Meditation Gay Men’s Retreat in Mendocino, California

Does the noise of modern life ever feel overwhelming? In the heart of midlife, the demands on our attention can leave us feeling scattered and disconnected from our own inner wisdom. We invite you to step away from the noise and into profound stillness at a gay men’s retreat specifically designed for reflection and renewal. From October 30th to November 2nd, 2025, join us for the Midlife Gay Men's Retreat, a weekend dedicated to the powerful practice of meditation beside the Pacific waves and towering redwoods of Northern California. This is your chance to quiet your mind, open your heart, and connect with a community of peers on a similar journey.

This intimate gathering is limited to 15 queer men to ensure a personalized and supportive experience. Ready to hear your own wisdom? Book your space at this transformative retreat. You can also explore the full calendar of healing getaways on the Spirit Camp retreats page.

5,000 Years of Stillness: How Meditation Crossed Continents & Cultures

The practice of meditation, the art of cultivating deep and focused awareness, has a history that is as vast and profound as the human search for meaning itself. Its origins can be traced back at least 5,000 years to ancient India, where the earliest forms emerged from the spiritual traditions of Vedantism. Within these early teachings, the practice known as dhyana was a cornerstone, described as the uninterrupted training of the mind to focus on a single point or concept. This wasn't about simply relaxing; it was a rigorous discipline aimed at transcending ordinary consciousness to achieve a state of spiritual insight and liberation. These ancient seers understood that by turning their attention inward, they could unlock a deeper understanding of themselves and the universe.

As spiritual and philosophical traditions evolved, meditation became a central pillar of many Eastern religions, most notably Buddhism. Around the 5th century BCE, Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha, taught that meditation was the essential path to enlightenment. He developed specific techniques, such as mindfulness of breath (anapanasati) and loving-kindness meditation (metta), which are still widely practiced today. These methods were systematically documented and passed down through generations of monks and practitioners, spreading across Asia and branching into various schools, from the Zen traditions of Japan to the Vipassanā practices of Southeast Asia. Each school adapted the core techniques, but the fundamental goal remained the same: to observe the mind without judgment and awaken to the true nature of reality.

For centuries, meditation remained largely an esoteric practice confined to monasteries and spiritual seekers in the East. It wasn't until the 20th century that it began to make significant inroads into Western culture. Influential teachers and texts began to arrive in Europe and North America, but it was the counter-culture movement of the 1960s and 70s that truly ignited popular interest. Seeking alternative paths to wisdom and well-being, many Westerners turned to Eastern traditions, and meditation offered a direct, experiential path to inner peace. This period saw a surge in the establishment of meditation centers and the popularization of practices like Transcendental Meditation.

The final and most significant leap into the mainstream came with the secularization of the practice, pioneered by figures like Jon Kabat-Zinn. In 1979, Kabat-Zinn developed the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program at the University of Massachusetts Medical School, stripping meditation of its religious dogma and presenting it as a scientifically-backed tool for health and wellness. As detailed by resources like PositivePsychology.com, this evidence-based approach has since been validated by thousands of studies, proving its benefits for reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. Today, a meditation retreat for gay men is a direct descendant of this rich history, offering a modern, inclusive space to access this timeless practice for profound personal transformation.

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 gay men’s retreat. All cabin spaces are included in Northern California gay men’s weekend.

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.  

Jeff’s Zen Practice & Andrew’s Breath-Based Guidance

Your facilitators for this redwood meditation retreat are Jeff Sun and Andrew Blotky, certified coaches who both have deep, personal connections to mindfulness practices. Jeff’s approach is influenced by his long-standing Zen practice, bringing a quality of grounded presence and gentle inquiry to the group space. He guides participants to find stillness not by forcing the mind to be quiet, but by creating the conditions for quiet to naturally arise. His facilitation encourages an awareness that is both soft and focused, helping you observe your inner world with compassion and curiosity.

Andrew complements this with his expertise in breath-based guidance, honed through his extensive yoga and mindfulness training. He teaches simple yet powerful pranayama (breath control) techniques that serve as an anchor to the present moment, making meditation accessible even for those who feel their minds are too busy. Together, Jeff and Andrew create a supportive and expertly held container, weaving together their distinct but complementary lineages to guide you on a profound journey inward during this powerful Northern California gay men’s weekend.

Meditate Under Skylights in the Sanctuary, Then Feast Plant-Based in Redwood Lodge

At the heart of Spirit Camp lies the Sanctuary, an architectural marvel designed for spiritual practice and deep introspection. Imagine beginning your day here, settling onto a comfortable cushion as sunlight streams through a massive central skylight in the copper roof. The building's south-facing wall is nearly all glass, flooding the space with warm, natural light year-round. With a wood-burning stove crackling in the corner on cooler mornings, this forest-bathed sanctuary provides an atmosphere of profound peace and warmth, making it the perfect vessel for our group meditation sessions. Hearing the gentle pitter-patter of rain on the roof or seeing the sun cast patterns on the floor, you'll find the space itself is a guide into stillness.

After nourishing your spirit, you’ll nourish your body. All meals are a communal affair, served in the majestic Redwood Lodge. Here, you’ll gather with your fellow retreat participants around large wooden tables to share delicious, farm-to-table vegetarian cuisine. These shared meals are an essential part of the experience, a time for connection, conversation, and laughter. Feasting on healthy, plant-based food in a hall built from the very redwoods that surround you is a grounding and deeply satisfying experience, completing the holistic nature of this mindfulness retreat in Mendocino, CA.

Located in Mendocino, California—Ten Minutes from Historic Downtown

This exceptional gay men’s coastal getaway takes place in Mendocino, California, a location renowned for its blend of rugged coastline and serene redwood forests. Spirit Camp is nestled within this iconic landscape, offering an immersive nature experience that feels worlds away while remaining remarkably accessible. You are just a short, ten-minute drive from the historic village of Mendocino, with its charming Victorian architecture, art galleries, and ocean-view cafes. This ideal positioning means you can fully retreat into the quiet of the 27-acre campus, yet easily access the amenities of town if needed. The proximity to the Pacific Ocean means the air is fresh and the sound of distant waves is a constant, gentle reminder of the powerful natural beauty of this unique place.

Frequently Asked Questions About This Retreat

1. Is the retreat substance-free?
   Yes, this retreat is held in a completely sober and substance-free environment. Spirit Camp is committed to fostering natural states of consciousness through practices like meditation, yoga, and authentic human connection. This policy ensures a clear and present atmosphere for all participants, allowing for deeper personal exploration and group connection without the influence of alcohol or other substances.

2. Will there be silent segments?
   Yes, the retreat will incorporate periods of silence to help participants deepen their meditative practice and inner reflection. These silent segments, which may include silent hikes, meals, or extended periods of quiet contemplation, are a powerful tool for observing the mind and connecting more deeply with yourself and the natural surroundings. The facilitators will gently guide the group into and out of silence, ensuring it is a supportive and restorative experience for everyone.

3. What’s included in tuition?
   The retreat tuition is an all-inclusive investment in your well-being. It covers your 4-day, 3-night stay, including your chosen lodging option at Spirit Camp; all delicious, farm-to-table vegetarian meals prepared by a professional caterer; and the full program of retreat activities, including group meditation sessions, yoga classes, facilitated group conversations, and a post-retreat 90-minute one-on-one coaching session with Jeff or Andrew. It also includes exclusive use of the beautiful 27-acre campus.

Kayak Big River Estuary & Stroll Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens

To fully immerse yourself in the tranquility of the region, consider an adventure on the water by kayaking the Big River Estuary. This magnificent waterway, part of a state park, offers miles of calm, protected water, making it perfect for paddlers of all skill levels. As you glide silently past the redwood-lined shores, you may spot river otters, harbor seals, and a variety of birdlife. The estuary is a place of profound peace, where the rhythm of your paddle and the gentle flow of the river can become a moving meditation, allowing you to connect with the landscape in a deeply personal and serene way.

For a different kind of meditative experience, spend an afternoon wandering through the spectacular Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens. This 47-acre paradise stretches from Highway 1 all the way to the coastal bluffs, offering a stunning diversity of landscapes. You can stroll through perennial gardens bursting with color, explore a lush fern-filled canyon, and follow the path to the dramatic ocean overlook. The gardens are a feast for the senses and a testament to the beauty of cultivated nature. Finding a quiet bench to sit and simply absorb the sights, sounds, and scents is a perfect way to practice mindfulness and extend the peaceful state cultivated during your retreat.

This is your opportunity to step away from the endless demands of life and give yourself the gift of presence. This gay men’s retreat offers a rare sanctuary for deep rest, authentic connection, and profound personal insight. Discover how this weekend of stillness can transform your midlife path. Learn more about the Midlife Gay Men's Retreat & book now. You can also see all of our similar themed retreats here.

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