Layla Martin is a sexual health activist.  I love her knowledgable and playful way of teaching. She covers topics on relationships, pleasure, physical health, empowerment (for both men and women), tantra, taboos – you name it – if she hasn’t made a video about it yet she probably will.

A couple of years ago, I saw Layla’s video on her 5 minute pleasure ritual and I began  ritual practice myself as an experiment. I was new in a relationship, and I found that the practice helped me to discuss intimacy and vulnerability on a deep level, and to be open with playfulness, what turns me on, and what makes me happy. Most importantly, the ritual added a fun, light-hearted element to the relationship.

Whether in a relationship or not – deliberate delight is a lovely way to begin the day! I admit – I can be kind of slow and sometimes cranky in the morning – this practice has changed the way I wake up and move through my morning waking hours (and sometimes the entire day).

Think about it – having a pleasure ritual gives you something to look forward to in the morning. How many things on your to-do list feel good and brighten your day?

Joy is important to being alive – whether or not we are in a perfect relationship, have the ideal career, are wealthy or poor, or live in our dream home. No matter what our situation is, a few fully embodied moments of purely focused bliss everyday can change the color of your daily life experience. Letting joy permeate and enliven all the cells of your body is good for you and the people around you and the people around the people around you . . . and on and on.

On a fundamental level, valuing my pleasure has helped me value myself. Taking time for pleasure is taking time for self-empowerment. Feeling good regularly means that when something doesn’t feel right, I don’t second-guess myself — I will speak up or release the situation much sooner than I would have a year ago. Also, when something feels good I trust that it is good. This feeling of self-esteem may or may not be entirely attributed to my pleasure habit, but, the practice helps!

Take time to take care of yourself – trust me – you are worth it! Put your whole body into happiness! A little (self) love goes a long way! I highly recommend this practice/experiment/ritual for everyone.

Peace and love,

Holly