What Is Pleasure?

Mirriam-Webster Dictionary defines pleasure as: “A feeling of happy satisfaction and enjoyment.” Is that the first thing that came to mind at the beginning of this article? What were your first thoughts surrounding the word “pleasure”? Was it associated with guilt, shame, or social taboo? Pleasure, in its simplest form, is the BFF’s next-door neighbor of happiness.

If I asked you “how do you define pleasure” would you be able to come up with a list of endless examples of how pleasure plays an active role in your life?  What would your response be?

Do you maintain an understanding and observe how pleasure is a long-term bed partner with appreciation and JOY? Or do you limit your perspective of PLEASURE or PLEASURES?

Is pleasure a short-term, fleeting vagabond that visits once in a blue moon? Is it walking hand in hand with negative, or dirty feelings in your psyche? Or do you identify pleasure as a means to an end, struggling to find any moments of pleasure, appreciation, or joy in your day-to-day life? You see, while it is undeniably connected, pleasure doesn’t start or end with sexuality, pleasure is everything, everywhere, at all times: a soft touch, a gentle breeze, moments of stillness and appreciation.

In a world where we exist in a constant stream of extensive overstimulation, most of us struggle to slow down, breathe, and embrace the tangible, palpable, pleasurable sensations that surround us, which are a very real and important part of our personal well-being. Cultivating and resourcing our pleasure response can begin through simple, yet easily accessible bodily and emotional sensations.

When we begin to pay attention to the simplest sensations, we quickly learn that the nature of our very existence is so much more than mediocrity. Our bodies, YOUR body, is in assistance of your highest purpose here in this physical realm, with sensation being a connector of the physical and spiritual. The real “turn-on” is how we choose to approach this adventure! The first step to unlocking our blocked pleasure points is by taking radical responsibility for your pleasure!

A joyful life is about choices. And throughout our lives, we each get to choose whether we allow ourselves to experience pleasure in an abundance of magical ways, limit our satisfaction, or just ignore it altogether. So how do we unlock the door that has been barring our entry into a new realm of passionate possibilities: personal, professional, purposeful? What I recommend to my clients is to start a pleasure practice.

What is a Pleasure Practice?

The results of having a bountiful and nourishing daily practice of pleasure are electrifying. A pleasure practice can include everything from relishing in an exquisite dessert to taking that morning stroll or having the most divine sexual encounter. This allows hormones like dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin to be consistently released in your body.  Soothing your nervous system, lowering your blood pressure, reducing stress, and nourishing your well-being!  Suddenly, the simple occurrences of life are more tangible.  The gentle breeze blowing across your skin feels exhilarating. You develop an alert awareness of the sun’s rays gently kissing your skin. It’s so intoxicating.

Pleasure is observing children run across the boating piers. As they run, the bottoms of their shoes scratch the wood surface and enthusiasm emanates from their smiles.  All the while the birds are chirping in the background.  As if they are simultaneously playing along. 

Pleasure is getting a phone call from a longtime friend, and hearing the joy in their voice while sharing exciting news! Pleasure is unconditional, boundless, welcome home love from your fur babies after an extensive day at work. Pleasure is watching your partner chow down on delectable clam chowder in extreme, moaning, pleasure!

Pleasure is feeling your feet walk through the fallen pile of leaves, each one producing a unique crunching sound as you move forward. It’s being a contributor, facilitator, and recipient of LAUGHTER, or receiving a gentle smile from across the room, igniting your heart.

Pleasure is taking a deep inhale and exhale, appreciating how good it feels to BREATHE! Pleasure is unencumbered, inquisitive, eye contact with a stranger. Pleasure is our vibration, our bodies, and all we get to experience therein. It’s making gentle, passionate, uninhibited, love to ourselves or our partners, releasing those immensely powerful feel-fantastic hormones! 

Becoming more aware of your physical sensations contributes to the heightening of ALL orgasmic states of pleasure that surround you spiritually, physically, and emotionally.  By choosing to experience pleasure, our mood is lightened. Our relationships become more fulfilling. We feel more confident, beginning to notice your steps are softer and freer. When you take note of all the sensations around you and what life is offering you, life becomes less heavy: simpler, and more compassionate. Then your lightheartedness, wonder, and appreciative nature become front and center in your daily interactions.

Pleasure, appreciation, and joy become the most DIVINE MAGICAL MENAGE A TROIS and you have a CHOICE to get in bed with them all! Opening a more blissful and much higher dimensional version of yourself and your life experiences! Pleasure is the simplest or most complex treasure within and around you. The best part: you get to choose how you participate in pleasure.

Cultivating a daily Pleasure Practice:

Start with your breath. Allow yourself 10 minutes each day, every day throughout your day, regardless of whether you are surrounded by people or not! Pay attention to your inhale and exhale. Feeling the rise and fall of your breath.

Let your body relax into your breath. Soften your hands. Plant your feet on the floor.  Immerse into your surroundings. You may hear birds, cars passing by, people talking, wind blowing, and the stillness that is always present within you and in all your surroundings. All of this is welcomed!

The purpose is to not identify or label the external stimulation, for example: making an identification (I hear the birds chirping), but rather place focus on any sensations & presence (listening without thought),  that arise before the mind attempts to identify with the outside environment. Allow a heightened awareness of your surroundings and sensations to arise from what you are observing, touching, smelling, tasting, or hearing. Embrace the lightness.

Joy is the freedom of being and appreciating what occurs when you invite yourself to feel the sensations around you. A feeling of being held softly, gently, and tenderly. Your body will soften, absorb, and emanate peaceful stillness.

Sensations arise and all is in flow. All is well. You are exactly where you are supposed to be. You proceed to know you are connected to ALL. The corners of your mouth slightly turn up in a smile.  There is an understanding that allowing yourself to take time and enjoy the simplest treasure of life brings radical acceptance, appreciation, and joy.

So, tell me, what are your pleasures? Will you choose to take these savory moments for yourself? Can you remain curious and excited about how expansive pleasure can be? I certainly encourage you to live your most pleasurable existence possible.

 “Pleasure is my intimate relationship with life. Shine on radiant souls!”

Love Megan

Megan is a TMG contributor, well-being facilitator, & medical practitioner. Check her out at Megancovington.com