Let’s talk about sex. While this isn’t my favorite conversation to be had–I’m highly uncomfortable by the conversation of sex based on my upbringing–I think it’s an important one. And who better to talk to than Alyssa Manny who isn’t afraid of any conversation.
Alyssa is the owner of ‘Ohana Yoga + Barre in Denver, Colorado. Her mission is to evolve and help others to evolve too. To help others to open their hearts in ways they didn’t think possible. This starts with the journey to loving ourselves and our bodies then expands to loving those around us. And she adds an emphasis to this for those who have been marginalized or oppressed. Which is why she continues to find ways to make Ohana a truly inclusive space for all to heal.
Know that everything shared on this episode is based on individual experiences and might not work for you. But the nuggets here and there that resonate can be powerful tools to add to your own toolbox of coming home to you.
In this episode we talk about
- Spiritual Upbringings
- Our relationship to pleasure and sexuality
- How “good” and “bad” morality issues have effected our relationship with sex
- Removing shame when talking to kids about sex
- And so much more
Links from the show:
- Try out ‘Ohana Online with a 14-day free trial
- Learn more about the mission behind ‘Ohana and their focus on becoming a truly inclusive space
Behind the Art
I started this painting without know I was creating it for this episode. It was simply a practice of drawing people in a digital medium–one I’m still getting used to and finding my voice in. But as the painting developed and this conversation was scheduled the two felt like they were meant to be. To me, this painting depicts perfectly the portrayal of sensual.
Sensual, meaning “relating to or involving gratification of the senses and physical, especially sexual, pleasure,” isn’t solely about sex, while that can be a part of it. It’s about feeling. Being in tune with our sensuality is about being vulnerable with ourselves (and sometimes others) and really taking a moment to feel into our bodies. Something that many of us were taught was wrong.
In this portrait the subject tilts her head back with her eyes closed as if she is releasing into this moment of pleasure, whatever it may be. She could be enjoying the rain on her face, a bite of fantastic food, or the touch of a lover. We don’t know what is causing this pleasure, only that it’s a reminder that true pleasure comes when we are in our bodies (not our heads).
And so I painted her fully dressed as to not over sexualize her but to really lean into the emotions that she’s displaying. This is emphasized by the extreme light with shadows and highlights which are also a very literal metaphor for our shadow sides–Embracing who we are in totality, both light and dark, or what the Christian religion taught me was “right” and “wrong.”
What I love most about this painting is the vulnerability that is displayed in her pose. In releasing ourselves to our pleasures, being fully and completely in our bodies, we allow ourselves to become vulnerable–neck and chest exposed, the two areas we safe guard in order to stay alive. But here she is, releasing them to the world so that she can be consumed by this one moment. She is allowing herself to be completely present to the sensations in the present. She is fully embracing her sensuality.
Want the Print That Goes with This Episode?
Hang this painting in a place that will remind you to come home to your space and yourself every day.
