When I was dating in my twenties, I became quite immersed in some tantric traditions.

You see, I was not satisfied with my sex life.

Of course, the sex was not bad.

In any case, it was pretty good.

Aim…

It felt… how to say…

Common.

As a man, the modus operandi of my sexual experience was a lot of build-up, one big short burst…and then we need to take a break, bro.

And again, it was good.

But compared to the sexual experience of women… with their multiple long orgasms… well. I really felt like it was nothing special.

So.

I tried to do something about it. To see if it could enrich my experience of sexuality.

And, spoiler alert, I certainly did.

That is very beautiful. But my point here is not about that.

It is about something deeper.

Something that has to do not only with sexuality but with existence as an incarnated being.

You see, by exploring what the tantric traditions have to offer, I have vividly experienced the wisdom that comes from appreciating your incarnation and the power it holds.

A power that we can harness to bring greater meaning, fulfillment, and joy to our lives.

Too many of us spend too much of our lives wrapped up in our own heads, thinking long and hard.

And, to our detriment, we forget that in the back of our minds, our brains and bodies are ultimately working hard to make our experience, including our thinking, happen.

If instead of forgetting our body, however, we learn to embrace it. Cultivate our relationship with her…

Good.

Then incredible meaning and joy can be at your fingertips…or just a breath away.

The body is the instrument through which we play the music of life.

Our experience as humans is really like a magical melody that we constantly experience.

A harmony not only of sounds but also of colors, aromas, flavors, thoughts and feelings.

And it is a melody that is constantly being interpreted by our body.

That is why we do well to take care of this instrument.

And learn to play it in more nuanced ways.

So that the music of our lives is even richer. Even more impressive.

An especially powerful and beautiful note that you can play is the subtle note of blissful embodied existence.

You can play this by using your breath to ground your awareness.

Inhale deeply… and exhale. In and out. Close your eyes if it helps. But the key is to focus your attention on how your body feels. About how it feels to be incarnated.

Feel how your breath massages your insides as you inhale… and exhale. And as you continue to breathe, distribute your attention throughout your body.

Sit in your body while you breathe. Feel your chest and belly expand and become more tender as you inhale. Feel your head become clearer as your body takes in oxygen. Feel the tips of your fingers and toes energize as you exhale.

Continue to feel your body as your breath sensitizes it. And notice that by doing so, you feel energy within you. Lurking inside your own body.

Please note that this is not a mere meditation. You are not just focusing on your own breathing.

You are using your breath to get in touch with the awareness of your whole body.

You see, by using your breath to help distribute your attention throughout your body in this way, you can get in touch with something truly powerful.

You can get in touch with the subtle joy of embodied existence. This is a layer of calm and peaceful yet distinct pleasure from simply being in your body.

And this subtle joy is something you can ALWAYS get in touch with by slowing down, taking a deep breath, and using your breath to focus your attention on your body.

This awareness is a deep source of peace and meaning that you can draw on in life. It is something that can ground and empower you as you think about and face the obstacles and challenges that life throws your way.

This may seem contradictory. But the idea here is that by focusing some of your attention on your body, on the subtle joy of embodied existence, you can actually think better and more clearly. Because there is less nervous energy directing your thoughts.

Armed with this technique, you can use it to make yourself feel better. Every day.

You can use it to feel good about yourself. And be happy with yourself.

All you have to do is focus your breathing. And get in touch with your body.

And that’s something you always have with you. It is a powerful tool that you can always reach for.

That’s all I have for you today. I hope you enjoy playing the instrument of your body and enriching the music of your life!