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About Just out. (Portland, OR) 1983-2013 | View Entire Issue (Jan. 19, 2007)
Desert Oasis Vacation reawakens mind-body connection X 1 ci li ber Appreciation 1 >a\ Halt'oH ;dI roorns x I hank von Portland PEARL DISTRICT 1313 NW (ilixan Street 503.282.8200 BRIDGEPORT TILLAOS 1-5 S&L Boones Ferry Rd. 503.639.3800 cuecNi 5th Street Public Market 541.343.8904 • BATTU Pacific Place. Third Floor 206.223.9700 thesensuouRbed.com his column debuted more than two years ago, hut there’s a significant aspect of my past that I have yet to address publicly, for reasons that will soon become apparent. Like many other queers, I’ve endured a lifelong struggle with my weight. I used to blame it on unfortunate, genetically established metabo lism. Or on crappy eating habits. Or on my desk bound career. But I’m starting to put it all together: After a brief svelte period in my teen years, my weight skyrocket ed just as 1 was becoming sexually aware toward the end of high school—and just as 1 was entering a conservative Christian college. Most students pack on the dreaded “Freshman aerobics and a muscle-release 15.” For me, it was more like therapy called “Yamuna Body the “Freshman 50”—and then Rolling.” some. Instead of addressing a Of course, no spa stay is com growing desire to explore my plete without a little pampering, sexuality, 1 insulated my body so I booked an appointment for in a layer of blubber to keep the “Ultra Moisturizing Treat anyone from seeing me as ment,” an indulgence involving more than just a jolly pal. full-body exfoliation and a I didn’t come out of the slathering of vanilla lotion, after closet until five years after which you’re enveloped in a graduation, when my body sleeping bag-type cocoon and gave«out on me: After suffer lowered into a vat of warm ing from dull chest pains for water. (Ah, a return to the months, I drove myself to the womb.) I also tried out the emergency room, convinced “Lulur Asian Ritual,” featuring a 1989: You ’ ve got to hide your love that 1 was having a heart bathtub full of rose petals a la away. attack. Turns out I wasn’t— American Beauty. thank goodness—but at least The four-day stay ended on I was starting to listen to my a calm note with a “Spirit body. Walk” led by a guru who offered It tixik me another four some profound advice on how years before 1 finally addressed to live life in the present, taking my obesity. I joined Weight in all of the sights, sounds and Watchers, t<x>k up biking, cut feelings that surround us. Then back significantly on televi 1 had my chakras aligned by sion (my greatest addiction) a healing touch practitioner. and dropped 65 pounds with Since then 1 haven't felt in 12 months. better—even after returning to That was 2003. Although the stressful “real world.” I’ve kept the weight off, I’ve I don’t want all of this to continued to grapple with come Across as me bragging lousy Ixxly image. 1 was able about my decadent vacation— MT to contemplate this ongoing 1 truly hope that everyone can am the walrus. challenge during a life find the time to treat their changing, mind-altering bodies well, whether it’s book vacation last month at ing a stay at Breitenbush Hot Canyon Ranch in Tucson, Springs, blending a smixithie or Ariz. The health resort offers just drawing a bath. In a society something for everyone— that conditions queers to put from makeup demonstrations their minds at • odds with their to medical consultations to bodily urges, it’s an incredible metaphysical journeys—with feeling to actually see what healthy gourmet meals happens when the two are working together. © included in the package. I went on a hike, a bike ride and a bird-watching C anyon R anch has health excursion (in which we resorts in Tucscon, Ari?., and spotted 15 stunning species Lenox, Mass.; luxury within an hour). I experi condominiums in Tucson, 2006: Getting better all the time. enced my first acupuncture Chicago and Miami Beach; and session and pedicure. 1 t<x>k classes to heighten my day spa facilities in Las Vegas and Kissimmee, Fla., awareness of posture, balance and breathing and and aboard the Queen Mary 2. For more to introduce myself to the magic of meditation. information visit wuw.canyonranch.com. I learned how to make Shrimp Pad Thai at a cook ing demonstration. Fitness instructors worked my Arts and Culture Editor J IM RADOSTA needs your ass (and gut) off with stretching exercises, water feedback. Write to jim@justout.com.
