The Importance of Pleasure

For many people, pleasure isn’t something that’s actively sought daily, as there’s such judgment on pleasure equating being hedonistic. Pleasure also seems to be dismissed in the quest of being “spiritual.” But what is spirituality without pleasure?
 
We’re in bodies. We’re here to learn more by being in our bodies, not trying to elevate out of them. Many religions shame bodies as sinful, base things. They teach that Source/God frowns upon pleasure, therefore for some of you, when you feel pleasure, there’s guilt involved. But didn’t Source/God create bodies? Don’t you think pleasure was put in for a reason? 
 
Here in the United States, the puritanical message from our forefathers is still strong. Even if your ancestors came over more recently, that puritanical vibration is still felt and causes subconscious restriction and judgment regarding pleasure.
 
The dictionary defines pleasure as, “An event or activity from which one derives enjoyment.” Joy is one of the highest vibrations we can have, so to be in joy, is a wonderful thing.
 
Instead of trying to be so “good” all the time and controlling your body, what if you gave yourself the freedom to enjoy the taste of, i.e. a piece of chocolate in your mouth, or a spoon full of that ice cream you love so much. There can be pleasure in lingering over your morning coffee/tea while looking at the sky or reading the paper. Pleasure can come from the books you read, being out in nature, doing something physical that feels good, being creative, listening to music, or even watching a sunset - the list is endless.
 
Anything that engages your senses (thus, sensuality)- what you see, what you feel, what you touch and hear- all of that can be phenomenally pleasurable if you allow it. 

We’ve been taught there’s such nobility in restraint and self-control, how about instead looking for balance? Balance means a glass or two of wine versus a bottle, a piece of cake versus the whole thing, a run that feels good versus pushing your body to exhaustion and pain. We go overboard when we’ve been denying ourselves for too long. In rebellion, we say “screw it” and become over indulgent, which could lead to feeling worse the next hour, or morning, thus descending one into shame again. The solution is balance, balance, balance.
 
It’s beneficial to allow yourself to experience pleasure. It’s good to receive pleasure. Can you take that in or does that trigger you?
 
We have a pain body, but we also have a pleasure body. Is your pleasure body being fed? Or are you constantly starving it and keeping it locked away?
 
Here’s something to consider: If you’re more interested in controlling and keeping righteous guard over your body and spirit, over time you will siphon out all the joy in your life. 
 
Our bodies are miraculous. And just like the plants and animals around you, you need to feed yours with kind words and beautiful thoughts and experiences, versus beating it down any chance you get. You will never fully thrive if you constantly berate and deny yourself. The way to elevate your consciousness and to have more bliss in your life, is to engage your senses and experience more pleasure. Hang up the need to control, kick out the shame and guilt, welcome in balance, and delight in your body and spirit. Pleasure awaits.

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