Somatic Pleasures with Euphemia Russell

The act of setting time and space for yourself is therapeutic in itself. When adding an intention, along with guidance toward that intention, the act can become a moving ritual.

Full Spectrum Pleasure Coach Euphemia Russell has dedicated themself to helping people create their own space to more fully access the richness of their experiences. Their book, Slow Pleasure, which explores this topic in depth, is included in the Madre Sensual Exploration Kit to help guide participants in their own ritual of embracing somatic potential.

You can find the Sensual Exploration Kit in the Madre Bottle Shop, or you buy it individually online.

In the meantime, we asked Euphemia to share some of their insights on pleasure.

Mmm, beautiful question.

I believe and experience, again and again, that this practice brings a precious and enduring richness to one’s life.

That richness comes from noticing our thoughts, feelings, and sensations in the moment. And in turn, noticing them allows us to be more present with others and the world around us.

Which then makes us feel more alive and connected. Which I believe is what “quality of life” is.

Then we can have real-time information about ourselves and the world to make choices that are more aligned and fulfilling and coincidentally add to our quality of life in the future.

I forget this, again and again, and each time and remember and come back to myself in the present moment, I’m shocked how much richer life is.

WHAT SORT OF RITUALS DO YOU PRIORITIZE IN YOUR DAILY LIFE?

Gosh, so many. But my absolute favorite ritual is that for the length of a song or two, I’ll explore whatever combination of sound, breath, movement, self-touch feels good for me and supports me to express whatever I’m feeling.

My most regular rituals tend to be playful and flexible like this as it allows me to be responsive to my mood, the day, and the season.

Another is that at dinner or the end of the day I’ll ask myself and whoever I’m with: “What moments did you savor in your day?” This reflection allows me to reflect, integrate, and understand the beautiful moments that shaped us and our days.

THIS TOPIC CAN BE INTIMIDATING, WHAT’S THE EASIEST FIRST STEP SOMEONE CAN TAKE TO RECONNECT WITH THEIR BODY?

I really encourage people to be microdosed, messy, imperfect, and playful with any embodiment practices. Do whatever feels fun and pleasurable as you’ll be more likely to continue, repeat, and ritualize. And when you create a ritual, you give yourself a chance to remember, again and again, what is important rather than all the noise.

For example, I think my daily ritual above of one song and allowing sound, breath, movement, and self-touch is so accessible and fun to begin without feeling intimidated.

YOU IDENTIFY AS A “RECOVERING SERIOUS PERSON." WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?

Hehe, I think we’re all too serious in life. But I had a particularly serious pretending era of my life. So now I’m always trying to remember that I can be more silly and playful in my expression, body, and self. I host workshops to remind others of how we can play and soften and open ourselves to more silliness.

IF YOU COULD SHARE A MEZCAL WITH ANYONE LIVING OR DEAD, WHO WOULD IT BE AND WHY?

Ooooooo well I don’t drink often, but mezcal is my favorite drink to drink straight or mixed and I would choose my grandmothers. They both loved a social drink and a long conversation, and I would love one more opportunity to ask them more questions about my family and ancestors.

Explore the Sensuality Exploration Kit made in partnership with Anima Mundi, Maude, Euphemia Russell, and Jamila Woods.

Sensual Enjoyment for Spiritual Enrichment.

Immerse yourself in a sensory oasis. Curated to feed your soul through the power of your five senses. Intended to be experienced alone or with a partner.

AVAILABLE NOW

EACH KIT CONTAINS:

DESCRIBE THE WORK OF A ‘FULL SPECTRUM PLEASURE’ COACH.

+ 200ml flask of Madre Ensamble

+ 4oz Anima Mundi Euphoria Elixir

+ 4oz Maude Burn No.2 Massage Candle

+ ‘Slow Pleasure’ by Euphemia Russell

+ Madre Radio playlist by Jamila Woods

+ Copal resin incense

+ Ceramic incense holder

+ Madre Blessing Matches

+ Sensual Exploration Guide & other materials

Enjoy ‘Home is In Your Body’ by Jamila Woods. A new Madre Radio playlist specially curated for the Sensuality Exploration Ritual Kit but available for all.

I support people to remember their pleasure through somatics, play, intuitive movement, and embodiment practices.

It’s so fun! But also tender work, because part of remembering pleasure is realizing how we’ve all been socialized to forget or dampen our pleasure.

WHAT LED YOU TO PURSUE THIS KIND OF WORK?

Gosh, my work has evolved a lot over the years. But it all began with a curiosity and desire to feel more alive.

I began as a sex educator and counselor. Then, over [the] years, I realized that sexual pleasure was just one expression and experience of a whole spectrum of pleasure possibilities.

So then I studied somatics in a lineage that focuses on how to feel more alive and then blended that with pleasure, play, and intuitive movement practices. So now I offer a unique combination of things.

WHY IS IT SO IMPORTANT TO BE GROUNDED AND AWARE OF ONE’S BODY AND SENSES?