Held over a weekend in a secluded setting, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, the Body Electric workshop I attended was overseen by a group of professional, willing and genuinely respectful men. In an environment of safety and honour, I learnt how to feel comfortable with myself and the company of other men.  I know that this might all sound cheesy and like a disguise to get it off in a gang-bang.... but let me tell you that my personal experience was anything but that.

Why did I register?  What brought me to this place of commitment to myself and my body?   I was intrigued by what I read about it online and in their brochures, and by the information that was provided over the phone by one of their great representatives.  I have to be honest and say that it took me one year to decide to register and I regret now for having waited so long. All I knew when I finally registered was that it was a weekend where I would share body views and body contact with others, along with breathing and massage techniques, and that it involved nudity. 

As soon as I arrived at the Blue Mountains venue, I felt very welcome, and the smiles and helpfulness of the organisers helped me to overcome my nervousness and skepticism. And it was almost difficult to distinguish the organisers and their assistants from the other participants. Several people asked me if I was one of the assistants, as I gradually became more at ease and positively intrigued by the various group exercises. And by the end of the weekend, all I could think of was that I wanted to talk about my experience with my best friends and encourage them to come to one of the next weekends. And I also decided to try to become an assistant volunteer myself…

Things were put straight from the very beginning: no sexual interaction during the weekend resulting in ejaculation. I have to admit that this rule made me feel more at ease. Several similar rules around respect and honouring boundaries were also introduced, making it a safe and nurturing environment for all involved.

For some it was a rebirth experience, for others it allowed them to fully accept themselves for what they are, some were amazed by the breathing techniques and its various applications, and some got very emotional about discovering that their body, regardless of their looks, could be a source of fulfillment and happiness. For me it was a bit of all that, and also I managed to put all educational and religious guilt feelings aside, and discover a whole new me. Coming from a very traditional catholic and conservative upbringing, it was quite an achievement for me to have registered for the workshop in the first place.   As for the benefits, I am still coming to terms with the capacity for freedom that I have found within me.

The connection I had with the whole group was amazing. My initial perception and preconceived ideas about the looks of others changed gradually into a family or brotherhood feeling.  Over the many meals very personal and intimate views about life, relationships, career, and gay culture in general, were shared.  Connections were being forged and friendships made.  Now I look forward to participating at the next BE workshop, and in the meantime various social meetings have spontaneously occurred to allow all participants of my previous workshop to get together again and continue to share the brotherhood solidarity.

From being very skeptical and apprehensive about my registration to Body Electric, I have turned into an active and enthusiastic supporter.  I hope that you, the reader, will spare yourself from feeling uneasy and uncertain, and possibly alone, and register for the next workshop.

I feel a better person now, and I know I can help both friends and lover(s) also feel better about themselves. 

Why not allow yourself to benefit from an experience like this too?