Why I Love Tantra So Much, by Jules Andersen
When I say I’m a Tantra Coach, so many people look puzzled and ask me “What’s Tantra?” Or they smile and say “Oh yes, I heard Sting talk about having seven hours of sex with Tantra.”
Well, what most people don’t know is Tantra is not about sex at all - although it can include sex as you work through the levels and master the practice.
Tantra is a deeply somatic experience with yourself. It connects you to your body through self awareness, breathwork, meditation and exploration of the Chakra system. It deepens you into your body by looking at it as a sacred vessel that is wonderful, pleasurable and is made to experience sensation. It honors the entire body and doesn’t look at any body part as shameful or “dirty.” It is completely opposite from our Western culture.
To understand Tantra, think about taking a moment, closing your eyes, and imagining the way your hair follicles connect to your scalp. Begin to notice the sensation you feel in that area. Then start imagining your forehead and the sensation you feel - does it feel tight, loose, warm or cool? As you continue to scan your entire body, you will pay attention to every body part and every sensation that you scan - and ask yourself sensory questions at each body part - does this feel spacious or constricted? Does this feel tense or loose? Does this feel relaxed or clenched? Does this feel heavy or light? Does this feel dull or sharp? You will continue this practice through your entire body until you reach the bottom of your feet to the tips of your toes. Not only does this serve as a meditation, It also brings your total awareness into your body.
When I do this exercise with client’s, many of them are just noticing their bodies for the first time. I totally get it! I am newer to the practice as well.
I started practicing Tantra in 2017 though a coaching certification class taught by the late Psalm Isadora. She was an energetic, vibrant, inspirational, advocate and teacher for Tantra. She was passionate about making sacred sensuality and sexuality a household fixture - where there was no shame in discussing our bodies and the wonderful things our bodies are meant to experience. I am so excited to practice the teachings for myself and to teach others. It’s wonderful to live in full body experience.
At the foundation - or the first level of Tantra is to get to know your entire body. To make peace with your body. To love your entire body and to take deep long breaths to breathe in life. Notice how pleasant this feels.
Then you get to know your Chakra System starting with your Root Chakra which is at the base of your spine. This Chakra is where your foundation starts and is where your stability and security is stored. It also stores our ages of 0 to 7. It is also the color red. Notice the sensations in this area.
Next is your Sacral Chakra which is above the pelvic to the naval. This is where our sensuality and creativity is stored. It also stores our ages of 7 to 14.. It is the color orange. Notice the sensations in this area.
Next is your Solar Plexus Chakra. This is located in our belly or gut region. It is our power center and stores feelings. It also stores our ages of 14 to 21. It is the color yellow. Notice the sensations in this area.
Next is your Heart Chakra. This is located in your chest, The heart chakra gives empathy and compassion and it's responsible for your ability to allow grace and practice acceptance. It also stores our ages of 21 to 28. It is the color green. Notice the sensations in this area.
Next is your Throat Chakra. This represents your throat, neck and shoulder area. The throat is about what you speak and what you don’t speak. It allows us to speak our truth. It is the color blue. Notice the sensations in this area.
Next is your Third Eye. This is the area in between your eyebrows. This is your vision that you see without using your eyes. It is about intuition and insight. It is the color purple. Notice the sensations in this area.
Next is your Crown Chakra. This is located at the top of your head and connected to the all there is. It connects us to a higher state of consciousness. It is the color white. Notice the sensation in this area.
Now, take a moment and feel how aware you are of your entire body. Notice your breath. Deeply inhaling cool air and releasing the air feeling the warmth as it exists. This is TANTRA - it’s full body awareness. Doesn’t it feel juicy, and luscious? And calming and grounding as well? This is why I love Tantra so much!
Once you master this first level - it’s then time to practice with a partner. I will write more about this in upcoming blogs since this one is creating the excitement and anticipation of future blogs.
In Love & Light, Jules
