Have you ever noticed all the phallic symbols in the world, the monuments, the figurines, the everything that pay homage to the penis, and wondered where the corresponding vulva tributes were? I know you have. And if you haven’t, perhaps you now will. Like most things pertaining to the divine feminine, they were hidden away. And while that can feel unfair and just plain wrong, it also makes a sort of senf because  the physicality of the vulva and vagina themselves are hidden inside of tissue folds. The vulva has been a mystery, a sacred mystery, since this is where life is birthed through. But the ancient “Sheela Na Gig” brings this mystery out in a very bold way.

Similar to traversing a labyrinth, vulva gazing looks simple but it’s not easy, especially at the beginning of cultivating the practice. Many thoughts and feelings may arise such as disgust, apprehension, surprise, curiosity, cultural messages, and internalized misogyny. Yet it’s also the case for people with the aforementioned parts, the vulva is the center of them, their core, their innermost being. Seeing themselves with a hand mirror can be a profound and sacred experience. The vulva can be a portal to a realm beyond the mundane. The vagina and vulva are where life is birthed through and while in some ways birth is mundane as it happens every day, it’s also a transcendent experience.

Boundary-setting may feel difficult or foreign even because many (most) folx didn’t learn boundary setting and maintenance growing up. It’s not uncommon for a person with an addiction or addictive behavior to grow up in an environment where boundaries were not honored. For instance, they may have grown up in a chaotic home where there was no enforced bedtime, or their privacy was invaded by a caregiver reading their personal journal. Oftentimes, food, a substance, or behavior is a way to regain a semblance of control in the person’s life and/or offers an escape from emotions that feel too intense to feel. Something that was occasional becomes more frequent until it becomes an addiction.

Society heaps shame onto sex workers. People’s discomfort stems from ingrained and indoctrinated beliefs. They think sex works not a valid profession, which it is.. Daniels is an excellent example of that. She has worked in the sex industry for more than two decades as a performer, writer, and director. She’s a self-made woman that doesn’t bow down to shame or let society’s expectations of her put her in a box. She’s a badass who ultimately brought Trump to justice despite great personal risk.

All too often, the psychedelic community neglects to pay homage to these indigenous traditions and healers. A famous example is that of María Sabina Magdalena García, more commonly known as María Sabina. She was a shaman and curandera, or medicine woman. Born around 1894 in a small town called Huautla de Jiménez, in southern Mexico, this Mazatec woman was exposed to hallucinogenic mushrooms, called “Los Niños Santos,” or “holy children,” from an early age at traditional ceremonies she attended with her father’s family.

Listening within to the silence is a powerful practice that can help us connect with our inner selves and gain a deeper understanding of our thoughts, emotions, and experiences. In a world that is often noisy and chaotic, taking the time to listen to the silence can be a transformative experience that can bring peace, clarity, and insight into our lives.

Initiation is often accompanied by rituals and ceremonies that mark the transition from one stage of life to another. These rituals serve as a way of acknowledging the individual's growth and transformation and provide a sense of community and belonging. In many cultures, initiation is a collective process, with the community playing an active role in supporting the individual through their journey.

Sexuality consists of five circles, which means it’s not limited to one body part in another body part. Sexuality is also flirting, touch, fantasy, sexual identity, and health, and, perhaps above all, a psychological state of being. So no, it’s not just about body parts. And even then, don’t discount the various ways sex can be performed be it oral, mutual masturbation, and digital, to name just a few ways of expression!

I care deeply about the topic and integrity of the field of psychedelic science, therapy, and research and continue to work as a teaching assistant and mentor groups. I provide didactic material around the clinical application of the academic material learned in class as well as how to network and collaborate with other professionals that may be beneficial to their career and the field of psychedelic science overall.

It is important to study women's sexual health because women have unique pleasure and health needs that differ from those of men. These issues are multifaceted and include sexual pleasure, menstrual understanding, sexual expression and communication, pregnancy-related curiosities and concerns, and menopausal transitions. Women's sexual health is not only essential for their physical well-being but also for their mental and emotional health because they are connected.

However, one does not necessarily cause the other. Some women go through perimenopause without anxiety or depression. Biology is only one factor, there are others such as life stressors, economic insecurity, racism, past trauma, and many more that may also contribute to the development of anxiety in women during this time of life.

Ultimately, the decision to open up a marriage should be based on mutual respect, honesty, and a commitment to each other's well-being. If you and your partner are able to approach the idea of non-monogamy with an open and honest mindset, and if you are both genuinely interested in exploring this type of relationship, it can be a positive and fulfilling experience. However, if either of you are approaching the idea of an open marriage from a place of fear, avoidance, or dishonesty, it may be wise to seek the help of a qualified therapist or counselor to work through these issues before taking any further steps.

Fairytales have been a popular form of literature for centuries, and they often are challenging to understand through a modern feminist lens. It seems that there are plenty of issues with how the characters loose themselves in the relationship, the traditional gender roles, and the lack of autonomy for all of the characters. However, fairytales contain archetypal themes and symbols that reflect universal human experiences and can give deep insight into the inner psychology of ourselves.

Finding a meaningful relationship in hookup culture can be challenging, but it's not impossible. By being clear about what you want, avoiding casual hookups, taking things slow, looking for like-minded individuals, being patient, open, and honest, and putting yourself out there, you can increase your chances of finding a meaningful relationship.

Being ghosted can be a traumatic experience, and it can take time to heal from it. Here are some steps you can take to help you move on:

Emotional safety plays a crucial role in sexual pleasure. When we feel emotionally safe with our partner, we are more likely to be open, vulnerable, and willing to explore our desires and fantasies. When we trust our partner, we can let go of any inhibitions and fully immerse ourselves in the moment, leading to a more intense and fulfilling sexual experience.

Sexual anxiety is a common issue that affects many people, and it can be caused by a variety of factors, including performance anxiety, past trauma, or negative self-talk. Anxiety can significantly impact one's sexual experience, leading to difficulties achieving or maintaining an erection, premature ejaculation, or difficulty reaching orgasm. However, meditation is a powerful tool that can help decrease anxiety during sex and improve overall sexual well-being.

William James’ ideas about consciousness and the nature of the mind have important implications for the field of psychedelic therapy. By emphasizing the dynamic and holistic nature of consciousness, the role of emotions in perception and decision-making, and the close relationship between mind and body, James’ work can help us better understand the therapeutic potential of psychedelic substances.

This lack of focus and knowledge can create a lot of issues for those with clitorises.  Psychologically, there is a message put forth that there’s less importance on these bodies, that women overall are less important, and that can affect self-esteem, confidence, and a general sense of embodiment. This is changing but/and the change is so very slow. It’s important to talk about the issues for people with clitorises, understand it, and have deeper knowledge of the vulva, vagina, and clitoris. Normalizing pleasure is key to a sense of embodiment.

For folx who have sex with people with clitorises, it’s important that they realize vaginal penetration alone may not cut it, and as with all satisfying sex, communication is key. At Whole Person Integration, we say bring consciousness back to the bedroom. Communicate wants and desires. But also explore…and explore widely, vastly, and wildly…if you so desire. You may have “tried and true” methods of coming but part of the fun with sex is learning new forms of pleasure. What else can you try? The answer may surprise you.