Playing on the Edge

Last fall I had a striking experience as  I was walking in Central Park. The weather was mild and the trees were just starting to green. My soul was soaking in the beauty of nature and felt very peaceful even in the middle of New York City.

After a meditative moment of gratefulness and peace, I felt pulled by shouts of joy toward a children’s playground sculpture in the park. Kids were having a great time experiencing the freedom of movement exhilarated by others like them expressing themselves with passion.

It was clear that boys and girls had a different way of expressing their joy of life. Most boys were playing daring games such as crawling on rocks and looking around to see if someone was admiring them. As though further energized by people like me looking at them, they kept climbing and jumping even faster, taking less and less time to secure their footing well before taking the next step. Parents were split between being worried and proud. Being admired taking risks seemed to tuned the kids on. Perhaps taking risks is a masculine quality… But then I saw a girl who seemed to outdo most boys. That was impressive. However most girls were playing on the ground enjoying sharing their toys with others and pushing each other on the swings.

I tried to analyze why it was so. Was the diversity in play because of socialization? Instead of answering my question, I decided to enjoy the diversity and the genuine pleasure experienced by the boys and girls playing and also by the men and women who were present there to create safety for them.

Would our sexual life be more spontaneous and exciting if we gave up the analyzing and trying to make sense of how nature wants to express itself through us?

I feel grateful to be alive and decided to play a little more freely myself.

Some wise person said: “If you are not on the edge you’re taking up too much space. “

How are you playing in your life? Are you allowing yourself to take some risks by pushing your boundaries of safety without falling off the rocks?

Photo: Encounter on a Net, by Diana Blackwell, Flikr.com

Sharing Sweetness

February is the season for romance.  But not everyone’s relationship is as hot & sexy as they would like. Have you experienced a decline in your romance lately? Or perhaps you have gone some time without that “spark” you felt when you first met your lover?

Ladies, perhaps you realize that you are feeling less beautiful, less desirable, more taken for granted. . . I know many of us feel this way at one time or another.

When your man is in love with you at the beginning of your relationship he sprinkles, “you are beautiful,” “I love you so much,” “you are important to me” in so much of what he says to you. . .

Now you might have to wait for a special occasion or perhaps a new sexy outfit for him to notice how beautiful you are. His feelings haven’t changed; he has just forgotten the need to share them with you.

Men, are you taking the time to make sure your woman hears that she is important and beautiful and sexy to you?

Perhaps there is also another way you can give attention to her?

Saying “you are beautiful” can get boring or lost its meaning, and a general comment never has the same power as when you compliment her on a specific trait. Perhaps instead you could notice her expression and comment on it. You can tell her exactly what about her body attracts you most. Perhaps you may also notice some of the loving things she says or does, and acknowledge them with some attention – and even a kiss, or a touch . . .

This Valentine’s Day, and all through the month, use your imagination to communicate your desire to your woman. You will be surprised how eagerly she reacts to your attention!

Real Listening Feeds Eros

When I work with couples who are resistant to healing their relationship and who no longer feel the kind of  sensuality they felt when they met, it is often due to their lack of listening. It’s very common in long-term relationships.

Tantra says that newness is the preferred food for Eros.  Eros dies when habits come in. But when you have been with someone a long time, it’s very easy for both of you to fall into a rut. Read more

When Vulnerability = Strength

We’re now in the depths of winter, and the easygoing open way we commune with nature and each other in the warmth of summer may feel like a distant memory. In the winter, we become more introspective. We communicate more with ourselves – inside our heads and our hearts.

Introspection is good. We need time to tune into ourselves to see what we are really thinking and feeling because often we decide to quickly put our feelings on hold to handle urgent work. We need to integrate our experiences to really learn from them.

However, sometimes we unconsciously confuse introspection with the avoidance of communicating our inner thoughts and feelings with the person we love. Read more

Tips for Eating Right and Living Well

Did you make a New Year’s resolution to start exercising more, or get on a new diet? Here are some Tantra tips on diet, nutrition, and living right to develop your sexual attractiveness, and increase your energy.
Read more

The Ocean Breath

This amazing breathing technique brings you renewed energy and promotes full-body relaxation.

I’ve written an ebook to explain the technique, and have created a companion audiobook to guide you through a meditation using Ocean Breath to focus your mind and release tension.  They are now on sale through December 31st.

Read more and get your copies here.

Happy Holidays from Carla Tara

Wishing you

the most peaceful Holiday time of this year that is ending

and an inspired, blissful and prosperous 2010.

Love,
Carla

Carla's Book: Tantric Tango Dancer

In her book, Lessons from a Tantric Tango Dancer: A Journey into Intimacy, Relationships and Love, Carla Tara inspires readers with the courage and persistence she summoned in her life as she struggled against the limiting beliefs she had absorbed as a child. Successfully changing those beliefs catapulted her to the foreground of the spiritual growth movement. Read more