EXPECT MORE

I contributed an article in this publication.

http://issuu.com/soniagri/docs/expectmorefrom2011-soniagrimaldi

THE 7 BIGGEST TANTRA MYTHS

The 7 Biggest Tantra Myths

Tantra is an umbrella term which although ancient in it’s roots has lost much of its traditional meaning in its translation to the west, so it's not surprising that some people – even many experienced practitioners– have misconceptions about what its true meaning is. 

Here are the seven most common myths I often hear about Tantra.

Myth #1: Tantra is all about sex

Because Tantra has nearly always been associated with sex in the west it's tempting to think that that is all it is about. But this is a misnomer and not the case at all. It is really first and foremost a way of experiencing life to further deepen spiritual realisation - a pathway of meditation, transformation and liberation. Integrating self-love, truth and unity with the Divine Masculine and Divine Feminine is the core of Tantra. Filling your own cup from the inside out so that it overflows and you can extend this sense of wholeness and self love to your beloved. We then have spiritual sexuality.... two beings in their sovereignty and authenticity so that when physical unity takes place we have a circulation of energy so powerful that it may heal and transform.

Myth #2: There's only one way to learn Tantra

Many dedicated people who recognise the great opportunity in learning Tantra sometimes think there is only one right way to learn Tantra and that way is to find a tantric master and follow a particular approach and line of teaching to the exclusion of all others. That is certainly one way, and it may actually be the most effective, but it's by no means the only way. It also may be unrealistic to find a genuine Tantra master today in the West, so you may be searching a long time. But there are nevertheless many very good teachers in the West who can help you cultivate a personal practice and reach the level of proficiency that you desire. There are workshops you can do, transformational one on one sessions and of course you can always read about Tantra and view Tantra then experiment with it yourself. 

Like all spiritual practices,Tantra begins with YOU.

Myth #3: There's only one right way to do Tantra

In today’s world there are three main lines of teaching in Tantra and many, many other ways to do Tantra that can still give benefits and add to our modern lifestyle. There is white Tantra which is a very internal spiritual approach, red Tantra which is more external and sexual... then somewhere in between these two, which is the path that I aspire to and which attempts to take the best of these two approaches and integrates them as seamlessly as possible into one.

Myth #4: Tantra is only for heterosexual couples

Many Tantra practitioners have the mindset that Tantra should only be used for improving sex in heterosexual relationships. That's natural, because that might be what first attracted them to the idea of Tantra, but Tantra is a practice that is applicable to everyone regardless of sexual orientation.

Given the fact that sex is the universal energy of Love there are many other opportunities and reasons for exploring Tantra – for example, using Tantra with:

• Gay and lesbian relationships
• Teenagers and young adults
• For people recovering from addiction
• To help heal abuse and violence
• For singles preparing for a conscious relationship
• For treating sexual dysfunction in men and women

Love is an undiscriminating all pervading force and this is the force we are activating in Tantra. It has no personality or judgement, it just is. So as long as we are in the Tantric space of giving and receiving the beautiful healing energy of love it can be applied to any situation.

Myth #5: Tantra will replace my existing spiritual practices

Some of the tantric practices you do may replace existing practices, but many don't - and sometimes they can't. For example, it's difficult for some people to get their head around all the different eastern terminology used and the rituals to create an authentic tantric experience. But that's no reason to abandon Tantra altogether. Many of the honouring and intimacy techniques and the meditations can promote, support, complement, supplement, and add tremendous value to your existing lovemaking and spiritual practices.

Myth #6: Tantra is complicated

In fact Tantra is actually very very simple. That’s probably what makes it seem so complicated because a lot of people can’t believe that these practices can be so simple and suspend their disbelief long enough to just give them a try. We seem to think that everything has to involve “doing” and great effort and keeping ourselves very busy before anything of value can happen. Tantra is a more feminine approach and is about receiving, trusting and resting in the knowing that everything will get done in perfect timing and then the bliss and love can enter our lives and the body through grace, ease and relaxation. At first it may feel unfamiliar and difficult, but that's true of anything new! I hope that doesn't stop you from dipping your toes in the water and getting started. Really, Tantra is as simple as being conscious of two things: Breath and being present with the flow of giving and receiving love.

Myth #7: Tantra does not apply to the West

Really? Spirituality is a part of daily life, and no longer something separate. Sexuality is a big part of life and an important aspect to our connecting and relationships. The idea of separating these elements of life is changing. People have access to many more teachings of different spiritual pathways and information than ever before. In the Western world we have looked at our bodies, relationships, sex and spirit in a way that has been fragmented. Tantra offers you a new possibility of integrating your sexual and spiritual energies. This allows for a greater expression of freedom and vitality which opens you up to your full potential as a human being where you are no longer held back by the constraints of fear, shame and guilt.

I'm saying we all need Tantra in the west. If not now, then very soon.

Want to know more about Tantra?

Attend a workshop or book a one on one private consultation.

                                      www.tantraflow.com

                                     ABUNDANCE OF ALL GOOD THINGS

TANTRA FOR PEACE

Tantra Tip For the Month

First, to awaken and unblock the flow of masculine energy in your body and spirit, try this meditation: 

Start by envisioning light at the top of the head in a halo-like circle, funneling energy from the heavens into the body.

 Allow this light and energy to spiral slowly downward, first opening the third eye at the center of the forehead, then circulating into the neck and throat, and fanning downward into the heart and hands, expanding your feelings of love and tenderness.

 As energy continues to course downward, begin to pay closer attention to the subtle sensations of the physical body and the senses. 

If you feel compelled to stretch a little, or make strange noises, or even undulate or crawl around on the floor like a snake, go ahead and do whatever you want. Allow the energy to warm and open the pelvis, circulate through the genitals and buttocks, and then pour downward, through the thighs and calves, and out the bottom of the feet into the earth. For ten minutes, remain in this connection to the lower chakras, allowing your movements and breath to be guided by instinctual body awareness and a feeling of oneness with nature.

Then, to enhance the flow of feminine energy in your body and spirit, try this meditation: Begin by feeling the earth solidly beneath you, allowing a sensation of warmth and vitality to pulse through the entire lower body. Now slowly move this energy up out of the legs and pelvis, and allow it to spread across the torso into the heart. 

Rest for a moment in the connection between the lower body and the energy of the heart, allowing this mixture of physicality and compassion to flow into your arms and hands. Next continue to move energy upward into the throat. Relax the back of the throat and then open the mouth as wide as you can like a lion roaring. Do this a few times if necessary until the neck and throat are fully open and relaxed. 

Now allow energy to continue flowing upward into the head, expanding the third eye at the center of the forehead. Finally, envision the top of your head opening up so that a fountain of light spouts upward from your body to mingle with the energy of the heavens. 

Rest for 10 minutes in a state of higher awareness and silent communion with your divine essence.