Are we having fun yet?
Do you remember that corny saying from the 80’s? Or was it the 90’s?
Either way it turns out there was more wisdom in that little catch phrase than I would have guessed.
From food to sex to laughter, the human brain is wired to detect and crave pleasure; a feeling of happy satisfaction and enjoyment. Pleasure is what you felt the last time you sank into a warm bath or had a particularly passionate encounter with your significant other. It is that deep sense of ease and expansion you feel when you allow yourself to simply do something for no other reason than because it makes you feel good or it’s fun.
Experiencing pleasure regularly is more impactful than a foot rub or a delicious meal may seem. It is actually an essential part of a healthy life that helps relieve stress and has the power to change your brain chemistry. Pleasure is vital to your health, happiness and overall well-being.
“A [wo]man without pleasure is a [wo]man without any idea what life is about” ― Michael Grant @Terri_Cole (Click to Tweet!)
When it comes to weighing in on the power of pleasure I always turn to my pal, Regena Thomashauer, the founder of Mama Gena’s School of the Womanly Arts and an expert on pleasure. “It’s easy to live a miserable life, and it takes great skill to do things differently and live a pleasure-filled life. It takes discipline. Indeed, pleasure is not for sissies – it’s for the courageous. In our society, we are rarely encouraged to be the source of our own fulfillment and joy; instead, we’re encouraged to be victimized by culture, circumstances, upbringing, or simply being a woman.” Amen, sister!
“Life without your pleasure as a priority is one of perpetual victimization and stagnation.” – Regena Thomashauer
If you’re not used to making time for pleasure then it can feel like another task added to your to-do list. It may feel this way for a while until thinking about pleasure becomes your new normal. Pleasure is a muscle you must strengthen, although your workouts may be in the bedroom or on a massage table instead of at the gym. The more you make time for it, the easier it becomes and the better you feel.
It’s one thing to read about pleasure, it’s another thing to experience it. So, in order to help you make time for more pleasure I want to extend to you …
The Pleasure Invitation
- Make a list of seven actions you can incorporate into your life to move pleasure from the bottom to the top of your to-do list. (Don’t be afraid to keep it simple, sometimes all it takes is enjoying a hot cup of tea or an afternoon walk.)
- Commit to doing one thing from the list daily for a week.
- Make sure to give yourself ten minutes every morning to set the tone for your day, aka Meditate, then choose your daily pleasure exercise.
- When you are feeling stressed, ask yourself, “What would make me feel good right now. What do I need to do for myself?” Then do it.
- Encourage others to join you. Invite your friend to spa day or your partner to a relaxation yoga class. You know what they say about doubling your pleasure…
Pleasure is more than just feeling good. It benefits your body, and your mind and may just be the key to up-leveling your quality of life.
Let’s get started. In the comments below list how you plan to prioritize pleasure today. Give yourself what you deserve and RSVP ‘yes’ to the invitation above, then report back on how adding pleasure to your to-do list has made you feel or shifted something in your life.
Wishing you a week full of satisfaction and enjoyment and remember to, as always, take care of you.
Love Love Love,
Terri
Terri Cole is a licensed psychotherapist, transformation coach, and an expert at turning fear into freedom. Sign up for Terri’s weekly Tune Up Tips and follow her on Twitter.
Image courtesy of Porto Bay Hotel & Resorts.
