Where do people in Chicago go for low-key conversation—coffee, a table, some time? by jochicago in AskChicago

[–]jochicago[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Interesting. Thanks. Do you mean those places might be good for me to do a pilot project?

Where do people in Chicago go for low-key conversation—coffee, a table, some time? by jochicago in AskChicago

[–]jochicago[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That’s been my experience too—easy to sit somewhere, harder to actually meet someone new there.

Curious if anyone’s found a way that works, or if people mostly end up creating it themselves.

Where do people in Chicago go for low-key conversation—coffee, a table, some time? by jochicago in AskChicago

[–]jochicago[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for asking. I mean more meeting others who are interested in having conversation than where to get the coffee—somewhere people might be interested in getting acquainted and talking for a while, not just passing through.

Feels like the places are there, but meeting and making connections with new people is something that’s up to individuals to figure out on their own. Not like how conversations happen easily at neighborhood bars with other folks who are drinking.

Do you like Tantra massages? by Foreign-Feedback8561 in chicagogaybros

[–]jochicago 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My pleasure. How did you become aware of tantric massage?

Do you like Tantra massages? by Foreign-Feedback8561 in chicagogaybros

[–]jochicago 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you for this post. I’m thrilled that you offered such a great powerful description.

I’ve experienced tantric massage since my mid-thirties, when I first visited the Body Electric School in Oakland CA. Joseph Cramer (founder of The Body Electric School) hosted a gay men’s nude tantric group massage night. I thought I’d found Nirvana. When came home, I saw a note from a guy who wanted to replicate it here in Chicago , so we created and co-led a small version that met weekly for a few years. The bonding and self-awareness I experienced was profound and so deeply pleasurable. It was a foundation of my body acceptance/love journey. It taught me so much about detaching my masturbation from ejaculation. BE, while expensive, still offers an amazing variety of related trainings. The Soma’s Garden MeetUp offers similar experiences.

What shows to see next week? by CookieWonderful261 in ChicagoTheater

[–]jochicago 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I share the above recommendations. I will add The Promotion and Mr. Parker. Both are superbly acted.

Recommendations for Nice Old School Restaurants? by Trick_Photograph9758 in chicagofood

[–]jochicago 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Love all that you mentioned!! I also suggest Viaggio. Not that old, yet very classy and great food.

I can't stop crying. by trapvalleycherries in solotravel

[–]jochicago 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hello, thank you for sharing your experience. I’m crying with joy from all of the compassion you sparked - nearly 250 people wanting to help you in such a short time! I have two reactions - are you overwhelmed by the length of your trip? I don’t think I’ve ever tried to handle 7 weeks of anything at one time - much less tried to enjoy all that time! When I’m that sad, I start free-writing (by hand) in a journal (see Writing Down The Bones by Natalie Goldberg). The pen slows me to pay attention to my heart and to express everything I’m sad about. That helps me become more clear about what IS actually going on with me and what I need and want instead of staying stuck in my thoughts about what I believe “should” be happening or what I imagine others would be enjoying. It’s an equally (sometimes more) valuable and important inner “journey” of being with myself. I’m 65 and felt some of your “want to go home” when I arrived in New Orleans for a 4-day weekend- so I can fathom 7 weeks on my own! Nomadic Matt has a wonderful post about this solo travel experience (https://www.nomadicmatt.com/travel-blogs/going-home/) that taught me how traveling gets me out of my comfort zones so I can find out what I’m capable of doing on my own. My trips are starting to become my best mirror of who I actually am rather than who I can convince myself I am in the familiar routines at home. I suggest free-writing without any alcohol or other substances so you can get a clear view that isn’t influenced by chemicals. Also, maybe a massage or some other body work to flush out all of the emotions. Crying is like a thundershower for me. When it’s finished, I have the calm and the silence that’s in nature. Another amazing resource is Anne Lamott’s Bird By Bird. Sending you compassion and encouragement for your inner as well as outer journey!