Body and Soul: Practicing Mindful Masturbation

What is 'mindful masturbation' and what are the benefits?

"Mindful masturbation" is the fusion of mindfulness with self-gratification methods. Both entail living in the present, paying attention to the feelings you're having, and tailoring the experience to your preferences.

What is mindfulness?

"Mindful masturbation" is the fusion of mindfulness with self-gratification methods. Both entail living in the present, paying attention to the feelings you're having, and tailoring the experience to your preferences.

The foundation of mindfulness is the idea that "notice, don't judge." Mi"dfulnessdon'tch can "help us be kinder to ourselves, which is a calm acceptance of the current moment rather than complacency. When psychologist Carl Rogers stated, "The curious paradox is that when I accept myself, just as"I am, then I can change," he aptly captured the essence of mindfulness. By helping"us connect more fully with ourselves and lowering stress and self-imposed pressure, mindfulness can help us change our lives so that we can live more peaceful and pleasurable lives.

Observing your breathing throughout the day, facing your partner, noting any emotions that surface as you look into each other's eyes, or gently scanning others' eyes and noting any sensations that arise are all ways to cultivate mindfulness. The aim of mindfulness is to observe your sensory and emotional experiences in the here and now without passing judgment.

Spiritual and academic circles widely recognize the benefits of mindfulness.

Psychologists concur that mindfulness-based techniques are beneficial for enhancing self-control, regulating emotions, and providing other psychological and physical advantages. This is particularly fascinating if you believe that the brain is the largest sex organ. You may improve your enjoyment both alone and with a lover by investigating the mind-body connection through erotic mindfulness.

Erotic mindfulness

The practice of nonjudgmental, moment-to-moment awareness is enhanced by erotic mindfulness. Both eroticism and mindfulness are very personal, and engaging in erotic mindfulness exercises can help you become more conscious of the most pleasurable and challenging parts of your sensual identity. Having a support network—a therapist, your spouse, close friends, etc.—will help you deal with any shame, stress, or other difficult emotions that may come up while you experiment with an erotic mindfulness practice. You will experience more delight and pleasure as you work through any challenging emotions since mindfulness brings all sensations and feelings to your attention. You may accept all facets of yourself and other people by acknowledging and embracing your bodily and mental experiences.

The idea that the journey, not the end, is what counts is shared by sexuality and mindfulness. Keep in mind that the purpose of combining sexiness and awareness is not to climax. Allow straying ideas to come and go like ripples in a calm lake, and acknowledge and savour the feelings and sensations that surface.

How can mindfulness benefit masturbation?

You can improve your relationship with your mental and physical self by practising mindfulness. You can let yourself unwind into your self-pleasure and relish whatever results from examining your bodily sensations, feelings, and preferences without passing judgment. Constantly analyzing your physique, the faces you make, and other aspects of your appearance during intercourse is linked to decreased sexual satisfaction, according to research on the self-objectification theory. On the other hand, you may genuinely enjoy yourself, be more imaginative and playful, and be kinder to yourself when you are yourself and let go of the worry. Relieving oneself from stress can have a positive cascading effect, increasing your chances of experiencing orgasm and the release of dopamine, the "feel good" hormone, and oxytocin, the "love" hormone.

Because it is so good for sexuality, mindfulness is a key component of many sex therapy methods. Sensate focus, for instance, is concentrating all of one's attention on a single spot and observing all of the sensations that go along with it without passing judgment or feeling under pressure. You may try this anywhere by concentrating entirely on your pinkie finger for a little while and then seeing the increased sensation as you keep your attention on it. Use this method when masturbating by focusing entirely on the area you're stimulating, paying close attention to all the sensations you're experiencing (such as the warmth or coolness of your lubrication, the rumbling of your vibrator, and the texture of your skin), and subtly observing any feelings that surface. Remain in the present and permit yourself to savour these sessions for as long as you desire, free from pressure to orgasm. Ironically, you might be more likely to orgasm if you relieve yourself of the pressure to do so!

In addition to making your solitary sexuality more playful, imaginative, open, and kind, mindful masturbation can make you kinder to yourself in general. Self-compassion can be the best gift we can give ourselves in a society that frequently teaches us the opposite.

How to practice mindful masturbation

You can choose how elaborate or simple you want to make mindful masturbation. You already possess the necessary qualities: playfulness, open-mindedness, and relaxation. Make sure you're giving your happiness, pleasure, and tranquillity your whole attention, whether you have five minutes or five hours.

Create a space that is inspiring and calming for yourself first. For attentive masturbation, foreplay is particularly crucial; if at all possible, establish the scene by going on a solitary date hours in advance. Turn off your phone, clear your mind of any distractions, and arrange anything you might need when you're ready to indulge yourself. Think about the things and places that help you unwind the most, such as the bedroom, the bath, soothing music, candles, etc. Take a few deep breaths or practice guided meditation to help you ground yourself and clear your mind.

Start slowly and enjoy the sensation of your breath. Examine your body for any tightness, then gently release it. Gently and deliberately move your hands over your skin, examining every part of your body; you may find some new erogenous zones in addition to your old favourites. Keep in mind that this is an opportunity to explore your body with kindness, curiosity, and openness. Have a positive self-perception and try showing yourself complete, unconditional love and respect.

Mindful masturbation can be whatever you want it to be.

Self-massage, solo stimulation of your preferred erogenous zones, solo kink exploration through impact play or self-tying, or mental stimulation through fantasy exploration are all options. The secret is to maintain your attention on the feelings and bodily experiences of the present. Refocusing on your breathing and the sensations in your body will help you gently regain your focus if you find yourself straying to self-criticism or your to-do list.

New and intense sensations can command your focus out of your mind and into your body.

Toys can offer countless sensations to discover. If you're accustomed to vibration, try suction or use dildos to play with interior sensations. Couples, games, and toys can facilitate a deeper degree of connection while you and your partner engage in mindfulness exercises.

Mindfulness is like a muscle, and it will strengthen with practice.

It's acceptable if you have trouble calming down or thinking positively about yourself. Connecting with yourself and your curiosity, creativity, and compassion is the goal of mindful masturbation; it doesn't have to look or sound a certain way. Being cognizant while masturbating is a process, not a quick remedy, but it can help gently remove years of sexual shame, repression, and self-deprecation. You can extend your curiosity, creativity, and self-kindness into every aspect of your life by putting yourself and your enjoyment first.