On Saturdays I meet my friends Barb and Anne at the Daily Grind. Sometimes we write but mostly we just talk about writing. Today I shared with them my sadness about giving up sugar. I told them about the little girl in me who is holding onto the candy with both hands. She digs in her heels and refuses to let go. It seems wrong to pry the treats from her little fingers.
They helped me to see that what she really wants is sensual pleasure. Those were the words Anne used: sensual pleasure. The words immediately struck a cord. My ears piqued at their sound. I liked the way they felt on my tongue when I repeated them. Sensual pleasure, that's exactly what I longed for.
We brainstormed various sensual pleasures. Anne mentioned play dough and the way it feels between your fingers. Barb described the smell of fresh popped corn (which immediately reminded me of the sound it makes when it hits the lid on the kettle). I shared how much I enjoy rubbing lotion on my feet. We talked about picture books and movie soundtracks and hugging.
Barb reminded us that it's not enough to simply go through the motions. The pleasure comes from being present and paying attention. In fact, it is by paying attention that sensual pleasures are revealed to us. It is when we are living in the present moment that we begin to see that there are sensual pleasures all around us.
This conversation set my heart and mind racing. It was like peeking through a kaleidoscope and seeing the beautiful images formed by tiny bits of glass coming together in an infinite array of designs. Suddenly the taste of chocolate paled in comparison to being fully present to, say, the feel of silk between my fingers or the sight of a sunset or the smell of a ripe peach.
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