Tantra 101

Tantra is a lifestyle for those seeking a full life that fulfills two goals, the first goal directing the second goal:

1) the release from suffering or spiritual liberation (mukti in Sanskrit)
2) the enjoyment of pleasure, power, and tangible good things this world has to offer (bhukti in Sanskrit)

Like Hippocrates famously stating, "Before you heal someone, ask him if he's willing to give up the things that make him sick," the lifestyle of the Tantric asks the same of you when it comes to living your fullest life. Before you can enjoy the richness that this world has to offer, you have to be willing to let go of what causes you suffering - what keeps you mentally, emotionally, and spiritually oppressed - otherwise you will never feel truly fulfilled in life, no matter how much pleasure, power, and wealth you surround yourself with.

Because of its preeminence for liberation, Tantra is, fundamentally,  a spiritual path. It is one that stems from Indian cosmology and yogic tradition, though its nature is not to be a religion or replace someone's religious identity. (I find there to be a lot of similarities with the cosmology of Abrahamic monotheism but that's another story for another day). The point is, anyone from any faith can follow their faith and be tantric.

What sets Tantra apart from other spiritual paths - and really all other major religion - is its attitude towards our sexuality. Where ascetic religions reject sexuality in pursuit of "spirituality", Tantra acknowledges that sexuality is an integral part of our psychological and spiritual make-up. To reject that one has sexuality is to reject the very thing that brings life to the cosmos, to the planet, and to us. More poignantly, that rejection - that shame - is very dangerous to the mind and the spirit. Tantric sexuality intentionally practices radical acceptance so to protect this sacred lifeforce within you from being corrupted by external forces and empower you to  optimize it for your own conscious benefit.

In practice, Tantra increases the amount of stimuli the nervous system can handle and it increases the levels of awareness you can perceive and ideas your mind can wield - making you more intelligent. In essence, Tantra puts you back into the driver seat of your desires. On the surface, yea, these exercises strengthen your sexual nature. They increase your endurance, virility, and ability to sexually perform with confidence and prowess, as well as increase your capacity to orgasm – but...if you sit with it on a deeper level, be that philosophical or spiritual, it can transform your very desires, strengthen your willpower to act in your life, and completely rewire the way you think and relate to yourself and to others. For that reason, this can be very powerful in integrating and healing parts of you that you are not conscious of.

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What is Tantra?

Tantra is immensely powerful in transforming your life by confronting deep-seated emotional and psychological issues, particularly those related to sexual shame, anxiety and depression, sexual dysfunction, and difficulties in forming or sustaining intimate relationships. By embracing the principles of Tantra, you can find it is immensely helpful in:

Boosting Self-Esteem and Self-Worth

Tantra healing focuses on self-acceptance and self-love, which are crucial for boosting self-esteem and self-worth. Through Tantric practices, you learn to connect with your body and soul, recognizing your inherent value and beauty. This deeper connection helps to dispel feelings of inadequacy and unworthiness, replacing them with a strong sense of self-empowerment. By embracing your authentic self, you cultivate a positive self-image and greater confidence in your worth.

Overcoming Fear of Judgment and Rejection

One of the key aspects of Tantra healing is the creation of a safe, non-judgmental space where you can express your true self. This environment allows you to explore your desires, preferences, and concerns without fear of judgment or rejection. Through guided practices and open communication, Tantra healing helps you build trust in yourself and your relationships. This newfound confidence enables you to share your needs and boundaries openly, fostering deeper, more authentic connections.

Reducing Anxiety and Depression

Tantra healing incorporates mindfulness, meditation, and breathwork, which are powerful tools for reducing anxiety and depression. These practices help you stay present, calm your mind, and release negative emotions. By addressing the root causes of your anxiety and depression, Tantra healing promotes mental clarity and emotional balance. The holistic approach of Tantra nurtures your mental health, empowering you to overcome the burdens of anxiety and depression.

Reversing Sexual Dysfunction

Sexual dysfunction is often linked to emotional and psychological barriers. Tantra healing addresses these barriers by fostering a positive and mindful connection with your sexuality. Through Tantric practices, you learn to approach sex with a sense of curiosity and openness, free from performance anxiety and shame. This can lead to improved sexual function, increased pleasure, and a deeper understanding of your sexual desires. By embracing your sexuality, Tantra healing empowers you to experience greater satisfaction and intimacy.

Enhancing Relationships

Tantra healing emphasizes the importance of vulnerability and connection in intimate relationships. By practicing Tantra, you learn to communicate openly and honestly with your partner, building trust and emotional intimacy. Tantra encourages you to be present with your partner, deepening your connection and enhancing your shared experiences. This approach helps you form and maintain meaningful relationships, free from the isolation and loneliness that sexual shame can bring.

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How does Tantra empower me?

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Will it make me have better sex?

Yes - but like any Master, his craft takes time and conscious dedication. Unlike conventional approaches to sex, Tantra emphasizes the connection between body, mind, and spirit to foster a deeper, more fulfilling sexual experience for yourself and for your partner. Tantra improves sex by enhancing your perceptions before, during, and after the act. Through mindful presence, Tantra helps you to connect with yourself and with another partner on a profound level. Techniques such as synchronized breathing, eye-gazing, and conscious touch facilitate a stronger emotional bond, making the sexual experience more meaningful and intimate. This connection goes beyond just physical pleasure, delving into the power of sexual energy itself.

A key principle of Tantra is the control and extension of sexual energy. Through practices like breath control and muscle exercises, you learn how to prolong sexual experiences, delay ejaculation, and expand your ability to experience multiple types of orgasms. This not only enhances pleasure but also allows you to explore your perceptions and sexuality more fully. Viewing sex as a journey to explore (rather than a destination to race to) encourages full-body orgasms by viewing sexual energy as a potent force that can be harnessed and circulated throughout the body. By engaging in Tantric practices, you can learn to move this energy beyond the genitals, where different parts of your body are engaged. These orgasms are different, more intense, and psychologically more fulfilling than localized genital orgasms, as they offer a deeper sense of pleasure and psychological release. This expanded approach to orgasm can revolutionize the way you experience your sexuality, view your body, and even transform how you perceive you reality.

Tantric sexuality promotes emotional healing and traumatic release by providing a safe space to explore your consciousness in this state and release shameful emotions that may be intertwined with sexuality. Through practices such as Tantric massage and meditation, you can uncover and address past traumas or negative beliefs related to sex. This emotional healing can lead to a more positive and liberated sexual experience, free from shame or guilt. By focusing on the sensations, emotions, and energy in the moment, individuals can enhance their awareness and enjoyment of the experience. This mindfulness can reduce performance anxiety and distractions, allowing for a more immersive and pleasurable sexual encounter. Being present also helps partners to tune into each other’s needs and desires, which is paramount for cultivating a harmonious and satisfying sexual encounter.

Finally, Tantra encourages a curious and open-minded approach to sexuality, inviting individuals to explore their desires, boundaries, and fantasies without judgment. This openness can lead to discovering new aspects of one’s sexuality and finding greater satisfaction. Tantra promotes a playful and adventurous attitude towards sex, making it a continually evolving and exciting part of life. Whether you are looking to enhance your current sexual experiences or embark on a journey of sexual self-discovery, Tantra provides the tools and wisdom to improve and enrich your sex life.

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