Good question! Why would anyone want to deny pleasure?

Well, let me first de-bunk the myth that Tantra is about denying pleasure. Infact, Tantra --as I teach and practice it-- serves to expand sensualand sexual pleasure.

For individuals and couples, Tantra offers:

•     Intimacy
•     Passion
•     Energy
•     Ecstasy (without drugs!)
•     An opportunity to heal sexual, spiritual and emotional issues.

After studying and practicing Tantra for a dozen years, I describe it as practice of meditation, a way to "be here now." Totally alive and in the moment!

What attracted me initially to Tantra is that, in order to practice, you don't have to deny the body or sensual pleasure. No sitting for hours on end with your legs crossed, not moving , watching your breath go in and out.I’ve tried that kind of meditation and find it very challenging. And,yet, I know that I --like most people-- need to slow down, clear my mind and refresh my spirit. That need attracted me to Tantra.

In Tantric practice, you may engage in "sensate focus," paying attention to sensation and pleasure in the body while in a relaxed state. To get the picture, imagine yourself lying down, eyes closed, in a comfortable, safe space, letting go of clocks and time and having no goal but to pay attention to sensations in your body. The Tantrica (practitioner of Tantra, sometimes called a "dakini") serves as your guide, leading you on a journeyto pleasure. At points on the journey, you might inhale pleasant scents,feel a soft caress, sense energy moving throughout your body or taste something divine.

Sound sort of “woo-woo” to you?

Yes,I laugh at this description, too. I’m a practical person, and I need to have things proven to me. Thus, I never push accepting Tantric beliefs or practices. Instead, I ask only that you choose to be a little curious and try it out to see if it's for you. I mean, how bad could it be to give your body, mind and spirit a chance to slow down, relax and not have to do anything –you don’t have to perform or respond in any particular way. The only thing you need to do is pay attention to pleasurable sensations.

That’s it? Just relax, pay attention and enjoy?

Yep,the word Tantra actually translates as “weaving together” so privates essions are designed to give you an experience of Tantric meditation, weaving together sensory delights and exploration.Later, you may decide to go further and deepen your practice by learning more techniques. But, the introductory session is guaranteed to be pleasurable, enlightening and rejuvenating to body, mind and spirit. And you just might learn something about how to enjoy more pleasure!

Clients have said:

"My first session was incredible! I experienced tingling throughout my entire body and sensations totally out of this world. Can't wait for my next visit!" --Gary from Nipomo

"I've told all my girlfriends about you. They need to stop being so afraid of something new and call you up. Right now!" --Carol from Santa Barbara

In other articles in this blog on “What to Expect in Your First Session,” “Expanding Your Pleasure,” “What Does This Fabulous Thing Called Tantra Cost?” and “Tantric Daily Practices,” I’ll explore what delights await you by picking up the phone or emailing to make an appointment. Just to give you a hint...what made me schedule my first session was the possibility ofreaching an ecstatic state --pure pleasure-- beyond anything I'd ever experienced.

© 2010 Andrea for www.askaphrodite.com

Call 805-904-5051 or email  info@askaphrodite.com to inquire.