More About David and Anchorhold

I'm David Townsend, a gay man committed to gay, bisexual, and otherwise queer men in our journey toward a bigger, freer, more joyful life. I’ve had long experience of the roadblocks that get thrown up along our path. I’ve had long experience of joy and pride in finding a way around them. I feel abiding gratitude, because I know I haven’t found my way around them on my own. My experience tells me we’re all happiest when we live our lives in gratitude. And real gratitude, in turn, expresses itself in a passionate desire to give back. 

My background includes degrees in religious studies, languages, and literature; over thirty-five years as a teacher; time spent at monasteries and retreat centers; a long creative practice in the visual and literary arts; a love of play and experimentation; an abiding fascination with how ritual works in various world cultures and religious traditions. 

I call my practice Anchorhold, following an ancient tradition of grassroots spiritual community outside institutional structures. As well as leading retreats, I offer workshops and courses. I have the privilege of serving as a Sacred Intimate to men who come to me seeking healing and greater wholeness through mindful erotic experience. During the pandemic, I've created The Path of Phallic Awareness: Six Sessions of Guided Exploration.

The image of the Labyrinth represents my understanding of how we walk our path forward. Just put one foot in front of the other. Have faith that you'll reach the centre.

Anchorhold

Companionship for Your Journey Onwards

Men have offered these appreciations of work I've shared with them:

"David Townsend is smart, articulate, and genuine, a terrific teacher, thinker and facilitator. Warm, with a good sense of humour, accessible and engaging, he is a sweet asset to our community."
     -Richard, San Francisco

"David is a gifted ritual leader. He combines his exquisite and unique artistic talents with a deep reverence for nature and a rich connection to spirit."
     -Michael, New York City

"David has a gift for creating potent, content-rich experiences. He had us diving right in, and doing so with joy."
     -Paul, Boston

"David brings together the varied strengths of artist, scholar, and teacher, all permeated with a deep queer spirituality. He has the rare ability to both immerse himself fully in an experience and reflect intelligently and articulately afterwards."
     -Robert, Rochester, NY

"David was excellent at keeping us balanced between head and heart; he addressed intellectual questions and challenges clearly and openly, kept things moving, and brought us deeper into our bodies and souls." 
      -Lee, New York City