“to reclaim the essential facets of your sexual health, it's time to affirm pleasure as your birthright, not an after thought. the further you step into your self-worth, inclusive of pleasure, the more solid you'll feel in your autonomy.”
dr holly richmond
dear muse,
pleasure is often misunderstood as indulgence, something to be postponed until the work is done or the responsibilities are complete
but pleasure is not a luxury—it is a way of returning to yourself
pleasure lives in the warmth of morning sunlight, the softness of silk against your skin, the fragrance of a candle filling your home, a nourishing meal shared slowly, or a quiet moment spent doing nothing at all
this week, we invite you to reclaim pleasure as a daily practice
to savor instead of rush
to delight instead of endure
to remember that joy can be found in the smallest rituals when we give ourselves permission to notice
you deserve a life that feels beautiful—not just one that looks successful
enjoy this week's love letter...
*all photos are links to more information, the bookshop.org link is an affiliate link
our meditation or playlist
to tap into sensuality does not necessarily mean tapping into your sexual pleasure
to be sensual is to gratify your senses, what you see, hear, smell, taste and feel
in today’s meditation and mindful movement, we explore how to create pleasure in day to day moments
we explore our body, and use touch to begin creating a deeper relationship sensuality
by insight timer
our podcast or playlist
let's begin this week with one of my favorite artists, janelle monae
in monáe's world pleasure means some obvious things — material comfort, self-love, carefully maintained ties with intimates and an open-ended approach to alluring strangers
the complete age of pleasure set list
from spotify
our journal prompt
pleasure doesn't have to arrive in grand moments
more often, it quietly reveals itself through attention
this week's blog explores how slowing down allows us to reconnect with the experiences that make life feel rich, meaningful, and deeply personal
five ways to feel pleasure right now
by david bottomley
our book selection
we continue learning, and getting back in touch with your pleasure, with an amazing book by intimacy expert from michaela boehm
In this life-changing book, intimacy expert and counselor Michaela Boehm shares practical rituals and exercises to show you simple, everyday changes that will revolutionize your connection to yourself, your life, and your relationships
by michaela boehm
finally, our film selection
a wonderful update and tribute to the original film, spike lee has literally encapsulated the black female millennial in his artistic, beautiful, imaginative, worldly, large, individualistic, unifying, poetic show
the cinematography is gorgeous and composed
the art within the show truly captures what we’ve been trying to show the world as black women
we see the world through a fine-tuned, colorful lens
the dialogue is poetic and carefully crafted
it is intelligent, funny, thought-provoking, inspiring, and tearful
she's gotta have it - series - season 1 and 2
starring dewanda wise, anthony ramos, and lyriq bent
your ritual
a ritual for a pleasure-filled week
indulge in a small delight a piece of dark chocolate, and amazing summer fruit, an iced cocktail or warm tea. savor it slowly. no distractions
massage your skin warm a body oil (or lotion) between your hands. begin with your feet and slowly move upward, massaging as you go. name each body part in your mind as you care for it. “I deserve pleasure in my legs, in my belly, in my arms…” linger on places you normally rush through or avoid
slow dance anyone? light your affirmation candle. soften the lighting. put on music that moves your hips without permission. let your body guide you: stretch, sway, dance freely. no choreography. just curiosity. let pleasure—not performance—lead. if you don’t want to dance, lie down with one hand over your heart, one on your belly, and simply breathe
in closing
you deserve a life that feels good
you deserve softness and sweetness
you deserve to say yes to desire—and no to burnout
so take the long bath. Light a candle. Laugh until your ribs hurt
with love,
tamara charese
as always, affirmations from previous weeks are available here
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