Customer Reviews

Gay Spirit Warrior: An Empowerment Workbook for Men Who Love Men

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Let others search for "the boyfriend within" -- John Stowe offers ways we can discover our true inner Gay Spirit Warrior. This is exactly the journey that therapist/bodyworker John Stowe takes us on in this intensive-workshop-in-a-book, the shining result of decades of the author's teaching, counseling, and leading in the gay spirit arena. Stowe, who clearly has done his internal homework, seems to embody the very principles he lays out so logically. Stowe is an expert tourguide leading us on an authentic journey of self-inquiry. He doesn't insult our intelligence by endlessly parroting trendy New-Age affirmations like so much self-help pablum. Instead he lovingly insists we roll up our sleeves and submerge our arms up to the elbows in our own socially given beliefs and dearly held concepts, then hold up what we discover to the light for scrutiny. After examining ideas about our image, bodies, sex, relationships, and soul, we continue on a tour of sacred gay archetypes. This section feels like strolling through a sublime garden, stopping to admire and critique the classic statues of the Magic Boy, Sacred Androgyne, Lover, Elder, Shaman/Healer, Warrior, and Explorer. These archetypes are not unattainable ideals, however: we must learn to identify and reclaim their qualities as our own. This is not a book for the passive-minded male -- i.e., someone who wants a book to do his self-inquiry for him. But if you seek a book to help you do that tough yet absolutely necessary work, get this toolbox for the gay spirit. Better come prepared to work, though - journal, pen, and psyche in hand - and be transformed.

This book focuses on the challenges faced by gay men and those with whom they associate. I believe it should be an essential part of any therapist's library. The author writes from a multi-level perspective, focusing on a particular circumstances that gay men may find challenging in each chapter. Advice is given on when to consider therapy, how to relate to oneself, one's past, and society in general. For many years therapists and other professionals have struggled with the immense difficulties this population faces and they will find excellent insight into the special needs of gay men as well as an outstanding model of working with gay men who have problems. The discussion on spirituality is especially interesting as it addresses the obstacles gay men face with organized religion and how it may affect them. The author's style of writing shows empathy and insight that will appeal to readers. It is a clear and honest look at this important issue.

This book is excellent. If you're looking for a workbook for transformation, and you're willing to look deep into the mirror of yourself and do the work, the rewards are many.

Not a weekend read. Not a quick, one time thing. This book challenges you, through writing, journaling, reflecting, to really unlock, release, burn away, and heal the old wounds that plague so many of us. It takes time and is well worth the journey.

Well written with a practicable set of exercise at the end of each chapter. Pretty damn challenging to change so much behavior and a lifetime of habits. Lots of food for thought & hopefully action. . .