At my recent Advanced Bodysex Retreat we were blessed to have a woman amongst us who offered to draw our vulvas. One by one, at random times during the retreat, we took turns sitting under a bright light with our legs spread open in front of her. Even though I’ve let go of my own vulva shame long ago, it’s still vulnerable opening this most sacred part of my body to another. As a loving sister she told me the beauty that she saw in me, and pointed out details that enhanced her drawing. The length of my lips, colour and texture.
Looking at these pictures I am in awe at the diversity and intricate beauty of all our vulvas. Like snow flakes no two are alike and with each drawing I am full of awe and wonder.
Thank you to my sweet sister for showing me, through your drawings, the light with which you see me. <3
“Remember when we used to just have tea” I said to one of the women across the circle from me as I sat up post orgasm. We were in the middle of one of our many celebrations of pleasure and the reality of the moment just struck me. This is a woman who held my babies after they were born, bonded with me over breastfeeding and co sleeping stories, and was now sharing orgasms alongside me like it was the most normal thing in the world. In any direction I turned I could see more women, all now sisters to me, experiencing the pleasure in their bodies using fingers and toys, in every position imaginable. As one of us orgasmed others would watch or follow, cheering each other on as we would with any other great event in life. This Is Real Life.
When I set out to create last weekend’s Advanced Bodysex Retreat, my hope was that it would be a space that would encourage myself and the other women to feel more. I wanted to get beyond the thinking that orgasms are solely genital, and into feeling and exploring from within our whole selves. Because all of the women had attended at least one Bodysex workshop before, I knew that they’d have a greater level of comfort in being nude, trust in other women, be willing to go to deeper and more difficult places and a desire to experience feeling more in a way that I think many of us long for. My vision for this retreat was more of an experience rather than a place to arrive at, and I struggled with figuring out how to encourage that experience.
Sticking with what I know best, I decided to model the retreat after the path I’ve walked these past few years. Having “cracked myself open”, I aimed to create experiences that would encourage the women to crack open with me. Almost as soon as the weekend started I could see evidence of feeling more everywhere I looked and, even though these feelings weren’t always comfortable or easy, we were definitely feeling. Together in our circle we “created a safe container to be the mother, daughter, grandmother and whore.” Exploring our sexual history and it’s affects on our current sexuality, giving ourselves and each other sexual permission, examining our values, wants and desires, questioning our barriers to being present, gaining awareness of our breath, experiencing pleasure, sharing our fantasies, awakening the 5 senses, having our vulvas drawn, creating our wheel of wholeness and vulnerably unveiling our shame. Throughout it all we held each other with acceptance and compassion in the safety of the circle.
I’m finding it impossible to put words to the experiences from this weekend and so, with permission from my sisters, I’m going to share a different kind of testimonial. Before clicking on the following recording, I recommend you find a quiet place alone, close your eyes and listen with all of your senses to what feeling more can sound like.
If you’re interested in “cumming for tea with me” my next Bodysex retreat will be April 20th -22nd. //natashasalaash.com/spring-2018-bodysex-workshopretreat-date/
My sexuality is a part of – not separate from my daily life. Something that I live — a way of being — rather than a goal I reach. When I’m conscious, present and willing to be vulnerable, my orgasms serve as a window into my wellbeing. My orgasms are ME.
Bodysex is a transformative and undefinable experience for women, of all ages and sexual orientations, interested in the empowering freedom that comes from shedding the masks, roles and clothing that we hide behind everyday. The workshop is done in the nude yet it is non sexual. It is about raising consciousness, creating sisterhood, integrating body shame and celebrating pleasure.
The next Bodysex Retreat Weekend will be April 20th-22nd 2017, held at a private retreat centre near Saskatoon SK. Canada. It’s the perfect place to relax, let go and just be. The retreat has a “slumber party” feel to it with healthy home made meals and snacks lovingly prepared by me and my assistant Patti throughout the weekend. Henna tattooing and hair braiding is also offered by local artist Stiina. During non workshop hours participants will be free to walk trails or the labyrinth, spend time alone or visit with the other women.
The two day workshop will include:
Sacred circle where, in first person, we share how we feel about our bodies and our orgasms. This is the time to let go of any shame that has been holding us back from fully celebrating our pleasure. Through this, the roots of sisterhood will begin forming as we accept each other for who are. No more and no less.
Group genital show and tell. This is a powerful ceremony where we display our vulva one at a time, identify all of the parts of our anatomy and recognize the beauty and diversity amongst us.
Learn new methods to enhance our orgasms and our self loving practice. Understanding our sexual anatomy, how breath, movement, sound and our pc muscle work to enhance our pleasure on all levels.
Self loving, side by side, in the circle during “erotic recess.” Sharing our own pleasure, without expectation, with other women is one of the most powerful experiences that you will ever have. This is about learning to be our own lover, healing body shame, overcoming sexual guilt and sharing in sisterhood. This is also an opportunity for me to help personally guide you, towards orgasm or increased pleasure if you have never orgasmed or are having difficulty and would like help.
Group massage. This ancient practice is almost impossible to describe in words. It is a transcendent experience where we are able to give and receive loving, non sexual touch from the other women in the circle.
Retreat Details:
Location: Outside Saskatoon SK. Canada. (exact location will be disclosed to registered participants only)
(transportation from Saskatoon to the retreat location provided for out of town participants for a fee)
Dates: 1pm, April 20th – 1pm, April 22nd
Cost: $595 CDN for first time participants, $395 for returning. Included in this fee is the full Bodysex workshop, mystic wand vibrator, healthy meals(locally sourced and organic where possible) shared accommodation for 2 nights (there is a price reduction of $70 for women not wanting to use a vibrator or bringing their own)
