Sexual Intelligence for Body, Mind and Heart: A New Core Program at The Haven
By Elfi Dillon Shaw DipC, RMT, Somatic Sex Educator.
At the beginning of this year I entered into a sabbatical time and space in order to focus my attention on developing a new core program on sexuality which I had been invited to create for The Haven. Since then I have designed an intensive foundational program called: Sexual Intelligence for Body, Mind and Heart. I believe that life energy expressed as what we call sexuality is in itself an intelligence whose teachings and lessons can be learned with open mind and heart, by engaging breath and body and by connecting with one another.
For the past 25 years I have immersed myself in the conscious and guided study of tantra, taoism, sex education and therapy, sexological bodywork, and somatic sex education. The work that has emerged from my studies is deeply motivated by my desire to decrease unnecessary suffering through sexual misunderstandings within individuals, within relationships and in communities through providing education for partners, individuals and communities.
It is clear to me that sexual life can be illuminated with kindness and humour, with playfulness, openness and respect for the many feeling states that can emerge within it. I am also convinced of the healing power of life energy when we are guided to it with awareness and support. This new program provides a field where life experiences can be transformed and where new seeds of growth can be planted.
Each one of us emerged on this earth because two people joined in sexual connection; we came to life through the union of egg and sperm. The life force that created us is also the potent creative energy of desire and longing that draws us to one another, and allows us to resonate with the natural, non-human world. It constantly reminds us of our living bodies and the eventuality of the end of life in the body. Within our cellular community we would do well to remember this force when we might allow ourselves be swept away by its power and delights or when we do our best to repress or control its force. When we allow this sexual energy to flow with full commitment to consciousness, it can serve us in many non-genital sexual ways, boosting our creativity, general health and nourishing our spirit. We can learn to be in charge of charge by utilizing the tools of ancient Eastern and Western sexual wisdom teachings.
At the same time that we realize that we are born through the act of sexual union, each one of us is shaped by society’s web of sexual control, repression or excesses, by myth and traditions. We are influenced by our own familes’ beliefs about sexuality, and our personal, sometimes painful experiences. The power of sexual energy often brings disturbance and heartache but the relational and awake use of its strength can reconnect us to ourselves and each other in a loving way.
The Haven provides a container where sexual energy can be experienced and communicated in an athmosphere of aliveness and regard for each person. Sexual and sensual aliveness can occur everywhere, not only in the genitals, when we join in the dance of life’s erotic energy and steer our sexuality with honest communication in our community and partnerships.
Consider joining me for Sexual Intelligence for Body, Mind and Heart if you would like to:
- Address and reduce anxiety related to sexuality, in regard to body, self, spirit and relationships
- Acknowledge and transform barriers of guilt and shame
- Learn diverse perspectives on sexuality throughout the life- and relationship-cycle
- Learn erotic skills to enrich your life
- Find out how personal sexual history and beliefs are shaped by culture, history and present day society and how this impacts health and relationships
- Make more conscious and healthful sexual choices
- Learn about the power aspects of sexuality and how to have fun in a safe way
- Connect with life core energy through all the senses and live from a place of presence and passionate kindness
- Find eros in the natural world
- Discover where spirituality and sexuality meet
In an atmosphere of consensuality and confidentiality, in this program we will strengthen our vitality, our chi, through breathwork, movement, listening, reflecting and sharing. Guided by ancient tantric and taoist wisdom, as well as contemporary knowledge from sexology and sexual health sciences, it is possible to heal sexual wounds and celebrate the erotic dance of life and renew relationship with self, each other and nature.
Sexual Intelligence for Body, Mind and Heart is intended for people of all genders and orientations. It is not designed specifically for couples, although couples are certainly welcome to attend. 2015 dates are October 11-16.
For more information about the program please feel free to connect me via phone (250 247 9504) or email elfi@heartcoretouch.com To register online visit the Haven web site or contact the registration office by email (register@haven.ca) or phone (1 800 222 9211 x 1).
