‘Sexuality, without that mirror’: The role of embodied practice in the development of sexual potential

Abstract

Background and purposeResearch needs to take a sex positive approach to the development of sexual health, with sexual intimacy, orientation, and eroticism understood as central to well-being. Embodiment is central to this project. This qualitative study explores how regular embodied practice might encourage the development of sexual potential. Materials and methodsFour women who engaged in a regular embodied practice (e.g., yoga) participated in semi-structured interviews. Verbatim transcripts were analysed using an interpretative phenomenological framework. ResultsThree superordinate themes were identified that captured participants’ journeys toward the development of sexual potential: Other-validated Sexuality, Embodiment Practice, and Self-validated Sexuality. ConclusionEngagement in regular embodied practice encouraged the development of sexual potential in this sample of women by shifting focus from sexuality as experienced from the perspective of the other to the lived experience of sexuality as connected to their bodily states and enabling integration of the spirit and flesh.