Writing and the arts.
Especially writing fiction, or watching cinema or plays, so often takes me into some other world, engrosses me in an empathetic state so powerful that all else vanishes however momentarily from my consciousness. After watching a particularly well done or powerful film I find it almost impossible to discuss it because I am still so emotionally and mentally involved with it for quite some time afterword. And maybe it's finding some kind of peace having all of you to communicate with, but like Tinkerbell, I don't feel so over overwhelmed, trapped, or obsessive anymore. Thoughts of gender do not dominate my mind. Slowly, ever so slowly, issues of gender blend more smoothly into the everyday aspects of my life, and I do not find myself so troubled by it that I need to get away from it.
It's funny all the talk about hiking. I mountain bike, and gain a similar peace from it. Though before I leave for a ride sometimes I have such difficulty deciding what to wear. Sometimes I just want to throw on some shorts and a t-shirt. On particularly hot days I want to wear some of the biking shirts that wick away the sweat and seem cooler. These biking shirts being male, but in patterns and colors so metrosexual (i.e. ->-bleeped-<-gy) as to draw humorous biking/gender comments from friends. And I oft consider purchasing some of the still more cute and stylish women's biking shirts (but restrain only because I know they won't really fit because of the whole breast issue--emphasizing the fact that I need to start making my own clothes). And on more casual work out rides I have even dared to wear a cami and shorts in traditional genderbending fashion. Yet, regardless of what I think to wear, once on the trail, once engaged in the activity itself, thoughts of gender all but vanish. And if they do come up, it is because of coming across someone on the trail, either them wearing an outfit I'm envious of, or because I'm self-consciousness not being attired in entirely gender appropriate clothing. And I guess in some wierd way, that is why getting away just doesn't work, except for the arts sometimes.
For me, the ultimate goal is having nothing I do that "get's me away" from any aspect of myself, instead learning how to incorporate now, into who I am today. Finding peace in what is, regardless of what will be. Getting away from my gender identity is like trying to get away from my philosophical world view or having to generate an income to survive. It is a fact of life. No more no less. And when confronted with the difficulties of my life, I try to come to an understanding and make better decisions (the healthy times) or just completely ignore them (the unhealthy times).
But if you are looking to get away, I must recommend intense storytelling or storywatching. Particularly powerful character driven stuff. It is so amazing when you find yourself understanding the unique lives of others, and storytelling affords a wonderful opportunity for this. Well that and obviously any time spent communing in meditation with nature.
