Be a pleasure puppy this summer

Our cat Yoda is nicknamed “the pleasure pig.” Yoda demands massive amounts of attention, belly rubs, cheek scratches, and snacks we called “Yoda’s Crack.” The other day, I was watching Brian give Yoda his yoga stretching massage and was silently wishing that I was as good at demanding pleasure as Yoda is!

I think it’s safe to say that there is always room in life for more love and more pleasure. And, whether you have a partner or not, there are lots of ways to activate and create more loving and pleasurable feelings.  I want to encourage you to become a Pleasure Puppy this summer!

Here’s how:

When you want to feel more love, you can consciously do it by actively releasing the hormone oxytocin into your brain. Stress is one of the main reasons we become depleted in oxytocin, so taking simple steps to rebuild it is necessary to maintain a happy, healthy lifestyle.

Known as the “bonding” chemical, oxytocin is really good for you. According to love master Dr. John Gray, women need to constantly rebuild their “oxytocin” levels. Oxytocin is the bonding hormone essential for women in their ability to give and receive love.

Taking time for mani-pedi’s, getting your hair done, receiving massages, taking long, warm bubble baths, listening to music, dancing, walking in nature, a quiet cup of tea, a perfect piece of chocolate (or your favorite treat), coloring and being creative….these are a few ways to add pleasure to your daily life that also rebuild oxytocin.

Oxytocin can be generated lots of ways and the more you have, the better you will feel. Not surprisingly, it plays a big role in producing orgasms.

It’s well known that a simple hug, gazing into the eyes of someone you care about or petting your dog or cat will also boost your oxytocin level. And, going shopping also does the trick. Even if you don’t buy anything, just looking and touching beautiful items makes a difference.

This summer, make time to savor the taste of fresh fruit, inhale the aroma of blossoming flowers, create a gourmet picnic and treat your loved ones to an array of fine wine, French cheese, and baguettes in a beautiful park or by the ocean.  Go for walks in nature, schedule a Skype video chat with a long lost friend, listen to your favorite album from high school, attend an outdoor concert, schedule special events on every new moon, full moon, and crescent moon, and don’t forget to make a fun plan for the 4th of July.

My personal “pleasure recipe” includes a daily bath with aromatherapy, an early morning walk with my husband, and one-on-one time with my cat. If I have a particularly stressful day, I have a special CD of favorite dance tunes that I crank up in my office and I dance and sing (all by myself) until I feel the endorphins surging through me.

If consciously adding pleasure to your daily life doesn’t come naturally to you, I would suggest a little experiment: For the next 7 days, decide to add at least 15-20 minutes of pleasure… all for you. By taking the time to add pleasure to your life, you will be calmer, happier, and more receptive to enjoying and attracting love at every level.

And, as you create your To-Do list, put YOU on the top of that list, then let me know what happens!

Remember, what you put your attention on grows. Add more pleasure and oxytocin to your brain and your life to add more love on every level and become a pleasure puppy!

Wishing you love, laughter, and magical kisses,

Arielle