Ep. 20: Embracing All That Is with Wil Fisher

Queer spirituality invites us to embrace our bodies as vessels of the divine, to tap into the power of creative expression, and to challenge the conventional notions of how we connect with the spiritual realm. It is a call to authenticity, to live our truth and celebrate the unique gifts that queerness brings to the world.

From Childhood Curiosity to Radical Fairies

Wil's spiritual journey began in childhood, despite growing up in a non-spiritual household. He found solace and inspiration in texts such as "The Prophet" and explored different religious beliefs, even connecting with the Mormons next door. However, the discovery of his own queerness led him to reject the association between spirituality and organized religion.

It was through his encounter with the radical fairies in New York City that Wil found a new path for his spirituality. The fairies opened his eyes to earth-based practices, shamanic rituals, and tantric work. He began to reconnect with his Native American heritage and explore the transformative power of plant medicine. These experiences propelled him into a deeper connection with spirit and a redefinition of his own identity.

The Healing Power of Retreats

Retreats offer a unique space for healing and transformation, away from the distractions and routines of everyday life. Wil's recent retreat focused on heart opening, bringing together a diverse group of men to explore vulnerability and connection. By creating a safe container free from substances and distractions, the retreat allowed participants to tap into their true selves and experience the power of love and brotherhood.

Wil emphasizes the importance of stepping out of our comfort zones and embracing the discomfort that comes with growth. Retreats provide an opportunity to break free from our default settings, to explore new modalities of healing and personal growth. Whether in a group setting or through one-on-one retreats, the intentional space of a retreat allows us to delve deep into our own truths and discover the courage to live authentically.

The Challenges and Opportunities for the LGBTQ+ Community

While the LGBTQ+ community has made significant strides towards acceptance and equality, there are still challenges to be faced. Wil highlights the recent attacks on drag queens as a representation of the backlash against the community's rise to power. As queer individuals become more visible and assert their rights, there are those who feel threatened and seek to impede progress.

Another challenge lies in the passivity that has crept into the LGBTQ+ community. The influence of consumerism and capitalism has led to a detachment from the cause, with many outsourcing the work to nonprofits and politicians. Wil calls for a reawakening of activism and a more active role in the fight for equality, while also acknowledging the need for an evolved approach that aligns with the community's ethos and moral compass.

Opening the Heart: A Path to Healing and Growth

The power of queer spirituality lies in the opening of the heart. Wil Fisher encourages us to examine the state of our hearts and to cultivate the courage to open them a little more. By upgrading our heart's switch from an on-off mechanism to a dimmer switch, we can gradually increase our capacity for vulnerability and love.

The transformative potential of retreats and the exploration of queer spirituality offer us the opportunity to connect with our true selves, to tap into our purpose and passion. As we navigate the challenges and opportunities of the LGBTQ+ community, it is through the opening of our hearts that we can find healing, growth, and the strength to create a more inclusive and accepting world.

Episode Show Notes

About The Guest(s):

Wil Fisher is the host of the Queerly Beloved podcast and the founder of his life coaching business, Willfully Living. He has a background in applied theater and has worked as the executive director of Easton Mountain, an LGBTQ spiritual retreat center. Will offers healing and transformation work through one-on-one coaching, classes, and in-person retreats.

Summary:

Wil Fisher joins Julian Crosson-Hill on the Queer Spirituality podcast to discuss the intersection of queerness and spirituality. Wil shares his perspective on queer spirituality, which celebrates the divinity in all that is and embraces the welcoming of all that is outside of the norm. He explores the themes and areas of focus that come from queer culture and how they can be experienced through a spiritual lens. Wil also talks about his own spiritual journey, including his involvement with the radical fairies and his exploration of various spiritual practices. He recently hosted a retreat focused on heart opening and shares the transformative experiences that took place during the retreat. Wil also offers one-on-one retreats where he combines various modalities of healing and personal growth to support clients in connecting with their true calling and purpose. He discusses the challenges and opportunities facing the LGBTQ community, including the backlash against queer expression and the need for more active engagement in the fight for equality. Will encourages listeners to open their hearts and explore vulnerability as a path to healing and growth.

Key Takeaways:

• Queer spirituality celebrates the divinity in all that is and embraces the welcoming of all that is outside of the norm.
• Queer spirituality invites exploration and experience through the body, creative expression, and redefining the relationship with Spirit.
• Retreats provide an opportunity to step out of one's comfort zone, disconnect from distractions, and engage in deep personal growth and self-exploration.
• One-on-one retreats offer a personalized and intensive experience, combining various modalities of healing and personal growth to support clients in connecting with their true calling and purpose.
• The biggest challenges and opportunities for the LGBTQ community include the backlash against queer expression and the need for more active engagement in the fight for equality.

Quotes:

• "Queer spirituality is about the divinity in all that is and the celebration of what is outside of the norm." - Wil Fisher
• "Retreats provide intentional space to look inward and discover parts of ourselves that we don't usually have access to." - Wil Fisher
• "Opening our hearts creates a flow of love that propels healing, growth, and expression." - Wil Fisher
• "The biggest challenges for the LGBTQ community are the attacks against us and the need to find a more evolved way to fight back." - Wil Fisher
• "Open your heart a little more and see how the love starts flowing." - Wil Fisher

Resources:

Wil's Website

Listen to the Full Episode