the universal power of breath as a transformative tool for self-discovery and healing. Learn more.
Evolution into Rebirthing and Holotropic Breathwork
In the 1970s, modern breathwork modalities like Rebirthing and Holotropic Breathwork emerged in the West, pioneered by visionaries like Leonard Orr and Stanislav Grof. Rebirthing breathwork uses a continuous, conscious breathing pattern to release stored emotional blocks. Holotropic Breathwork, on the other hand, emphasizes a deeper, faster breathing rhythm often paired with music to guide practitioners into expanded states of consciousness. These styles gained traction as people recognized breathwork’s power to dissolve trauma and awaken deeper self-awareness. Learn more.
Present-Day Focus: Trauma Release and Emotional Healing
Today, breathwork has evolved into a wide array of practices collectively known as Transformative Breathwork, often used to address anxiety, stress, depression, and unresolved trauma. By consciously manipulating breath patterns, participants can bypass mental defenses and access the subconscious. Physical tension, emotional wounds, and limiting beliefs often surface in these sessions, granting participants an opportunity to heal and integrate. The beauty of breathwork and men’s work lies in how it dissolves the old expectation that “men should hide tears or vulnerability.” Instead, men are encouraged to release pent-up emotions, challenge outdated stereotypes, and discover greater empathy for themselves and others.
Why Men Specifically Benefit from Intentional Breathwork
Society’s rigid standards about how men “should” process emotions have left many yearning for safe emotional release. Breathwork provides that crucial space. When men gather to breathe deeply and consciously, they break cultural barriers that can suppress tears, grief, and authentic expression. Through this simple yet profound technique, you’ll learn to gently dismantle emotional walls, accessing genuine inner strength and compassion.
Photo of Deer Haven, one of the our many unique cabin spaces. This cabin has three beds. Cabins have between 1 to 8 beds each and provide several different sleeping arrangements for retreat for gay and straight men. All cabin spaces are included in men’s retreat in Northern California.
Photo of Group Glamping Tents Setup in Sunset Meadow. We have 10 Glamping Structures that can be added with 1to 3 beds each. This can increase bed capacity of campus to 50 guests across 20 unique accommodation spaces.
Meet Your Facilitators: The Experts Guiding This Inclusive Space
WILD HEART Men’s Camp features a powerhouse team of facilitators dedicated to supporting queer friendly men’s work and creating a sanctuary for men of all orientations:
Mike Sagun (Men’s Coach): With years of experience in men’s coaching and a heartfelt commitment to inclusivity, Mike emphasizes the importance of emotional honesty and authentic self-expression.
Nathaniel Jenkins (Embodiment & Energy Work): Renowned for his healing approach that seamlessly integrates body wisdom with spiritual insight, Nathaniel understands how to hold space for men of all backgrounds.
Brandt Miller (Breathwork & Somatic Facilitator): A certified Breathwork Facilitator who fuses trauma-informed approaches with creative expression, guiding you into the depths of your own emotional intelligence.
Nathaniel Reagan (Breathwork & Movement Facilitator): Bringing a unique combination of activism, movement, and energy healing, Nathaniel leads participants in exploring their breath, releasing old patterns, and unveiling new passions.
Julian Cressman (Breathwork & Meditation Facilitator): A co-creator of Spirit Camp Retreat Center, Julian merges Vedic Meditation, breathwork, and sound-based practices to encourage profound shifts in consciousness.
This dynamic crew has extensive experience supporting male-identified groups, ensuring that everyone, from gay men to straight men, feels safe and seen.
Journey Through the WILD HEART Experience: Campfires, Redwoods & Renewal
Morning Meditations and Men’s Circles Under Towering Redwoods
Envision awakening to the gentle sounds of nature in Mendocino County. Each morning, you’ll gather for guided meditations, followed by sharing circles where honest conversation unfolds without judgment. Then, you’ll savor nourishing vegetarian meals prepared with locally sourced ingredients. Throughout the day, you’ll delve into breathwork journeys, group discussions, and men’s workshops that reveal layers of healing and self-understanding.
Cold Plunging for Courage: Embracing Nature’s Healing Power
Nestled among the redwood groves of Northern California, a cold plunge in a nearby river will invigorate your body and mind. Led by Nathaniel Jenkins, these brisk immersions into the healing waters reconnect you with nature’s raw power, teaching you resilience and helping you release tension and stored energy. Combined with daily embodiment exercises, the cold plunges leave you with a renewed sense of courage and vitality.
Discovering Spirit Camp’s Location: Northern California’s Coastal Oasis
Nestled in Mendocino County, Only Three Hours North of the Bay Area
If you’re Looking for a healing retreat near me? consider a trip just three hours north of San Francisco. Traveling along scenic byways, you’ll pass rolling farmland, ancient forests, and eventually enter the peaceful realm of Spirit Camp. Located near the picturesque coastal town of Mendocino, this Redwood sanctuary strikes the perfect balance between seclusion and accessibility. It’s also only about ten minutes from downtown Mendocino, which boasts charming cafes, local shops, and awe-inspiring ocean views.
Frequently Asked Questions About This Retreat
1. “Is this retreat truly for men of all orientations?”
Absolutely. Whether you identify as gay, straight, queer, bi, or trans, this retreat is a haven of acceptance. Our facilitators have meticulously cultivated a warm, inclusive atmosphere to foster genuine brotherhood.
2. “Do I need prior breathwork or men’s work experience?”
Not at all. Beginners are welcome, and there’s no need to have tried breathwork or group men’s circles before. Every session is guided step by step, ensuring you feel safe and supported.
3. “What should I bring to make the most of cold plunging?”
A pair of water-friendly sandals, a durable quick-dry towel, and an adventurous spirit! Cold plunging is all about stepping beyond your comfort zone and embracing nature’s healing intensity.
Extend Your Adventure: 2 Local Activities Worth Exploring
Hiking in Van Damme State Park
Located just minutes from Spirit Camp, Van Damme State Park features lush fern canyons and a winding trail that threads through coastal Redwood groves. The combination of tall trees, mossy undergrowth, and a glimpse of the ocean offers a contemplative stroll or a vigorous hike, depending on your energy level. As you venture deeper into the forest, you’ll feel the restorative calm of Mendocino’s signature Redwood environment. It’s an ideal spot to reflect on your retreat discoveries as you soak in nature’s healing beauty.
After your hike, you can linger along the park’s coastal edges, where the bracing Pacific air gives a fresh perspective. You might pause to watch local wildlife or simply appreciate the serenity that Redwood forests exude.
Exploring the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens
If you crave a gentler outdoor excursion, the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens is a must-see. Wander through vibrant thematic gardens, each showcasing native Californian plants, succulents, and exotic species from around the globe. As the ocean breeze mingles with fragrant blossoms, you’ll find yourself quietly recharged. The gardens also offer scenic cliffside trails that lead to panoramic coastal vistas—an excellent backdrop for mindful reflection or capturing photos that encapsulate your retreat experience.
From lofty pine stands to blooming rhododendrons, the botanical gardens provide a tapestry of color, scent, and sensory delight. After experiencing intense emotional breakthroughs at WILD HEART Men’s Camp, strolling through these peaceful grounds can be wonderfully grounding.
Are you ready to experience real brotherhood and breathwork and men’s work on a whole new level? Reserve your spot at the WILD HEART Men’s Camp Retreat today, and begin your journey to deeper emotional freedom, renewed vitality, and life-changing connections. If you’d like to discover additional offerings, explore more retreats at Spirit Camp Retreat Center, or visit the Spirit Camp home page to learn more about our community and location.
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