Erotic Templates
Erotic Template Exploration:
We get it, this is a lot of information that might be super new. Here are two activities to help you explore your Erotic Template a bit more.
Please remember that these activities are to help YOU.
Take your time, do them, or don't do them. It's totally up to you.
Give yourself permission to embody and engage in pleasure centered learning without judgment. There is power and liberation in connecting with and owning one's pleasure and erotic understandings.
If you are uncertain where to begin exploration try solo sex (masturbation). If you are partnered, engage in consensual conversation surrounding possibilities together.
-
Sensate Focus - is a series of intimate touch exercises that were designed to support folks in learning and accessing pleasure in their body through intentional focus without pressure, expectation, or judgment. One can utilize sensate focus solo or with a partner as it was originally intended. Sensate Focus is also helpful for folks who struggle to maintain an embodied state and presence of mind. If interested check out this handout for more information.
Here is a link to a PDF you can reference or print that will quide you
through the phases of Sensate Focus:
-
Genital Self Image Exercise - is helpful in establishing more of a connection and understanding to one's genitals. Grab a hand held mirror and find a comfortable and private place. Spend some time just looking at your body and identifying your parts, notice what comes up for you. For some folks it is helpful to have a labeled anatomical model and identify their own labeled parts. Language is also a meaningful consideration with genitals and should be affirming.
If you have dysphoria or trauma surrounding your genitals that is currently causing distress please opt out of this activity. A point to consider before you opt out, if you are feeling up to it, folks that have dysphoria or trauma might experience some healing through this exercise.
As always, the choice is yours.
Learning opportunity:
All genitals are unique like fingerprints, and diversity is beautiful.
For folks with vulvas who identify as women:
Check out the largest ever research study on cisgender women’s pleasure! OMGYES contains pleasure education along with video’s to support folks.
Want to hear personal stories from cisgender women and their relationship to their vulvas?
For folks with a penis:
Check out these images which show the diversity of anatomy. There are many different sizes and shapes, all of which are normal!