Yet so many people are up in arms against sex. The puritanical right
wing, organized religions, people who've been abused and harassed,
your parents when they thought you were too young, just to mention a
few. In some way, they'll all punish you or put you down if you're
too up-front with your sexuality. And there are sexually transmitted
diseases to worry about. Has any of this caused you to internalize
the bum rap that sex is bad?

Most of us grew up in this world that's so confused about sex. We're
not taught about sexual pleasure, lovemaking skills, or the link
between sex and spirit. We get programmed with all sorts of
conflicting beliefs, silly ideas, and false taboos. Because it's not
valued and honored, we're not open about it, we don't talk about it,
and we stuff all our feelings. Repression of this insatiable part of
life only forces the abundant energy inside. As a result there are
too many sexual predators out there, too much sexual abuse, too much
wounding. Even if you've never experience sexual violence, you must
have received mixed messages, been judged harshly, and rejected.

So we're shy about talking to those we're attracted to, guilty about
playing with ourselves, and awkward at the best of times. Not knowing
how everything works and scared about being discovered in the back
seat of the car or the living room couch, we rush through what we
could otherwise spend hours enjoying.

This conflict creates a problem for many people. They get excited and
suppress it. They get aroused but keep it to themselves. They want it
but don't admit how turned on they are. They're pressured by intense
feelings, but instead stay still and silent. Release from sexual pressure is very
important for physical and mental health.

Do you agree with me?