In Lovemaking, Give and You Will Receive

The Ananga Ranga is a book of love that appeared around the time of the Kama Sutra. The quote above gives credence to the notion that when we're present and giving to our partner, we receive the same back in generous amounts. We spiral upward, in ever-expanding ways, rather than spiraling downward into old, timeworn patterns.

In the practice of Tantra, when we learn the ways our partner likes to be touched, spoken to and respected, we cannot help but have deeper communication and greater understanding of his or her nature. Exploring and learning new things together brings a bigger awareness to the relationship.

Spiritual sexuality is one of the paths that a couple can take to bring about a transformation in the relationship, and it may bring about the most profound changes.

The simple act of sitting cross-legged, facing each other, eye-gazing and breathing together can cause a whole range of reactions. You might feel silly or New Age-y, afraid and vulnerable, excited or confused. But if you stay, breathe and soften, a whole range of new sensations will arise. Not only will you feel more open, you'll be passing valuable pheromones to each other. These are the love chemicals that are contained in our breath, body secretions and sweat, and they're an important part of what connected you with your partner when you first met.