One definition of tantric enlightenment is bringing loving awareness to all aspects of life. We practise fully accepting and loving ourselves which gives us the key to fully accepting and loving our external reality. We get less inner critic and more deep connections with the people in our lives, our work, and the earth.

One element which Tantra, Daoism, Birthwork, and Animism have in common is sensual embodiment. The idea is to find divinity in the human body (as opposed to seeing the body as a “dirty meat sack” which must be transcended as many spiritual traditions teach). Our primal, animal nature is equally divine to our spiritual, buddha nature. 

Daoism teaches us to embrace the full-spectrum human experience… the yin and the yang. We learn to: digest and detach from our emotions; liberate from addiction to and aversion from pain and pleasure; and find peace, joy, and love in every moment. The 15th century rebel monk, Ikkyū Sōjun, said it best: “throw me into hell and I’ll find a way to enjoy it”.

Tantra encourages us to explore the taboo… the places we are taught divinity does not exist. Sex is a great example and often the doorway into tantra. Many people hear of a practice where sexual healing and activation can be experienced. This is true! But, it’s about so much more than sex… We often stop ourselves from feeling fully alive because we associate this state with sexual turn on… we feel ashamed of our “sexual” sensations so we shut ourselves down. But, these sensations are actually our life force energy. When we allow our life force to flow… magical things begin to happen… in the bedroom and in our everyday lives! 

Tantra, Daoism, Birthwork, and Animism place an emphasis on utilising any spiritual gifts one may obtain in the service of community. We celebrate each other’s practice as it helps the collective experience more joy. This is a big part of why we are called “Neighbourhuud”.