40 Ways to Practice Pleasure
I’m turning 40!
Here are 40 ways I’ve learned about and experienced pleasure!
Every Day Happenings
“Gigil” - Tagalog, wanting to squish something super cute
The moment you lay down in your own bed after a long day
Taking off your shoes/bra/pants after being in them all day
Laughing deep belly laughs
The first bite of a snack/dish that you’ve been craving
Nature is Calling
Sitting in a sunny window or sitting outside
Noticing the way the clouds are moving or how the wind is blowing
Being near or in a body of water
Interacting with an animal or your pet
Warm summer nights of silent snowy nights
Social Connections
Chatting with a friend who completely gets you
Meaningful, 20 second long, consensual hugs
Participating in a cause you believe in
Attending a concert or performance
Social media interactions that leave you feeling happy
Hard Feelings
Doing something even when you’re nervous about its
Crying to release emotions and pressure
The moment you realize you’re crushing on someone
Saying Goodbye
“Saudade” - Brazilian or Portuguese word for nostalgia or longing
Sharing Your Skills
Completing a project
Being recognized for something you are proud of
The moment you realize you have a great idea
Sharing information you know
Learning something new that can benefit your work
Sexual Healing
A first kiss
Eye contact that’s conveying something only you know
Anticipation of a pleasing act
Being asked how you want to be touched
Feeling satisfaction after sexual play, solo or partnered
No is a Complete Sentence
Deciding to say no to a social engagement
When they respond with, “Thank you for taking care of yourself!”
Not answering work-related messages during off hours
Setting boundaries with family members
Delete. Block.
Blurry But Beneficial
Sticking to a schedule you created for yourself
Treating yourself after paying a bill
Clearing out and cleaning a small area
Making appointments for your physical and mental health
Making a difficult decision
The problem with these listicles is that they can appear like a check list or like some form of measurement to judge oursevles. These are meant to be examples of a variety of experiences and practices. Certainly, many are missing and even more that we have yet to experience.
For me, pleasure has been my way of staying grounded, feeling embodied, and wading through the various traumas I've experienced these 40 years.
Pleasure has been my guide and my homing beacon.
Everyone's relationship to pleasure varies.
Which ones resonated with you? Which ones will you view differently with a pleasureable lens?
Would you like to have some dedicated time in your week crafting your pleasure practice?