Exploring the path to erotic wholeness often begins with a deep, embodied understanding of self. Clare Sente sits down with Darshana Avila, a trauma-informed somatic educator and sexological bodyworker, to dive into her unique approach that champions erotic embodiment and personal agency. Darshana explains the necessity of addressing the nervous system first through somatic experiencing before moving on to crucial aspects like consent and detailed communication about intimate desires. She offers practical advice for cultivating a mindful, body-aware sexual life, offering ways to navigate trauma and foster a state of relaxed arousal. This discussion illuminates the journey toward continual self-discovery and embracing the boundless nature of erotic wholeness.

Christianity focuses a lot on how to nourish yourself spiritually, but it condemns anything about bringing pleasure to oneself. Being sex positive is seen as taboo by many Christians – but do we really need to see it in such a negative light? Author and public theologian Rev. Beverly Dale disagrees, and she joins Clare Sente to discuss why pleasure-focused Christianity is not an impossibility. She explains how Church Fathers and “empire thinking” are to blame for our deeply ingrained displeasure with pleasure itself, as well as the widespread sexual ignorance and repression. Rev. Dale also talks about her work as the founder of Incarnation Institute for Sex & Faith, where she teaches health professionals and fellow clergy on making sex and pleasure empowering, healing, and liberating.

Even though it is a natural occurrence in any woman’s life, talking about menopause is still widely considered taboo. When women experience a decline in intimacy in their sex lives because of it, they tend to blame themselves. Janet McGeever is here to put an end to this unhealthy mindset. She joins Clare Sente to talk about the book she co-authored with Diana Richardson, Tantric Sex and Menopause. Janet discusses the importance of presence and mindfulness in intimacy to address the negative impact of menopause, which is actually a conditioning issue that affects even the men. She also emphasizes the need to shift from high-sensation sex to more sensitive approach centered on energetic polarities.