One Taste Austin: The Art of Orgasmic Meditation
/
We met at a crowded Starbucks just north of downtown Austin. I remember feeling nervous about the interview that I was about conduct for this article. I mean, where does one even start an interview that is involving words such as ‘orgasm’ and ‘clitoris’? I arrived to Starbucks before Eleanor, the representative from OneTaste Austin, and could practically feel my stomach in my throat due to the excitement and anticipation. Sex and intimacy are issues that I am extremely intrigued by in the therapeutic context, my mind was just rattling with questions and feeling the need to learn more.
I knew it was her by the way she was walking up to the coffee shop; I thought to myself, ‘this has to be her, I just have that feeling’. Eleanor sat down across the table from me and in an instant I knew that this was going to be an awesome experience and my nerves began to calm. She had an ambiance about her that radiated with confidence and worldly knowledge. Introductions were made, papers were signed and the interview proceeded. During our 45 minutes together I learned more about alternative ways to practice mindfulness, meditation and intimacy than I had in any book or continued education workshop.
OneTaste Austin is an affiliate of OneTaste US. The company originated in San Francisco and planted its roots in the ATX about 3 ½ years ago. OneTaste bases its operations around a concept known as Orgasmic Meditation. I am almost certain that you are now wondering what exactly is Orgasmic Meditation as I was when Robin (CEO & Co-Founder of RAD Austin) pitched the idea to me a few months ago.
Orgasmic Meditation is considered to be a practice of mindfulness between two people in which the object of meditation is finger to genital contact. That’s right, I am talking about the clitoris. The penis can be involved but not until later stages of education and training in the subject of Orgasmic Meditation (OM). And yes, there are terms for those who engage in this activity, a ‘stroker’ and a ‘strokee’. The one who is using their finger is known as the ‘stroker’ and the one who is having their clitoris stroked is the ‘strokee’.
The OM session between the duo always lasts 15 minutes, no more no less. Additionally, there are no commitments after the 15 minutes are up; you both go on about your day and some even go on to OM with other individuals. A few weeks after the interview as conducted I went to an OM event to learn more about the OMing and one individual told me that he will sometimes OM 3-4 times a day with different individuals. For interested individuals there are day-long courses, various teaching series, and even one-on-one coaching sessions for those partners who want a trainer's more individualized attention. To give you more information about OneTaste and OM, below are several interview questions which I asked Eleanor during our time together. I hope you have as much fun reading them as I did asking them!
What are your clients saying about the classes and workshops?
‘People come to the practice for all different reasons. To have better relationships and even better communication and intimacy with other people. The practice tends to weed out the people who are there for superficial reasons. Once they realize it is about meditation and mindfulness they tend to leave. Testimonials are available on the website for people to check out’.
What does a typical OM session look like? Is there a series of sessions or does it depend on the client?
‘We offer three different types of packages for clients; courses, teaching series (not all of them OM), or one-on-one. The course is an all day event, there is talking in the morning about the philosophy and also a live OM demonstration.
I would describe OMing as being similar to the practice of yoga, like yoga for your orgasm. Sessions are 15 minutes every time and it is a sexual practice but OMing is not sex, there is a big difference. There are pieces of OMing that involve you learning about yourself, it is like a path to waking up. OMing also involves learning more about communication and your mind is key.
It is also a partner practice that doesn’t necessarily involve an orgasim, it is more about all of the sensation that is available during the sexual experience.
OMing is also considered a goalless practice, the key focus is feeling sensations in the body for 15 minutes. There is a ‘stroker’ and a ‘strokee’ and both people feel the sensations in their body. A woman lies down, unclothed from the waist down, while her fully clothed partner sits alongside. The one sitting uses his or her index finger to slowly, deliberately stroke the clitoris of the other. Typically the practice involves the wearing of gloves. The session is timed and lasts for exactly 15 minutes. Both partners are directed to focus their attention on the point of contact, or "stroke." It is a limbic connection that makes both of the people feel each other and go on the same ride together. It is about holding more and more sensation and being able to stay focused on it. The nest is also pretty important and includes a mat, blankets and several pillows, you want to be as comfortable as possible. OMing can also help your sex life as it involves a lot of learning how to ask for what you want. It can also help individuals live their life from desire as opposed to fear and also help them learn how to be connected to other people without giving up who they are’.
What is the difference between sex therapy and Orgasmic Meditation?
‘OM is more forward looking and offers more of a coaching side. When we teach OM, you might learn something during OM that you might want to talk to a therapist about’.
What type of training and/or certifications do you and your associates carry? Has Orgasmic Meditation been researched and/or studied, if so what have the results concluded?
‘We learn the practices through the book ‘Slow Sex’. Also, there are training programs (Eleanor is certified by a 10 month program, but now it is offered in a 6 month long program). There has been some medical research done on Orgasmic Meditation and there is more being done’.
There appears to be more of an emphasis on the female orgasm, what is the reason for that?
‘It is more about feeling the orgasm as the woman’.
Do you find yourself referring some clients out for therapy services, meaning can certain issues arise that might be helpful for a therapist to assist with?
‘We recommend that people use all the resources available to them including therapy; and it is rare for us to need to refer someone to a therapist’.
Regarding OneTaste Austin, what are your visions for the future? Do you see the company offering a more diverse set of classes or activities?
‘They would involve the work of intimacy, sexuality, and relationships’.
Have any clients experienced a negative experience from your services? If so, how does your team respond?
‘This practice is not for everyone. It is for people who are willing to take responsibility for their own experience.’
To conclude, the interview has opened my mind to alternative views for mindful practices and meditation. Although the practice might sound taboo to some, I highly suggest you check out their website for more information by clicking the link below. You may find certain aspects to OMing which you can incorporate into your own life.
remember that life is a continuous learning process and the best thing you can do is to get your feet wet and decide for yourself what feels right and what is best.
---------------
Until next time -- take care of yourself, take care of your mind.
Amanda Burk, MA, LPC-Intern, LMFT-Associate
Supervised By: Tammy Fisher, MA, LPC-S, LMFT-S
“Each morning we are born again. What we do today is what matters most.” – Buddha
For Inquiries: www.onetasteaustin.com
Check out our special below we will be running with One Taste Austin for the month of June.
