They struggle with an energetically toxic world and internalise this as toxic thinking – the need to compete, compare, look perfect, have the perfect life and partner – all external validation to prove they are “good enough”.
Alternative
Healing our relationship with sex is part of evolving consciousness
Healing emotionally and attaining spiritual adulthood requires that we heal unhealthy sexual beliefs. It allows sex to take a natural, positive part of life – as something both divine and everyday. In fact, in the tantric view everything in life, even the most ordinary, is viewed as inherently divine.
It is well worth taking the time to examine your beliefs about sexuality, relationships, gender roles, what you define as good and bad. Even in people with fairly liberal backgrounds, some of these internal programs may be still holding you back, albeit subtly.
Humans are innately and naturally sexual. As a primal impulse, for procreation, as a yearning for intimacy and to experience a sense of divinity, the sexual drive is present. One cannot be at peace whilst wrestling with guilt or shame about an aspect of one’s own essence. This tends to manifest internally as avoidance/shutdown or obsessive/ addictive behaviours, or alternating between both.
An inner conflict with sexuality will also manifest outwardly. It is no coincidence that the most perpetually conflict ridden societies are repressive. They are more judgmental and controlling of their people’s private lives, and highly suspicious of differing beliefs or lifestyles.
When these belief systems (personal, familial, cultural or religious) are extreme, transgression of the rules is perceived as a betrayal of the entire tribe. The control may be subtle – guilt, shaming and manipulation, using labels such as dirty, impure, bad, unholy, not respectable. In extreme cases, the infringement must be punished and made an example of. Some of these punishments are barbaric and far worse than the original perceived wrongdoing.
Sex and religion got mixed together early in the story of humanity – and we’ve paid a heavy price for it – children are told mere sexual thoughts or masturbation can be enough to invoke the wrath of deities and result in eternal damnation or misfortune.
We have seen this through all times and cultures – from rules of acceptable courtship, sexual conduct, removal or maintenance of body hair, clothing, forced marriage, genital mutilation, homophobia, so called honor killings, blaming victims of rape, slut shaming, stoning of unmarried couples. Historically, females have fared worse, and feminine sexuality was (and is) much more policed.
If someone is truly awakening in their sexuality, they are increasing self awareness and are working through their wounds. It is an emotional and spiritual journey, and truly is a game changer. They are starting to shift beyond the illusion of ego, and of the roles the unawakened world requires people to play. Sex then becomes another aspect of a healthy, positive existence, not as an ego support mechanism in the form of conquest, competition, escape/ distraction, obsession or self validation.
This requires taking responsibility for their actions and beliefs, and a recognition of when others are projecting or attempting to manipulate. They are comfortable with their own boundaries, and respect others. They are centred and powerful, and not triggered by different belief systems. As part of this awakening process many people find they are no longer attracted to toxic relationships. They may distance themselves from an unhealthy or restrictive family dynamic or religion.
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© 2013 Embracing the Divine Sensual – The Body Sacred
updated 2015. Feel free to forward or share, in entirety, with credit
Time for a seachange… we are moving
Thankyou Sydney – it’s been fun. But it’s time to move on
I had to share this photo. I’ve always found the outdoors rather sexy, but storms especially. The majesty and sensual overload of nature at its best – rain smell, crashing waves, the energy shift and cool of the approaching front, surging and surrounding us. It reminds the Ego-self how small we are in the cosmos; surrendering to the power of the elements is like an orgasmic release.
We had a wonderful solstice weekend staying with friends on the coast. It cemented the yearning to live closer to nature in a lifestyle that suits better.
We are in the midst of chaos, boxes and flux, letting go from Sydney, moving to a more easygoing, organic lifestyle more in resonance with ourselves and nature…unsure of the next step, releasing the past, and putting it out there physically and energetically. To end up where we feel at home and where our gifts are needed.
This is the energy of solstice – here in the southern hemisphere, we just had midwinter, so now the energy of journeying within, contemplation, emotional housekeeping and learning changes to an outward flow, manifesting..this is a time to make growth and changes happen in your life. Trust your yearnings. Spend time in nature. Make any required adjustments to the bigger picture and where your path is leading..
Workshops and classes will recommence once we have set up house again. Watch this space..
Until then, be good, or be good at it. 😉
Lunar Eclipse 4th April 2015 : Light or Darkness? Up to you…
So everyone’s talking about the Blood Moon – a complete lunar eclipse on the supermoon this Saturday, 4th of April.
A 30 second nutshell version: Eclipses are about endings and beginnings – good and bad ones! All the subconscious stirrings, and outer world issues since last month’s eclipse come to bear fruit. It’s reckoning time – hiding in distractions ain’t going to cut the mustard, kids.
It has a pressure cooker effect of bringing up the bottled up baggage we don’t really want to deal with – old hurts, grievances, sabotaging belief systems. So it can be easy to be triggered and reactive with each other – inadvertantly hitting each other where it hurts most, ending in regrettable conflict. With the intensity happening at present – things may be damaged beyond repair if we buy into the wounded ego. Take a breath before diving into defensive or victim based responses, see the big picture. If we can remain grounded and absorb the lessons it can be a healing time of breakthroughs in understanding within ourselves and between one another.
The energy of the universe will magnify and make it easier to physically manifest what your mind and emotions are preoccupied with. Make a conscious effort to aim for where you want to be, rather than obsessing about and resisting where you are. The choices you make will have big repercussions, so its best to make them from the highest space you can.
Allow yourself some time away from it all – physically or at least metaphorically – to see what is really important. On that note, I’m off for some camping and dancing under the moon – have a great easter..
© 2015 The Body Sacred – Embracing The Divine Sensual
Photo: Fergus Currie – Freeimage
Manipura – the solar plexus chakra – an overview
This chakra is concerned with matters of power, boundaries & responsibility. Responsibility for one’s words, actions and their consequences – for self and others. It is an active, dynamic, outwardly focused, yang energy chakra. Its energy yearns to do and make things happen. Its corresponding element is fire, its colour golden yellow.
Having a healthy, balanced solar plexus chakra is a key aspect of good self esteem and integrity. On the negative side this means taking it on the chin and not passing blame. 0n the positive side, this is being able to graciously accept the rewards and praise that come when one has reaped good sowings.
Ideally we live the way of the so-called peaceful warrior – respecting ourselves and others. People who are comfortable in their own identity, experience and power are not easily thrown off course when difficulties or doubts arise. They are not threatened by the thought of having to learn or receive help.
They are not defensive or threatened by others. They pick their battles if challenging situations arise: by either not engaging, or, if necessary, standing ground and refusing to be mistreated. They will not turn a blind eye to the mistreatment of others, and protect them if need be.
The attributes of the manipura are yang..typically traits that are considered masculine in many cultures. Everyone needs a healthy balanced manipura chakra, but males in particular this chakra really is important in feeling a strong self identity as a MAN – feeling strong, respected, powerful and able to protect those he cares for.
The manipura chakra comes online in toddlerhood (The tantrums of the Terrible twos!) and matures in the teens – a time of testing boundaries, and often risk taking whilst exploring adult freedoms and responsibilities. In both these life stages there is a big reassessment of our place in the world and how we can effect it.
When blocked or overactive, this energy can become frustrated, angry and even abusive – this may direct inwards or at other people. Taken to extremes – a need to dominate, always be right or play power games. A person with an underactive manipura may lack personal boundaries, and be passive or apathetic to challenges, or carry a victim mentality. In either case, the result may manifest as competitiveness or a need for external validation. In tantric practise releasing pent up energy or emotional blocks in the manipura chakra can release immense energy. Experienced martial artists can consciously harness and manipulate this energy.
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About us
Welcome to the Embracing the Divine Sensual – The Body Sacred.
This is a down-to-earth resource for people wanting to explore their spirituality and sexuality. Imagine living without the need for a social mask, with body, mind and heart fully open and expressive. This is the path of inspiration, challenge, personal discovery, happiness, health and spiritual wellbeing.
Here we will will explore many aspects of this conscious path such as meditation, movement, chakras, relating, boundaries, sacred sexuality.
The Body Sacred women’s workshops
It is every woman’s birthright to feel alive, sensual, attractive and happy in her body. The pure inner self of every human is innately beautiful, strong and loving. Reconnection with the sacred self is the key to confidence, sensuality and fulfillment – both in the relationship to self and with another.
Women of many ancient cultures have always gathered in circles of sisterhood, to teach, support and share. This introductory workshop for women will uses meditation, movement, dance and aspects of sacred sexual practices to reawaken and inspire.
These workshops are the fruition of many years of study and practice – meditation, yoga, esoteric concepts, dance, bodywork, tantra, ritual magic, Taoist practice and martial arts. It was created to share the knowledge and gifts of this path in a down-to-earth, non-judgemental and non-coercive environment.
Dancing the Chakras
Dance is as much a spiritual journey as a physical discipline. This freeform dance modality uses the chakras, energy centres of the body that correspond to different aspects of the psyche and organs of the body. Dance, movement, pranic breathing and sounding are utilised to activate, open and purify the body physically and energetically, all to a backdrop of lush world beats.
Single day workshops and well as courses of weekly classes are available. These classes are open to men and women, and no previous dance experience is required.
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