When did I forget about pleasure as a spiritual practice?

And when did it all start feeling like such a CHORE?

Lately, I’ve been forcing myself through my spiritual practices.

I let my sense of discipline override - and of course I feel proud of that.

Even on my worst days - I’m checking these things off my list, doing what I know I need to do in order to maintain my mental-health and wellbeing. As if they are chores that just need to be done.

Then, last night after a day of pushing myself through a really tough Sunday that ended with another forced appearance in a yoga class…

… I found myself exhaling into so much pleasure.

For the first time in so long…

Each exhale that took me deeper into each posture, that feeling of relief in my body - and the best part, when the instructor comes around for some hands-on adjustments.

I felt my body remember something it has forgotten somewhere along the way - seeking and surrendering to pleasure as a spiritual practice.

Something that I made central to my daily practices years ago.

I’d wake up and ask myself, what is the most pleasurable way that I can spend my morning?

It was never about productivity or worthiness - it was about what would feel really good.

That almost looked like drinking coffee, sitting in the sun and journaling.

But now - that’s just my normal everyday. It doesn’t feel like pleasure anymore.

It’s just mundane.

This is the hard thing about the spiritual path.

All the magical things start to feel mundane and average one day.

But the thing is, you don’t have to do much in order to open up to the pleasure of the moment.

All you have to do is be open to the pleasure of the moment!!!

Like right now - how can you feel just a little more pleasure in this moment?

Perhaps you need a nice cold glass of water?

Or a big breath in and out.

Maybe step outside for a little delicious sunshine on your face?

There are so many ways to mine for pleasure in so many moments.

You could run your fingers along your own skin right now and give yourself a little chill.

You could sit on the floor of a hot shower and let the pleasure wash over you.

You could get a relaxing massage with only the intention to melt into how GOOD everything feels.

I’m done forcing myself through my spiritual practices.

I’m going back to finding the pleasure in them.

I’m ready to surrender to them.

The exhale.

The full-body chill.

The tiny glimmer of relief.

That’s what keeps me on this path, truly.

We are meant to feel good.

We are meant to trigger our body’s natural response to pleasure.

Not through drugs or alcohol or meaningless sex.

But through seeking the delicious beauty and relief that can be found in every moment that we are alive.

So, just for today - can we ask ourselves in every moment - how can I bring more PLEASURE into this?

And then, go do that.

Much love,

Jane ♥️