Pleasure can be a tricky thing.We are taught that pleasure is wonderful, something to aspire to, something to indulge in…But not too much, too often, or in the “wrong” ways.Oh, and pleasure is only for people who have earned it – either by being born rich/powerful or by working hard and achieving that right to claim it.Pleasure for folks who are deemed undeserving is seen as laziness, as unfair, as addiction, as something worthy of punishment.

And yet, we were all born with an inherent understanding and desire for pleasure. We delighted in our bodies – in how it felt to touch them and move them. We sought out new experiences, new textures, new sensations eagerly and without apology.

As adults, pleasure can be complicated.

Some people are taught that their sexual pleasure is a given while others are taught that theirs is a nice-to-have or a bonus.

Some people are taught that food is pleasure without apology while others see pleasurable foods as the enemy in their quest to attain/maintain thinness.

Some people believe that pleasure is the work of evil entities while others believe pleasure is a god unto itself.

Pleasure is natural. Pleasure is available to us in almost every moment of every day if we open to it.

And, at the same time, pleasure isn’t always nice. It isn’t always easy or convenient. Sometimes pleasure is full of uncertainty, especially if we’re seeking the kind of pleasure that truly speaks to our soul.

Pleasure can be found in the relief you feel after having finally said that super scary thing. Sometimes pleasure is only ours after we move through the pain. Other times, pleasure is actually waiting for us inside of the pain, inside our discomfort.

And, as Conner wondered in his study of Charles Fourier, what if we allowed ourselves to be entirely driven by pleasure?

So, I’m curious…

What did the world teach you about pleasure growing up? Did you deserve it? Were you told it was even an option for you? And when has pleasure offered growth or discomfort or surprise?