IDEAS 

Our bodies are constantly sending us amazing sensations and intriguing ideas. Connecting to pleasure involves connecting to the fullness of the present moment and noticing what is going on both inside and around us.

So, how do you get started? Begin by focusing on the present moment. Take a few deep breaths, relax your body and mind, and tune into what is happening around you. You might notice sounds, tastes, scents, body sensations, feelings, and thoughts in your body. Whatever it is, just observe without judgment.

Next, see if you can find something within that vast array that brings you pleasure. It could be something as simple as the feeling of sun on your skin or the taste of your favorite snack. Focus on it and simply enjoy it. You'll know that it's working if you feel relaxed and at ease, with sensations of pleasure in your body.

As you continue to practice connecting with pleasure, you'll find that you begin to notice and appreciate more and more things that bring you joy. You'll start to see the world around you in a different way, noticing the small details that make life so rich and fulfilling. And as you incorporate more pleasure into your life, you'll find that you feel more playful, more energized, and more alive.

Finally, cultivating an appreciative and beauty-centered perspective of the world can be a transformative experience. When we intentionally seek out and appreciate the beauty around us, we begin to notice and appreciate the small details and moments that make life so rich and meaningful. This perspective can help us shift our focus from the negative aspects of life to the positive, and can help us find joy and inspiration in unexpected places. Whether it's taking a moment to admire a beautiful sunset or noticing the way a leaf dances in the wind, embracing a beauty-centered perspective can help us live more fully and appreciate the wonder of the world around us.

So, go ahead. Allow yourself to fully experience the richness of the present moment and all the joy it has to offer. You deserve it! 
FUN 
Having fun means being in a state of enjoyment, amusement, or lighthearted pleasure. It can often be achieved through activities such as playing games, watching movies, engaging in humorous conversations, taking part in activities with friends, or participating in hobbies.

You have perhaps heard the comment that someone is simply 'not fun'. Being fun is however not one single thing, but rather a reflection of how people feel around us. There are actually many characteristics that you be more fun to be around. 
  • Show an interest in other people and their experiences. Ask questions, listen actively, and be open to new ideas and perspectives.
  • Engage in playful activities, such as games, puzzles, or creative projects. Find ways to incorporate humor and playfulness into your interactions with others.
  • Focus on the positive aspects of life and find joy in the little things. Cultivate a positive attitude and avoid negativity and complaining.
  • Be true to yourself and your own interests. Share your passions and enthusiasm with others.
  • Embrace spontaneity and go with the flow. Be open to new experiences and opportunities.
  • Share interesting and engaging stories about your own experiences, or ask others about their own stories.
  • Expose yourself to humor, find your comedic style, practice telling jokes, look for humor in everyday situations, learn to laugh at yourself, and practice with people you feel safe with. 
  • Challenge yourself to try new things, meet new people, and take risks. This can help you become more interesting and adventurous. 
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Interested in learning more ? We offer Play Reignited, available on the training page. 


CASE STUDY

George had always been a bit of a bore. He was grumpy and always complaining about something. He didn't know how to play any games and he didn't even know what he liked. His life was grey and he couldn't figure out why. One day, he bought a lottery ticket and won a cruise to the Caribbean. At first, he didn't want to go. He was feeling obligated and annoyed, but he decided to take the trip anyway.

The first few days of the cruise were typical for George. He complained to anyone who would listen, and he didn't bother doing much else. That all changed when he was assigned a cabin across the hall from the children's play area. Every time he walked by, he would see the kids having the time of their lives, playing games and feeling pleasure. George felt a pang of jealousy, which he couldn't believe. 

As George watched the games, the games facilitator noticed him and asked if he wanted to join in. He was shocked, but before he could say anything, she grabbed his hand and brought him over. George played Simon Says for the first time, and it was the start of a new journey to discover the joy of having fun. He realized he was allowed to feel pleasure and have fun, and he embraced it with open arms. He was also happy he bought the lottery ticket. 

PRACTICES 

  • Acknowledge and honor the pleasure that you notice in your life.
  • take time to explore your senses by engaging in activities that stimulate them, such as tasting different foods, listening to music, or touching different textures.
  • Self-exploration: Take time to explore your body and your own sexuality in a safe and consensual way. This can help you become more attuned to what feels pleasurable for you.
  • Intentionally seek out experiences that bring you pleasure and allow yourself to fully enjoy them without guilt or shame.
  • Take time each day to engage in activities that bring you joy.
  • Spend time watching funny movies and doing laughter yoga.  
  • Make time for yourself. Spend some time alone doing something that you enjoy, whether it’s reading a book, taking a walk, or watching your favorite TV show.

RESOURCES 

BOOKS 
  • The Pleasure Activism Handbook: A Politics of Feeling Good by adrienne maree brown
  • Urban Tantra: Sacred Sex for the Twenty-First Century by Barbara Carrellas
  • The Joy of Movement: How Exercise Helps Us Find Happiness, Hope, Connection, and Courage by Kelly McGonigal 
  • Love's Refraction: Journeys in Queer Black Spirituality by Dahlia Grossman-Heinze 
  • The Healing Is In The Wound: A Revolutionary Path to Pleasure, Power and True Partnership by Marc Gafni 
  • The Pleasure Zone: Why We Resist Good Feelings and How to Let Go and Be Happy by Stella Resnick
  • Embodied Awakening: Connect to Your Pleasure and Transform Your Life by Marci Carlton
  • Pleasure: The Art and Science of Finding and Unlocking the Hidden Language of Your Body by Vanessa Cuccia
  • Pleasure for Pleasure: A Guide to Enjoying Your Life and Connecting With Others by Jane Wegscheider Hyman
  • The Pleasure Path: A Guide to the Pleasures of Your Life by Rokelle Lerner
  • The Book of Play: Inspire Your Child to Learn Through Play by David Witt
  • The Fun Factor: A Guide to Life's Pleasures by Steve Bennett
  • Let’s Play: A Parent’s Guide to Fun and Learning by Maggie Dent
  • Fun for Kids: Over 500 Activities for All Ages by Lynn Gordon
  • Have Fun: A Guide to Being a Kid by David Bouchard
  • The Joy of Play: How to Bring More Fun Into Your Life by Peter Gray
  • Have Fun and Learn: Fun Activities for Kids by Rebecca Rissman
  • A Playful Path: A Map to Living an Inspired Life Through Play by Bernie DeKoven
  • Funology: From Usability to Enjoyment by Desney S. Tan
  • The Joy of Family Fun: Laugh and Play Together by Linda Eyre