How Practicing Mindfulness Can Improve Your Sexual Experiences
The practice of mindfulness has been demonstrated to offer an extensive array of advantages for both psychological and physical well-being. It is rare that we link the practice of mindfulness to intimacy or sex. However, when it comes to it, mindfulness can be a powerful tool for improving sexual experiences and deepening intimacy between partners.
The book Better Sex Through Mindfulness by Lori Brotto, a renowned sex therapist and psychologist, explores the relationship between mindfulness and sexuality. In the book, Brotto explains how being mindful can help people become more present and engaged during sexual activity, which can lead to more pleasurable and satisfying experiences.
What are the benefits of mindfulness?
1. One of the key benefits of this practice during sex is that it can help you become more aware of your own body and sensations. By paying attention to the physical sensations you are experiencing, you can learn to tune out distractions and focus on the present moment. This can lead to increased pleasure and a greater sense of connection with your partner.
2. It can also help you become more attuned to your partner’s needs and desires. By being fully present and engaged during sexual activity, you can pick up on subtle cues from your partner and respond accordingly. This can lead to a deeper sense of intimacy and connection between the two of you.
3. In addition to improving sexual experiences, mindfulness can also have broader benefits for your overall well-being. Studies have shown that it can reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood, and increase feelings of happiness and contentment. By incorporating mindfulness into your sexual experiences, you can reap these benefits and improve your overall quality of life.
Two ways to practice mindfulness during sex:
1. Focusing on bodily sensations is a technique to cultivate mindfulness while engaging in sexual activities. You can pay attention to the feel of your partner’s skin against your own, the rhythm of their breathing, and the sensations in their genitals. By focusing on these sensations and tuning out distractions, you can become more fully present in the moment and enjoy a more satisfying sexual experience.
2. Another way to practice mindfulness during sex is to focus on the emotions that arise during sexual activity. You can pay attention to feelings of pleasure, excitement, and connection with your partner. By acknowledging and savouring these emotions, you can deepen your sense of intimacy and connection with your partner.
3. Third way to practice mindfulness is to slow down. Slow sex is a sexual approach that prioritizes intimacy, pleasure, and connection over performance and outcome. It involves intentionally slowing down sexual activity, enjoying every moment and sensation, and being fully present with your partner. It includes kissing, touching, oral sex, and intercourse and is suitable for people of all sexual orientations and gender identities.
So why not try incorporating mindfulness into your next sexual experience and see how it can enhance your pleasure and deepen your connection with your partner?
I wish you all the best.