As a high achieving Black woman, it can often feel like we are always working, striving for more and pushing ourselves to our limits.
We are ambitious and have big dreams, but often we forget to make time for ourselves and our own happiness.
That’s why we need to talk about pleasure – what it is, why it’s important and how to find it as Black women.
Prefer to listen…you can access the podcast episode about pleasure.
What is pleasure?
Pleasure is anything that brings you happiness, joy, or satisfaction. It’s the good feeling that you get when you’re doing something that you enjoy. It can be as simple as taking a walk in nature, reading a good book, or indulging in your favorite foods.
Tea is my pleasure. Give me a nice hot mint tea with honey and I swear time stops. From the moment the cup touches my lips, I can feel how the mint tingles in my throat, swells in my chest, and lands in my tummy.
For some people, pleasure might involve physical intimacy or sex. Pleasure is different for everyone, and that’s why it’s essential to take time to explore what brings you joy.
However, I want to make an important distinction here…pleasure ≠ sex.
Why is pleasure important?
As Black women, we have a lot on our plates, from dealing with systemic racism at work to dealing with everyday microaggressions. It’s important to make time for pleasure because it helps us to reduce stress and feel more relaxed.
It can also improve our mood and enhance our overall well-being.
For example, engaging in activities that make us happy increases our levels of dopamine, a feel-good hormone that’s associated with pleasure and reward. When we prioritize pleasure, we can live more balanced and joyful lives.
How can you incorporate pleasure into our daily lives?
One of the first steps to incorporating pleasure into your daily lives is to identify what brings you joy. Take some time to think about the activities that make you feel happy and fulfilled.
It could be dancing, cartwheels, or doing brunch with friends. Once you’ve identified what brings you pleasure, make a plan to incorporate those activities into your daily routine.
It could be as simple as taking a 10-minute break to meditate, or setting aside an hour each week to do something that you enjoy.
Another way to incorporate pleasure into your life is by being intentional about creating a pleasure-centered environment.
Make your home a place of comfort and joy by adding things that make you happy, such as colorful pillows or scented candles.
Create a playlist of your favorite songs, and listen to it whenever you need a mood boost.
Choose clothing that makes you feel good, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different styles or colors…add that purple lipstick while you’re at it.
Pleasure is essential for your well-being and happiness.
As a Black woman, you need to make time for yourself and your own joy. It’s important to explore what brings you pleasure and to make a plan to incorporate those activities into your daily routine.
Whether it’s a morning walk, a lavender bubble bath, or a piece of sweet potato pie, finding pleasure in your life is essential for living a happy and fulfilling life. So let’s prioritize pleasure, and make joy a part of our daily routine.
~Natasha Chentille
