Our culture’s stigmatization of female bodies has long shrouded the experience of intimacy with ourselves in shame, making it difficult for many of us to connect with our bodies fully. Whether you grew up giving your genitals nicknames, being told off from even looking at them, or being forbidden from asking questions or exhibiting any curiosity about this part of your body, this might sound familiar to you too. 

This shame and disconnection can have numerous negative impacts on our lives. It can lead to a sense of disempowerment, low self-esteem, and even physical health issues. It can even make us less likely to enforce boundaries with others. In contrast, deepening intimacy with the body can be incredibly empowering and transformative, playing a crucial part in our mental, emotional, and sexual wellbeing. At Mauj, we believe it’s a birthright. 

To help you gently dive deeper into that journey, we’ve outlined a few simple steps that will help deepen intimacy with your body.

1. Look at your vulva with a mirror. 

Being familiar with how your vulva looks, inspecting it with a mirror, and touching it with the added visual aspect can be a very intimate experience. Set aside time for yourself and use a mirror to discover your vulva at your own leisure. More on that, here.

^{Illustration for Mauj by Pamela Mansour @lustrations}

2. Use an intimacy product. 

Intimacy products vary in their shapes and different uses, and exploring their uses strengthens your grasp of what does and doesn't give you pleasure, and deepens your sense of familiarity and intimacy with your body. Shop our range of pleasure products, here.

3. Take a sensual bath.

Sometimes, a simple sensual bath is all we need to relax and enjoy exploring our bodies. Light a scented candle, put on some music, and observe how different parts of your body react to the water, to your touch, and to any other kind of stimulation. Let down your guard as you discover and deepen your sexual experience.

A final note

Remember that there are no rules. An integral part of this journey is accepting that there is no one way to experience or deepen sexual intimacy. Your timeline, pace and methods are your own, and should only be based on what makes you comfortable. There is no pressure; only discovery and fun!

More from

Self-Pleasure

4 Ways Self-Pleasure Enhances Your Sex Life with a Partner

Read now

Related

 

Body

8 Ways to Mend Your Relationship with Your Body

Read more