The Pleasure Project
30 days of pleasure
(delivered directly to your inbox)
What would happen if every day you spent a little time and energy on pleasure?
When I ask people that question I often hear a lot of reasons about why it’s too hard. There’s no time for pleasure. Pleasure feels too extravagant. Pleasure feels selfish. And sometimes people share the they feel so disconnected from their pleasure they don’t even know where they would start.
How would your life be different if you really slowed down and savored the things that feel good?
Imagine it. What does life feel like when you are present and connected to your pleasure? Sure there will still be things that feel overwhelming or stressful or even bad. But even while things are bitter, can you also find some sweetness? And if you do engage with that sweetness, what happens to your life?
What would it take for you to give yourself permission for pleasure?
It’s easy to feel pleasure when you are on vacation. It’s easy to feel giddy when you are falling in love. It’s easy to feel excited when embarking on a new adventure. What about finding ways to connect to your pleasure during your regular old mundane life?
Why Pleasure Matters
Every day I talk to people who ask, “Is this it?” They'll talk about how their life looks good on paper but in reality it feels like something is missing.
I talk with people who are trying hard to keep it all together. Who are checking things off their to do list and trying to make all the right choices and yet, feel empty under their skin.
I talk with people who are overwhelmed. I talk with people who are numb. I talk with people who are burnt out and feel like the things that used to bring them joy are now obligations.
I talk with people who want to enjoy sex but instead treat it like another task.
And most of these people have strong ideas about pleasure. Most of us have strong ideas about pleasure. We think it's silly or frivolous or extra. Even I, someone who deeply believes in the power of pleasure, have felt judgment about my focus on pleasure. Are you really going talk about pleasure when the world is on fire? Yes, I am. Because I know how beautiful pleasure makes the world. I know that when you have a relationship with pleasure, it not only shifts your life, it shifts how you show up in the world.
The more you cultivate pleasure and your relationship to it, the more you will see that there is so much pleasure around you all the time. And don't even get me started about sex! When you start noticing and engaging with smaller forms of pleasure regularly, it also turns up the volume on sexual pleasure. If you can become fascinated by a leaf dancing in the wind, imagine what you will find with a live, breathing, responsive body in front of you!
Pleasure won't erase pain or frustration or sadness, but it does make those things more bearable. And it makes life more beautiful. In The Pleasure Project we will explore finding small things you can do regularly that make you smile or shimmy with pleasure. And then pretty soon it doesn't feel like such a stretch to planning bigger pleasure celebrations. Soon, even though life is still hard or sometime boring, you also begin to see how incredibly beautiful it all is and you don't want to miss anything. Not because of fear of missing out, but because you understand that it's a gift. Being able to feel good is a gift and you don't want to waste it.
How it works -
Sign up and you will receive 30 Days of Pleasure Prompts!
A month of emails delivered directly to you that will help you plug into your pleasure.
Each email will focus on a different facet of pleasure.
We’ll explore –
Simple pleasure
Pleasure and Sensuality
Giving Yourself Permission for Pleasure
Pleasure in the Mundane
Pleasure in Play
Finding Pleasure in Your Work
Pleasure for Your Body
Pleasure for Your Heart
and more…
Your emails will include stories, videos, journal prompts, activities, tools and ideas for you to explore. They are designed to inspire and also be a catalyst for you to become more active with your pleasure.
The first email goes out October 1st and you will receive one email about pleasure every day for 30 days.
My Pleasure Story
Pleasure is one of my core values. It’s something that I truly believe will not only change your life, but it can also change the world.
But pleasure didn’t always come easily to me. I grew up in a place and a culture that truly believed “no pain no gain” and “what doesn’t kill me makes we stronger.” I live in a culture that glorifies busy-ness and thinks pleasure is frivolous or even selfish.
And then in my early 20s I went to Paris for the first time.
Life is busy or stressful or the world feels like it’s on fire!
Or maybe pleasure feels selfish or extravagant or you associate it with guilt.
Maybe you don’t feel like you have any energy to try to do one more thing.
I have spent decades reprogramming myself and my relationship with pleasure and even I can get off trick sometimes. I can get overwhelmed by the intensity of the world (especially now). So I created this project for all of us. 30 days of pleasure. 30 days of practices and prompts.
Pleasure is not selfish or frivolous, pleasure can help make you more resilient.
The older I get, the more I see that for me, pleasure is a way of life. The more I engage my pleasure, the more my heart opens. The more connected I am to my pleasure, the grander I feel. The more I open to pleasure, the more space and capacity I have for challenging things. Pleasure enriches my life and also gives me reserves when things are difficult.
Make it
Pleasure takes practice. That’s why The Pleasure Project is a full 30 days. I want us to see what it’s like when we show up to pleasure again and again. Pleasure takes commitment. The Pleasure Project will encourage you to commit to your pleasure, honor your pleasure and prioritize your pleasure. Pleasure is fun. Yes, this a class, but oh my, it’s going to be so much fun! You are worthy of pleasure and enjoyment!
How would your life be different if you were reminded of pleasure and encouraged to enjoy it?
I’m going to commit to 30 days of pleasure and I hope you will join me.
