Ep 23 | Back to Pleasure Mindset: Keep Your Summer Spark Alive

Can you feel it? That buzzing energy of "back to work, back to school" starting to creep in?

As September rolls around, our minds often race ahead, filled with plans, schedules, and to-do lists. But wait a minute - what about going back to pleasure?

As a women's health and sexuality coach, I've noticed how easily those delicious summer moments can slip away. You know, those times when you felt deeply connected to your body, savored intimate moments with your partner, or flowed with the warmth and ease of long summer days. It's all too easy for these pleasures to fade into snapshots, distant memories as we dive into our fall routines.

But here's the thing: just because summer's ending doesn't mean we have to leave those pleasures behind. This is especially crucial if you're navigating the rollercoaster of perimenopause or menopause.

The September Shift: From Ease to Overwhelm

Maybe you've noticed that summer's ease and flow are starting to fade, replaced by stress, fatigue, or even dread. Trust me, I get it. It's tempting to start pushing, striving and feeling like you're racing to the finish line on empty.

But what if we flipped the script? Instead of simply buckling down and getting back to work, why not make it a time to reconnect with what truly feels good? For midlife women, especially those dealing with the challenges of menopause—be it hot flashes, mood swings, or a general sense of disconnect—prioritizing pleasure becomes more crucial than ever.

Introducing the Practice of Orienting

I want to share a simple yet powerful somatic practice called "orienting."

This practice can help you:

• Reconnect with your body

• Calm your nervous system

• Enhance your capacity to experience pleasure in everyday life

So, what exactly is orienting? It's a natural, instinctual practice that involves consciously bringing your attention to your surroundings and noticing the feelings or sensations in your body as you mindfully observe anything your eyes land on.

Think of it as a way to check in with the beauty and wonder of the world around you. It's about letting your body and mind settle into the present moment, which can be especially grounding when your hormones or emotions feel like they're all over the place.

The Science Behind Orienting

From a neuroscience perspective, orienting is incredibly beneficial for your nervous system. When we take time to consciously observe our environment, it activates the parasympathetic nervous system - the part responsible for rest and relaxation. This is crucial for those of us feeling the effects of chronic stress or anxiety, which are all too common during menopause.

In today's fast-paced world, we often find ourselves constantly doing, thinking, planning, reacting. This can lead to a chronic state of stress, wearing down our nervous system over time. Orienting offers a gentle way to break this cycle.

How to Practice Orienting in Daily Life

Here are a few simple ways to incorporate orienting into your day:

1. Morning ritual: When you wake up, take a moment to look around your bedroom. Notice the way light comes in through the window, the textures of your blankets, the colors that surround you.

2. Before work: Take a minute to look out the window. Observe the movement of trees, clouds in the sky, or people passing by.

3. Stress relief: When feeling stressed, pause and let your gaze softly move around the space you're in. Let your eyes land on something soothing or interesting - a plant, a piece of art, or a favorite object.

4. Body awareness: As you orient, notice any feelings or sensations that arise in your body. Really savor them in the moment.

Orienting reminds you that there's beauty and comfort all around, even in the simplest things. As you practice more often, you'll find it not only calms your mind but helps you feel more connected, more alive, and more at ease in your own skin - no matter what season of life you're in.

Your Invitation: Back to Pleasure Challenge

Now, I have something special to share with you. If you've been feeling that September pull and noticing your pleasure starting to slip down the priority list, I have an invitation for you.

I'm excited to announce my upcoming Back to Pleasure Challenge! This is a FREE four-day challenge starting on Monday, September 9, running through Thursday, September 12. I'll be giving you simple, practical tools to keep that summer feel-good pleasure alive as we transition into fall.

Sign up for the FREE Back to Pleasure Challenge here:
https://www.pleasureinthepause.com/challenge

In these bite-sized daily sessions, you'll learn how to:

• Feel less overwhelmed and more grounded, calm, and in touch with your body

• Cultivate exquisite pleasure, even when you're on the go and feeling you have no time

• Get clarity around your inhibitions, blockages, and challenges that can make it hard to relax and enjoy intimacy

• Get out of your head and into your delicious body

• Ignite your passion and get your mojo back, even when nothing else has worked

This isn't about adding more to your plate. It's about making pleasure a priority even when life gets busy, especially during menopause when it's so easy to let these feelings slip away.

Over four bite-sized daily sessions, you'll learn how to navigate menopause and beyond with pleasure, power, and purpose. You'll discover the pleasure that's already deep within you and learn practical ways to access it, amplify it, and keep your energy alive so you don't feel depleted by the end of the year.

Ready to Keep That Summer Spark Alive?

If you're ready to head into fall feeling nourished, lit up, and connected to your body, then join me for the Back to Pleasure Challenge. It's going to be fun, inspiring, and uplifting, and I can't wait to share this experience with you.

The challenge kicks off on September 9, so be sure to sign up using the link below and secure your spot.

Remember, pleasure isn't just for summer. It's your birthright all year round, no matter what stage of life you're in. I look forward to seeing you in the Back to Pleasure Challenge!

Sign up for the FREE Back to Pleasure Challenge here:
https://www.pleasureinthepause.com/challenge