Recent brain research confirms that the biggest sex organ is something we ALL have – a brain. Whether or not we are aware of it, at least 12 areas of the brain “light up” during orgasm, including the area attributed to “spiritual” experiences or “religious ecstasy.” (see link for Gina Ogden, PhD, on resources page)
Surveys and other reports show that thousands of women and men have sex that can be called spiritual in some way. Respondents and subjects using phrases to describe sexual experiences such as “at one with God,” “other worldly,” “complete oneness with my partner,” “out of body, and in body, at once,” “spiritual AND physical ecstasy,” confirm that people can be aware of sex as more than a genital, more than a physical, experience.
Growing interest in Eastern practices such as Tantra indicate that people want more than a physical and genital experience of sex. They want connection with one another, and a “flow” to ecstasy. While it has not been empirically studied, evidence exists that some form of spiritual integration into sex can help many sexual and relationship complaints, as well as expand the average sex life into a remarkable one.
The word “spiritual” has as many interpretations as people using it…but people are using it and developing practices meaningful to them that heal and enhance their sexuality.
Some of these practices include:
- simple rituals
- breathing techniques
- thinking and speaking intentions
- creating conducive spaces for sex
- changing communication styles
- expanding sexual activities
- focusing on feelings and experience rather than “performance”
- meditation
- “being here now” together
- designating specified times for sensual and sexual sharing
- getting in/maintaining improved physical condition
- and many other things individuals think of
Common thought and jokes about relationships reflect that many people experience less interesting and less frequent sex the older they are, and the more long term their relationship.
Most humans are able to “mate” as an instinctive behavior. Many people describe their sex lives as fulfilling beyond “mating,” but inexperience, misinformation, physical and mental issues, & relationship problems, keep many people from fulfilling sex.
While our brains indicate that for humans sex is much more than mating, we have to learn to live it as such. One way showing success with healing and expanding sex for people at all ages, of all orientations, locations, and vocations, is the varied and growing path that can be described as - joining sex and spirit.
Consult with a sex counselor, therapist, or educator trained in spirituality and sexuality; take a workshop; read and explore, but USE YOUR BRAIN » ENGAGE YOUR SPIRIT & HAVE GREAT SEX!
Spiritual integration is possible for all persons, whatever their issues, as is help with spiritual clarification or emergencies.
Spiritual emergencies include but are not limited to:
- Grief over loss of loved one, particularly (but not only) if due to a shocking or sudden death
- Near death experiences
- Out of body experiences
- Loss, or extreme questioning of, any belief, practice, faith or religion that was previously integral to a persons daily existence
Rhea has training, continuing education, life and professional experience, which meet and exceed the American Psychological Association’s guidelines for spiritual competency.
