When masturbation becomes a mindful practice

Can masturbation be a mindful practice? Can masturbation help us relax our minds and connect deeper within ourselves?

In today’s busy, go-go-go lifestyle it’s super important to make time to slow down the pace, take time for ourselves and unplug from our hectic lives. Some people do this by going for a walk or reading a book. But what if we could connect deeper to ourselves and enjoy an orgasm (or multiple orgasms) at the same time?

Mindfulness practices can be applied to all sorts of activities, especially masturbation, says meditation researcher and teacher, Lorin Roche. "As long as you're tuned into your body and tracking your physical feelings, a sexual sensation or desire is as valid to meditate on as your breath or a mantra."

So many women I have spoken with recently have told me they use a vibrator to "get off", have a quick clitoral orgasm, then get back on with whatever it was they had on their 'to do' list! While it’s all well and good to get the “job done” so to speak, what if we took the time to really slow down our masturbation practice?  By taking the time to breathe, slow down our minds and fully connect our body and mind, we can focus on having mind-blowing orgasmic or sensual experiences.

It doesn't have to be an intimidating practice or lead to an orgasm; instead we could begin with simply focusing on sensual touch and breathing. It’s a wonderful way to prioritise your self pleasure and your "you" time. 

Sometimes throwing the idea of orgasm out the window and really focusing on exploring your own body and self pleasure can help you relax completely into your masturbation practice. Mindful masturbation can range from a sensual breast or nipple massage, soft, sensual touching of your body or an internal yoni or anal massage with a pleasure wand.

Using a dildo or your hand instead of a vibrator can help slow down and extend your self pleasure. It can also prepare our bodies for a more sensual, deeply connected relationship to ourselves, discovered through touch and play. And, it can help relieve stress and tension in your body!

Mindful masturbation slows us down and helps us clear our minds of our stresses and worries. It also encourages us to connect with our physical and sensual selves. 

Plus, we can rediscover what we like and what turns us on - which can help us relay, to our partners, the type of sexual experiences we prefer. It makes sense, because we when we know our own bodies, we become experts on what turns us on!

Often women and men use porn to get off while masturbating (no judgement here, there’s a time and place for everything!) but engaging in fantasy and delving into your imagination can also be a really powerful turn on during mindful masturbation. Which can help us tap into what really turns us on sexually? For a more mindful practice – leave the porn aside and allow your mind to explore! 

So…. if you struggle with mediation or sitting in stillness and just being - try the mindful practice of masturbation and self pleasure and see where it takes you!!

xx