Why sexecology, eco-sexuality and sustainable sex offer real hope for a greener, safer future.
The emerging field of eco-sexuality takes cues from many viewpoints and philosophies. There are the practical aspects, like using eco-friendly lubrication, or eating the right sort of foods (we recommend the Mediterranean diet), and considering whether to have children, and how tree-humpers can best manage reproductive health.
Equally important to the fundamentals of eco-sexuality is the idea of consciousness; that every choice we make has an impact on ourselves and the planet. In order for humanity to birth itself to the next level of awareness, we must visualize a future that is compatible with the values of love and peace, sexual healing and freedom, and global planetary stewardship. Have you consciously considered becoming an eco-sexual yet?
In his 2004 bestseller, Peace is the Way: Bring War and Violence to an End, (Harmony Books, New York) Deepak Chopra wrote:
“Nature is a living expression of consciousness. It adapts to our evolution as we adapt to it. That relationship, as with everything in the tangled hierarchy, is reciprocal and interdependent.
The principle to keep in mind is that consciousness wants to evolve.
Therefore, it is much easier to encourage healing that to align yourself with disease. Love and respect for the environment would create a reversal of the spiraling deterioration in the physical world. We need to trust that this is true, because in a very real sense the environment is sustained by human awareness.”
At the time he wrote his book, the ideas of sexecology, eco-sexuality and sustainable sex had yet to be born. Many environmental activists today are just beginning to understand the importance of greening our intimate lives, both in and out of the bedroom, and some consider these ‘soft’ issues.
How can using an earth friendly vibrator, for example, save our communities from a trajectory towards global warming proportions? What difference can sacred earth centered sexuality have on the looming population growth problem? Is sexing up sustainability going to make a difference to those communities living under repressive regimes or clean up polluted waters?
These are just a few of the many important questions that need to be addressed, but first we’ve got to consider where we want to put our focus. In Peace, Dr. Chopra makes a strong statement when he says it’s disturbing that so much thought is centered on “catastrophic earth changes such as earthquakes and the depleted ozone layer. This kind of prophetic negativity cannot attain a good end.”
We can apply this thinking to eco-sexuality. Few activities are as pleasurable, as co-creative, as satisfying and energetically rich as making love. The health benefits are immeasurable, from improved immune function, reduced stress and even brain regeneration. Observational studies from some of our nearest primate relatives demonstrate that a more female-centered approach to sexuality actually suggests a more overall peaceful social milieu, and we know that sexual freedom (as opposed to promiscuity) is synonymous with healthier children and safer societies.
Eco-sexuality, or sustainable sex, or sexecology – however you want to describe it, it’s all good – offers a way of relating intimately that is both in tune with the planet’s wellbeing and individual lovers. It puts our focus on the positive. It guides us towards more peaceful endeavors. Sexuality that is experienced in the context of freedom from shame, shackles, harm and judgement is good for the planet. Intimacy that doesn’t compromise personal safety or wellbeing or cause irreparable harm to our long-term fertility or sexual health is in tune with planetary wellbeing. We can make love this way. What’s more, green sex doesn’t compromise fun. What’s not to love about being eco-sexy?
Some have even suggested that the green movement in general won’t bring about world peace; only the green love movement stands the greatest chance of accomplishing that goal.
It is, quite simply, one of the many peace-centered ways to build a future intelligently. One that allows us to lead productive (in all meanings of that word) lives in harmony with common goals – in this case, including respect for self and others, mutual satisfaction without compromise, satisfaction and personal as well as planetary responsibility. If we can open to the ideas of harmonious relationships, practically, spiritually and emotionally, that do no harm and instead promote behaviors and values that contribute to an overall more balanced social structure, could we find ourselves reading another bestseller, Conscious Sex is the Way?
Green Prophet has stood as a beacon in the smog from its inception, a website that draws on the concern of people all across the Middle East from various religious and cultural backgrounds. The understanding is that nature knows no boundaries, and therefore we must work together at a grass roots level to address our mutual environmental needs. Why should sexuality be any different?
In fact, two separate workshops this summer are bringing together the superstars of the Eco-sex movement together. Thought leaders in the field of ecosexuality are facilitating both programs including world-renowned activist, Annie Sprinkle, Ph.D., authors of books on the topic, Stefanie Iris Weiss and Dr. Serena Anderlini-D’Onofrio, and conscious love educators such as Robert Silber, LMT. The first takes place next month in San Francisco (USA) and will include a segment on the Middle East peace process; the second weeklong event is in Italy.
For more on both these events, see the links below.
3-Day Workshop in San Francisco, USA
ECOSEX MANIFESTO ART EXHIBIT OPENING NIGHT GALA & the ECOSEX SYMPOSIUM RECEPTION
Facilitated by Annie Sprinkle and Beth Stephens
Friday, June 17. 7:00-9:30 PM (Free)ECOSEX SYMPOSIUM II
Saturday, June 18 10:30 AM to 10:45 PM
Sunday, June 19 10:00-1:30Cost: $35
http://www.sexecology.org/
6-Day Workshop in Italy
ECO-SEXUALITY: A COURSE IN THE ARTS OF CONSCIOUS LOVING
Facilitated Robert Silber, M.S., LMT and Serena Anderlini-D’Onofrio, PhD
Saturday, July 16 at 10:30am – July 21 at 10:30am
Cost: approx 350 Euros including food and lodging
For more information and to sign up:
http://polyplanet.blogspot.com/2011/01/ecosessualita-un-corso-sulle-arti.html
Read more on sexual and eco-sexuality issues:
How do Tree Humpers Prevent Pregnancy?
World Renowned Author Dishes on GINKS, Green Sex and Making Love to Planet Earth
The GINK Manifesto: Childless, loud and Proud
You can follow Tinamarie on @ModernLoveMuse and facebook. She blogs at www.tinamariebernard.com.
Philip – Why am I not surprised! Of course you’ve been a green activist! LOL.
Well, geez, sister Tinamarie, looks like maybe this bodhisattava wannabe has been an eco-sexual all along and just didn’t freakin’ know it? lol. By this I mean the suggested view and practice at my site, artwork and videos of course. Now, what I use in terms of pleasure lubrication and ways-and-means in the practice of such and whether others would consider me “green” or not, well, that’s my private business, thank you very much ;o)
“The Simple Heart of Compassion Sensuality”: http://www.compassionsensuality.net/NEW_HEART_1.html