Three weeks ago I attended a weeklong workshop with ISTA: International School of Temple Arts. It was an incredible experience with many gifts, openings and realizations. Continuing my own personal growth through regular studies and retreats is how I keep my offerings fresh and current. And of course, for those of you who know me – you know my insatiable appetite for information!
One clear ah-ha moment for me had to do with a time when I began to tap into my spirituality. As my spiritual curiosity stirred within me at the age of 10, I had an awakening around being of service. During this recent workshop I was rather shocked to realize that at the time my spiritual curiosity was arising I had also felt something else stirring within me; sexual stirrings. Curiosity about, and feelings in my body also revealed as my body began to change and develop. The ah-ha was the realization I had suppressed and hidden it – not knowing anything about what it mean to feel this way as womanhood approached. I was genuinely confused about what was happening with my young developing body.
Until now I didn’t realize that both were ‘okay’ to feel, open up to, and all very normal. However, what I have recognized is one stirring is deemed ‘okay’ in our culture; quite acceptable and openly discussed, while the other often shamed and suppressed.
Our culture is curious about sensuality. We are bombarded by ads with messages that use sensual or scantily clad men and women to sell cars, and many types of products and services…but when we respond to the messages, we are shamed…”you’re a dirty old man” or “how could you think that way” etc. We get so many mixed messages! Sex sells and yet to respond is ‘bad.’
We have been taught to separate sexuality and spirituality.
Feeling our stirrings and our sensual energies at a young age is going to happen to every single human being and needs to be talked about more openly and normalized. These are the most powerful energies within us. To repress or suppress can create perverse behaviours, addictions etc. “What we resist persists.”
My invitation is to support ourselves in what we notice, to feel into it and let it be what it is. And to teach our children it is okay to feel what they feel as they change and grow; to normalize it for them.
To celebrate and express what we truly feel is freedom and allowing ourselves to be in it is conscious awareness.
I would love to see you at one of my Conscious Connection Gatherings where we explore wonderful, safe and conscious ways to connect with one another.
I wish you an abundant summer filled with much love, passion and adventure. As always I am here to support you in this life journey – and welcome your feedback.