Healing the Fracture Between Sex and Spirit

The Religious Influence

Throughout history, there are religious examples of the separation of sex and spirit. In many religions, sex is viewed as an act that is only necessary for procreation. Religious institutions such as Catholicism do not allow their leaders to engage in sexual relationships. Cultural purity and chastity expectations placed on young people, especially girls, can associate sex with shame and guilt. This dichotomy has led to a disconnection between our bodies and our spirituality, limiting our potential for self-discovery and healthy, fulfilling relationships to our sexuality as adults. 

However, many spiritual practices, such as Taoism and some Yoga-Tantra lineages, view sexuality as a natural expression of our spiritual energy. These practices emphasise the unification of sex and spirit, leading to a deeper connection with oneself and others.

How to Connect Our Sex and Spirit

One way to bridge the gap between sex and spirit is through Kundalini awakening, a practice rooted in ancient Indian philosophy. Kundalini energy is believed to be located at the base of the spine, and when awakened, rises through the chakras (energy centres), leading to a profound spiritual awakening. The connection between Kundalini awakening and sexuality lies in the philosophy that the Kundalini energy is intimately connected to our sexual energy and vital life-force, known as prana in the yoga system.

Embodiment practices, such as nude yoga and embodiment healing, can also aid in the Kundalini awakening process by helping individuals connect with their bodies and release any emotional or physical blockages that may hinder the flow of their vital energy. By tapping into the power of our sexual energy and unifying it with our spiritual energy, we can experience a sense of wholeness and integration that can lead to greater well-being and fulfilment. 

It's important to note that exploring our sexuality in a spiritual context isn't a quick fix or a panacea for all of life’s issues. It requires deep self-reflection and exploration, and we may encounter difficult emotions and memories along the way as we decondition and heal. By approaching this exploration with a sense of curiosity, openness and respect, we can create a safe and empowering space to come home to our bodies.

Let’s remember that the separation of sex and spirit is a cultural and societal construct. It's time to empower ourselves and explore healthy ways to unify our energy. By embracing the wholeness of our being and celebrating the transformative power of our sexual energy, we can experience greater self-awareness and fulfillment in our life.

References

1. "The Body Keeps the Score" by Bessel van der Kolk
2. “Taoist Secrets of Love Cultivating Male Sexual Energy” by Mantak Chia 
3. “The Amneon Tantra” by Gavin Shrii Amneon
4. “What Actually Is Tantra? And Just How Sexy is it?”  by Andreas Embodiment
5. “Everything (And we mean everything) You Ever Wanted to Know About Tantra” – Yoga Journal