18 Sep Sexual Mindfulness
Sexual mindfulness may be defined as an embodied state of consciousness similar to mindfulness meditation (Thouin-Savard, 2019), that is, a strategy to set aside mental activity and instead feel, act, and interact with one’s sexuality from an embodied state of attention. Sexual mindfulness has been shown to be a common factor contributing to therapeutic efficacy in treatment for low sexual desire and other conditions considered by mainstream sexuality as “dysfunctional” (Brotto et al., 2008; Brotto, 2018, 2022; Leavitt, 2019; Thouin-Savard, 2019; Leonhardt et al., 2022).
Leavitt (2019) and Leonhardt (2022) both defined sexual mindfulness as a subtype of state mindfulness. It is described as remaining mindful during sex rather than being goal-oriented toward orgasm. Their studies established an association between mindfulness and relationship satisfaction, and that sexually-mindful midlife adults showed increased satisfaction with their relationships and their sex lives. Mindfulness is, of course, a transpersonal concept and technique of bringing one’s attention to the present moment with a non-judgmental awareness, and watching and witnessing what is happening rather than attempting to direct it. To bring this mindfulness to sexuality was mentioned by a number of researchers describing practices of transpersonal sex (Sokol, 1986; Kruse, 2002, Holbrook, 2008; Woodward et al., 2009; Barratt, 2019).
Brotto, L.A, Krychman, M, & Jacobson, P. (2008). Eastern approaches for enhancing women’s sexuality: mindfulness, acupuncture, and yoga. Journal of Sexual Medicine, 5(12), 2741-2748. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1743-6109.2008.01071.x
Brotto, L. A. (2022). The better sex through mindfulness workbook: A guide to cultivating desire. Greystone Books.
Brotto, L. A. (2018). Better sex through mindfulness: How women can cultivate desire. Greystone Books.
Leavitt, C. E., Lefkowitz, E. S., & Waterman, E. A. (2019). The role of sexual mindfulness in sexual wellbeing, relational wellbeing, and self-esteem. Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy, 45(6), 497-509. https://doi.org/10.1080/0092623X.2019.1572680
Leonhardt, N. D., Clarke, R. W., & Leavitt, C. E. (2022). Religiosity, sexual satisfaction, and relationship satisfaction: The moderating role of sexual mindfulness and sexual sanctification. Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy, 49(2), 1-17. https://doi.org/10.1080/0092623X.2022.2080132
Thouin-Savard, M. I. (2019). Erotic mindfulness: a core educational and therapeutic strategy in somatic sexology practices. International Journal of Transpersonal Studies, 38(1), 203-219. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.24972/ijts.2019.38.1.203
© 2024 Catherine Auman
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