Midlife Pleasure: Ania Grimone
It is Masturbation May.
I dislike the word masturbation as it has so many negative connotations. The root of the word means to hurt oneself with one’s own hand. In the legacy of patriarchal and puritanical culture, even the word disconnects us from what the activity is meant to be – an act of self-love, self-care, and self-appreciation.
“Let us allow self-pleasure to empower us to embrace our bodies and nurture our souls.”
I invite you to abandon the tainted language and step instead into the world where liberation and self-discovery intertwine in a dance of pleasure and empowerment. Let’s explore self-pleasure as the key that unlocks the door to freedom from pain, both physical and emotional. Let us allow self-pleasure to empower us to embrace our bodies and nurture our souls.
Unleash The Healing Power Within:
In the depths of pain, we often forget the incredible potential our bodies hold for self-healing. Self-pleasure serves as a catalyst, awakening the body’s natural mechanisms to release endorphins, promoting a sense of euphoria and well-being. Through this intimate act of self-care, we tap into our innate ability to heal physically, allowing our bodies to reclaim their vitality.
Embrace Self-Acceptance And Body Positivity:
Our society bombards us with unattainable standards of beauty, leaving many feeling inadequate and disconnected from their bodies. Yet, within the realm of self-pleasure, we find a sanctuary of self-acceptance and body positivity. As we explore our bodies with love and curiosity, we learn to celebrate every curve, every scar, and every uniqueness that makes us who we are. Self-pleasure becomes a powerful tool to dismantle self-doubt and forge an unbreakable bond with our physical selves.
Strengthen Intimacy And Relationships:
Self-Pleasure is not solely an individual journey; it has the power to enhance intimacy and strengthen relationships. By understanding our own desires and needs, we can effectively communicate with our partners, fostering deeper connections and nurturing a safe space for exploration. Through mutual self-pleasure, we create an environment where vulnerability thrives, leading to enhanced trust, intimacy, and ultimately, a more fulfilling partnership.
“Self-pleasure provides a blissful escape from the stresses of the world, allowing us to reconnect with ourselves.”
Enhance Mental And Emotional Well-being:
Amidst the hustle of daily life, it’s crucial to prioritize our mental and emotional well-being. Self-pleasure provides a blissful escape from the stresses of the world, allowing us to reconnect with ourselves. It becomes a form of self-therapy, reducing anxiety, and alleviating depression. The rush of endorphins during orgasm fosters a sense of calm and clarity, enabling us to tackle life’s challenges with renewed vigor.
Empower Sexual Agency and Empathy:
Self-pleasure empowers us to embrace our sexual agency, breaking free from societal taboos and reclaiming our desires. By understanding our bodies intimately, we can confidently express our needs and boundaries, forging healthy connections in all aspects of our lives. Moreover, the journey of self-pleasure cultivates empathy and understanding, allowing us to better connect with the desires and needs of our partners, promoting a fulfilling and mutually satisfying sexual experience.
10 Simple Steps To A Journey Of Self-Pleasure:
Many women do not have self-pleasure practice. If you’re curious about exploring but are unsure how to begin, here are some simple steps to guide you on your path of self-discovery:
1. Cultivate a Safe and Comfortable Environment:
Find a private space where you can relax without interruptions, and where you feel comfortable, whether it’s dim lighting, soft music, or scented candles.
2. Educate Yourself:
Take the time to learn about your own body and sexual anatomy. In other words, understanding your pleasure map, and erogenous zones can help you navigate the experience more confidently. My favorite book is Women’s Anatomy of Arousal by Sheri Winston.
3. Self-Exploration:
Begin by getting acquainted with your body in a non-sexual way. Take some time to explore your curves, touch different parts of your body, and pay attention to how it feels. It helps build acceptance and connection with yourself.
4. Start with External Stimulation:
When you feel ready to be more intimate, gently caress and explore your erogenous zones such as the breasts, nipples, clitoris, and inner thighs. In other words, experiment with different pressures, strokes, and patterns to discover what feels good.
5. Introduce Lubrication:
It can enhance comfort and pleasure during self-pleasure. It reduces friction and increases sensitivity. Remember to choose a lubricant that is free from irritants.
“These tools can offer additional stimulation and help you explore different sensations.”
6. Discover Your Preferences:
Every woman is unique, and what brings pleasure may vary. Take the time to explore different techniques and sensations and discover what feels best for you. Allow yourself to be guided by your own desires and instincts.
7. Incorporate Toys:
If you are curious, you may choose to introduce vibrators, dildos, or other toys into your self-pleasure practice. These tools can offer additional stimulation and help you explore different sensations.
8. Focus on Breathing and Relaxation:
Throughout the process, pay attention to your breath and practice deep relaxation. It will help you connect with your body, release tension, and heighten sensations.
9. Be Patient:
Remember, self-pleasure is a personal journey, and it may take time to discover what brings you pleasure. Be patient and compassionate with yourself. There is no right or wrong way to self-pleasure—what matters most is your comfort, enjoyment, and self-discovery.
10. Reflect:
After each self-pleasure session, take some time for self-reflection. Moreover, how did you feel? What techniques or sensations brought you the most pleasure? It will help you refine your practice and deepen your understanding of your own desires and preferences.
Remember, self-pleasure is a deeply personal and empowering journey. Approach it with an open mind, curiosity, and a willingness to explore and honor your own boundaries and desires. Embrace the beauty of self-love and enjoy the transformative benefits it can bring to your life.
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About the Author:
Ania, MS, L.Ac., CPCC, is a clinician of Chinese medicine, as well as Certified Professional Co-Active Coach, Health, and Sex Coach. She blends the most cutting-edge behavioral science with principles of Chinese medicine, Daoism, Tantra, and somatic experiencing, to heal and harness the power of female sexuality.
She is a founder of Venus Core Leadership, teaching women a new way of being. Sensual, embodied, regulated, and filled with pleasure.
She is passionate about reconnecting women to their deep wisdom, and innate, natural sexual core, as a source of aliveness, creativity, and joy. Regardless of age.
Ania invites you to visit her website at www.venuscoreleadership.com and join her list (there are some yummy goodies there). She will be announcing shortly a three part series, Beautiful Undoings, helping women recover from loss, betrayal, or divorce. And as usual, she invites questions and comments. We heal and rise in community. Please share this article if you know a woman, who can benefit from it.