(On that note, it’s interesting how focused tantric practices seem to be on the pairing of “male-female energy.” I wonder how they would have approached a gay or lesbian couple, though it should be noted that transgender and transsexual individuals are often revered by tantric practitioners as they are thought to possess both “spirits.”)
Armed with my two partners, we kicked off the first session with deep stretches, guided breathing, chanting and visualization. The sexual imagery was powerful, direct and definitely made me blush, but what amazed me was that the opening session involved no touch. The participants in the retreat were largely uninhibited – chanting, shouting, moving and gyrating about the room while following the guided directions of Hanna – but they were effectively shomer negiah and spent close to an hour harnessing their sexual energy and building the sexual tension until closing the session with an optional touching shiva-shakti pose (facing your partner while sitting on his lap).
Following the opening session, we returned to our rooms to rest up for the next morning’s meditation at 7 AM! Though I am somewhat of a yogi and have always theoretically been interested in meditation, I’ve avoided it at all costs. Although I have been made aware of its many benefits time and again, and was even suggested that I try it out with supplements like CBD oil that can help make the process better. I have tended to gravitate toward fast-paced activities, and in previous experiences meditation had just felt powerfully slow. The morning meditation at the retreat incorporated active movement to wake us up, and one thing that stuck with me over the weekend was an ability to slow down and just be – to focus on my breath and be present.
There were several meditation sessions interspersed throughout the weekend, and part of the reason for these meditative practices was to assist the men in strengthening their mind control as they (privately) worked toward multiple orgasms and delayed ejaculation. The idea of adopting a practice for the intentional development of sexual prowess and libido seemed to be key to the tantric experience.
The evenings offered powerful ritual experiences, including ecstatic dance and gorgeously dizzifying meditations that simulated the dance of the whirling dervishes. (Whirling dervishes perform a type of dance and meditation, where they repeatedly spin in clockwise circles with their gaze set on an uplifted hand and a second hand grounding down). Each of us mimicked the motions of the dervishes, spinning ourselves into an otherworldly state as our focused hand appeared to enlarge and the surrounding scenery appeared to fade away, much like you would imagine the surrounding scenery from a vehicle going at lightspeed in outer space (think Star Wars). And, at risk of stating the obvious, no mind-altering substances were offered, permitted or taken during this retreat. The highs were natural and the visual simulations were powerful. The participants turned and turned until finally being let down to the floor and guided to rest on a pile of pillows by one of the instructors.
The sexual openness of the retreat was coupled with a big focus on self-reflection and mindfulness. Though the instructor did not use the Hebrew phrase Dan Likaf Zechut per se, there was a focus on understanding, compassion and using the weekend as a catalyst for change in our life. Rather than seeming “too self-help-like,” the vehicle of tantric practice was used to provide inner clarity and help participants focus on what they sought, what no longer served them that they would like to throw away and what – if anything – they chose to forgive. In keeping with the ritual theme, unwanted emotions were thrown into the fire and left behind.
Celebrating 10 Years & Marking the End of An Amazing Project
Celebrating 10 Years & Marking the End of An Amazing Project
The Jewrotica event “Evening of Jewrotica: Bedside Reading” was awesome. As Master of Confessions, I got to read the deepest, darkest secrets of people in the room out loud… It was scintillating, titillating, and – yes – even educational!
I’m so glad that Jewrotica is represented here at Jewlicious! It’s bringing voices that need to be heard in the Jewish discussion and Jewish climate environment.
The people behind Jewrotica are quite quality! I have confidence that any project these folks take on will be equally quality.
Jewrotica is awesome. It expands the mind and for people who were raised with narrow views on sexuality. Whether you are Jewish or not, or in different sects of Judaism like Orthodox, Conservative or Reform, no matter what your background or where you’re from, Jewrotica gets you to see Judaism and how it relates to sexuality in new ways. I really appreciate Ayo being here and helping us learn different ways to connect with our sexuality.
At Jewrotica’s Evening of Bedside Readings, students declaimed monologues on sexual encounters that had a Jewish twist. At Columbia/Barnard Hillel, the speakers pushed their own boundaries by performing a range of explicit narratives that challenged how the audience thought of the relationship to Judaism and sex. During the speakers’ preparation, the arguments about which narratives would be appropriate forced students to take a stand and voice their opinion on their own beliefs about Judaism an… Read more
Learning about sex and what’s right and wrong when it comes to sex from a Biblical standpoint was an eye opening experience. I completely enjoyed it and think something like this could be a very cool thing to bring to even high school aged Jewish youth groups.
Jewrotica rocks. It’s funny, it’s informative, it’s sexy, it’s interesting. Check it out!
What an incredible night Jewrotica was!!!! There was this fantastic moment, in a sea of Jews of all sexualities, ages, backgrounds and denominations, that I realized we were all in this together! I hope that there are many more events coming to Austin soon!
Jewrotica is inspiring Jews and erotica with holiness and coolness, and is the pride of progressive Judaism. Jewrotica – awesome!
I love the inclusiveness – there is something for everyone, in and out of the Jewish community.
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