SHAPED BY THE FLOW

Are you ready to Flow?

Designed specifically for gay and queer men, this retreat is a safe space to connect with your body and your emotions without feeling broken or judged. The goal is not to fix you, but rather to help you remember who you truly are and reconnect with your authentic self.

One of the unique aspects of this retreat is the one-on-one sessions of somatic body work, using the Pantarei Approach. Pantarei means 'everything flows'. This approach reintroduces clients to aspects of their body that may have been shut off, forgotten, or they may feel uncomfortable with and helps them to connect with their unique strengths and sensitivities. Through touch and movement, I guide clients to connect with their bodies, and to explore and release any areas of tension or discomfort. This approach is tailored to each individual's unique needs and experiences. Through listening, touch, and re-framing, we will explore specific topics that are important to you, helping you remember who you truly are and what you value.

But this isn't just a week of introspection – we'll also take advantage of the natural wonders of the Azores with hikes to scenic waterfalls and swimming in volcanic heated baths. In addition, this retreat offers activities like mobility flow training, breath work, partner work, horseback riding, whale and dolphin watching and moments of meditation. These adventures will remind you of the beauty and flow of the world around us.

Group writing, collective cooking, and shared check-ins are additional ways to experience process and progress, collaboration and community. You'll also have the opportunity to share your journey and connect with others, without pressure or expectation. The week will not be shaped with top-down answers, but the nuanced needs of each person will be material. This is why the group stays small. Everyone has a unique story, and the power of sharing in a small group means we exponentially grow and learn from our brothers as well.

Photo ©Yoav Goldwein

Feeding our Bodies and Hearts

From dining in local restaurants, cooking together and even enjoying a brunch cooked by thermal volcanic heat, as well as filling our hearts with each others' stories, our insides will be nourished.

With group activities, from meditation, movement, & writing, we listen and support each other during this unique opportunity for connection. Together we recognize our capacity to grow and adapt in rich ways that distinguish us from electrons and rocks.

Experiencing Together

Our personal journey will be accompanied by the landscapes of the island—from hiking to waterfalls, along the coasts & resting in volcanic baths, we let the waters of the island be our teacher and help us incorporate a sense of flow.

E-motional Landscapes

Photo ©Yoav Goldwein

Photo ©Yoav Goldwein

Why Azores?

This remote group of islands has been a safe haven for centuries, a place where sailors and voyagers stop to replenish their energy before continuing on their journey. For gay and queer men, navigating life's challenges can be a solitary voyage, one defined by courage, resilience, and self-discovery. Amidst its rugged beauty, find solace for your emotional exploration, inspired by the island's tumultuous yet enduring history. Against the rugged backdrop of the Azores' volcanic terrain, cascading waterfalls and unique beauty, our own personal odyssey finds inspiration, reminding us that we too can weather life's storms and connect with something greater.

What do we really mean by flow?

Being shaped by the flow is a concept that describes the experience of being fully present and engaged in the moment. While it's often associated with mental states, it's also about physical movement. In fact, the physical aspect of flow is what makes it such a powerful tool for personal growth and change. Flow starts from the body, as it is through physical experiences that we can make changes in areas that may have previously felt paralyzed and stagnant. Bodily pains are often a sign of lack of flow—our stuck thoughts and emotions are letting us know through our physicality. Ultimately, being shaped by the flow is about finding a balance between effort and ease. When we allow ourselves to be shaped by the flow, we open ourselves up to new experiences and opportunities that we may have previously thought were out of reach.

Photo ©Yoav Goldwein

Photo ©Yoav Goldwein

Nestled in a breathtaking Portuguese manor, this house offers modern comforts with a stunning ocean view. Enjoy the luxury of ample space, contemporary bathrooms, WiFi, a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher, oven, and washing machine. Relax on the expansive terraces, treating yourself to mesmerizing vistas of the Atlantic Ocean. As a farmhouse, expect the delightful presence of farm scents, friendly bugs, and the occasional charming lizard, adding a touch of rustic charm to your stay.

Private room & bath: double bed                      2950euro                

Private room & bath: single bed                        2750euro                

Private room & shared bath: single bed           2450euro                

Shared room & shared bath: single bed           2250euro               

THE PINK MANOR HOUSE

ENTIRE PRIVATE FARM RANCH WITH DONKEYS, COWS, AND ROOSTERS

Included during the week

• 8 nights in private Manor farm house

• 2 private 1-on-1 somatic bodywork sessions

• Morning group workshops in mobility training & breathwork

• 3 two-hour Hikes to waterfalls and lagoons

• Trips to 3-4 geo thermal baths

• 3 Visits to different beaches

• 2 shorter hikes

• Partner face massage

• Horse-back riding

• Whale and dolphin watching excursion

• Visit to downtown Ponte Delgada and pineapple plantations

• Waterfall meditations

• Tea plantation tour

• Dance of disappearance ritual

• Partner movement activities on the beach

• Jungle picnic

• Group sharing and reflection

• Visit to 4 local restaurants to enjoy the local cuisine

• Food:
  All daily breakfasts
  All homemade lunches & lunch in town Geothermal brunch w/ local purple tea
  4 dinners at home: 2 dinners prepared by the participants & closing pizza evening Snacks for hiking

• Transport:
  Car Rental and gas
  Pick up to and from the airport

We have made quality of our habit. It’s not something that we just strive for – we live by this principle every day.

Not Included:

• Flight to Sao Miguel

• Food at 4 restaurants & tips for service

• Alcohol

• Coffee or dessert breaks en route

This retreat is neurodiverse / neuroqueer friendly

Here's what the guys say

“I'm very glad that I decided to join you and the others on that experience. The mix of activities was very well balanced and I especially enjoyed the hikes, thermal springs and the ocean. The geothermal brunch was an outstanding experience as well. And last but not least I appreciated the harmony between the four of us. You managed well to balance different expectations and I never felt that my interests are not taken care of. I continue reflecting on the various sessions and the benefit I could take with me”- Heinz M. Austria. October 2023 Retreat

“Still using tools I learned on the retreat. ❤️. I love sharing with others the experience I had with you and on the Azores. I’m hoping I can do it again. I felt I left a lot of mental “stuff” there or at least it rearranged the priority I give to things in my mind and how my body feels. Still much to do and journey for me. But what a gift I was given— Forever grateful and forever love. ❤️🙏”— USA October 2023 Retreat

“I’ve almost never met such an adept active listener as Mike turned out to be. Without judging he helped me reframe my stubborn point of views. There the astonishing surprise began: my body started to talk to me — Mike translated what it wanted to tell me. Slowly my mind stood back and gave the body- intelligence its free flowing privilege of expression. Mikes provides an open space for every individual that decides to get in touch with the intelligence of his or her body.” Andreas T- Pantarei Client

"We dug really deep and brought up treasures together. That was stunning.” -Pantarei Client

"I loved the variety of activities--It was diverse, well balanced, and well thought out. I really enjoyed the a ha of my stuck movement connected with our 1:1. I really was amazed about the stomach work because it showed me a physical manifestation with the trauma that I was recounting. This to me made me a believer. I realized that my 'caring' and my 'curiosity' is what makes me different, and will lead me to people that I truly feel a sense of belonging with. Connecting with nature and thinking about various relationships with family friends and other men allowed me the space to really address misguided narratives that I'd created in my head about past experiences. Moreover, seeing the physical manifestation of these negative experiences in my body changed how I view ways to release myself from the weight of them." -BT 45 - Global Nomad / April 2024 Retreat

"Discovering Somatic Therapy has been a game changer as was the opportunity to be part of the Shaped by the Flow Retreat for Gay and Queer Men in the Azores. I've been seeking ways to make change and the holistic experience Mike has created is exceptional. He is an amazing facilitator and the Retreat offered a range of opportunities to connect with the inner self, nature and people in ways both small and large as well as individual and collective. The retreat was a gift in that it helped to break down the barriers that can and do exist between the mind, body, heart and the larger world and it has given me the insight, skills and fuel I need to live a more fulfilled and integrated life." - W. 57, Retired, Canada/ April 2024 Retreat

Return to Self

Nov 26 & 27th, 19-21h Centr. EU time

Curious about the Azores Retreat in April?

Start with this FREE 2 day event for Gay and Queer Men.

We will get to know each other, do some activities and have time to answer your questions about Azores and somatic bodywork and discuss what makes this retreat different than others. Honestly, I’m not a fan of online, that is the whole point of doing embodied, movement based work, going on retreats or using somatic bodywork as a tool—so believe me, my goal is to structure some depth, cognitively, bodily, and personally during the short time.

If you already know the retreat wouldn’t fit this coming time, but still want to participate in these two days, you are more than welcome! Sign up at : shapedbytheflow @ gmail.com

Day 1.

Breath & Sensing

Listening Beyond Words workshop

Discussion on Flow

Day 2.

Breath & Sensing

The Quality of Queer Movement workshop

Q &A about Azores Shaped by the Flow retreat.