Of all the emotions and experiences that humans get to navigate, pleasure is often the most difficult to connect with. There can be feelings of guilt, of shame. Perhaps there's even a scarcity mindset at the root, telling tales of others being worthy but you yourself not being. We're here to tell you- you're not alone with this experience.

Pleasure is the stepping stone into embodiment, and embodiment is the foundation of being present. Being present in a world that offers a lot of trials and difficulties is a gift- to yourself, to your community. Today is about navigating what shadow aspects exist when examining our pleasure; let us name them and hold them softly, curiously, and with compassion.

Today's Journaling Prompts:

• What sensations arrive when you think of doing something pleasureful for yourself? Trace the feeling to its roots— what stories might exist that are enforcing these feelings?
• What conditions might allow your body to release tension, rigidity, and judgement? 

Today's Spell:

EMPRESS BATH RITUAL

The Empress in the tarot doesn't live in a fortress of snow and ice—they live in a flourishing, bountiful garden. Sink into the softest of sanctuaries with this ritual bath, and allow yourself to be seen, to be held, to be warmed by the silky waters. You will need:

• Fresh (or dried) petals or flower heads of your choosing
• The Empress card from the tarot
• Your softest, fluffiest towel
• Optional: a pink candle to bring radical self acceptance

Draw your bath and place the Empress card in a dry place where you can see it. Light your candle and place it by this card. As you sink into the tub, imagine your skin unfurling like flower petals, leaving your soft, tender self exposed to the water. Allow yourself to be soothed, touched, and witnessed in this vulnerable state. Let the Empress remind you that your softness is a gift, babe. See if you can extend this softness to the shadow aspects that came up. You might try offering yourself affirmations; Pleasure does not override my other core values. Bask in the soothing warmth of your bath for as long as feels good—then wrap yourself in a fluffy towel as you get out. 

As a reminder, by participating in this challenge, you will be entered into a raffle for  In the Mood: Botanical Aphrodisiacs! Sharing challenge reflections every day via Instagram will give additional entries for a chance to win a FREE ticket to the upcoming class. That's 5 extra entries! make sure you tag us so that we can share <3 

Snag a ticket while you can, also- if you win we will refund ya!