• our time • Masturbating. The taboo art of touching oursel..

• our time • Masturbating. The taboo art of touching ourselves that has been casted aside as a sinful act, a dirty dance, a fleshly fantasy we keep hidden away from everyone, sometimes including ourselves. I’ve received messages from women on every platform venting their frustrations because they CRAVE comfort in their own skin. There aren’t words to express how harrowing it is to know that not only I, but so many of my peers were taught to view our bodies this way. A forbidden fruit we can only offer to others but can never taste ourselves. Yet when we are alone there are more ways to love our bodies than just in a sexual manner. Think back on a time you mindlessly ran your finger across your own arm as you watched tv, when you’ve played with your own hair, dance/sang in the mirror just to move and have fun, or even massaged your own foot when taking off uncomfortable shoes.. in each way you were befriending, caring and comforting your body. It feels good, your skin feels soft, you’re giving into your bodies need for comfort and release- and it’s the same for every part of your body including the sexual organs. Let yourself scratch the itch that comes naturally. You deserve your soft skin beneath your own palms, your soft hair through your fingers, to look at yourself in the mirror and be confident in the image you see not because it fits the beauty standard but because it’s someone you love and want to take care of in its most vulnerable state. Treat yourself like a one night stand that keeps spending the night and somehow they end up still with you every morning for the rest of your life. Let yourself giggle and feel awkward because it is awkward. Let yourself explore your body like a tourist taking in scenic routes that locals take for granted. The world won’t end just because your orgasm was world shattering. Let yourself become music to your own ear, singing a melody only you get to hear alone in your room. Feel your chest rise and fall with every breath, every moan escape your lips. And give yourself grace after when the guilt sets in. Comfort foods and pajamas and blankets. A movie or book that feels like home. Take a shower or a bath, just lean into your own company and relax. I’ve even personally come to allow my partner into the experience because of the immediate aftercare I receive from them, which drowns out any intrusive thoughts of shame or repulsion. I can love my body and know I’m normal, I’m loved, I’m sexy even. My Me time, has become our time but above else I still get to share myself with ME. Your body is yours alone, so why should anyone else enjoy it more than you do?