Can you picture hundreds of people in a big room? Great. They are separated into couples. Now add this: the women are lying on blankets that are set up neatly row after row. Each woman is on her back with her head supported by a pillow. Every woman is nude from the waist down. Do I have your attention? And every partner is fully clothed and sitting on her right side nestled close to her. Each partner is wearing gloves and is gently stroking her vulva – specifically her clitoris. Facilitators with microphones are walking amidst the rows guiding the process, offering instructions every step of the way.
This was the wild experience of OMX – the Orgasmic Meditation Conference that was held last weekend in Oakland, California with up to 1,500 people in attendance.
With dozens of these mini-meditations under my belt over the course of months, I’ve become used to OMing in groups. In this room full of women and men, I felt comfortable, curious and alert. Before we began the practice, my OM partner and I looked into each other’s eyes. We both knew that our participation in this ritual was equal parts bizarre and wonderful.
Later that morning, in a conference hall, Naomi Wolf gave a keynote talk. Wolf is a feminist scholar, author of the books The Beauty Myth and Vagina, and my personal hero. She acknowledged that she speaks publicly often and it’s rare to see women’s faces shine as ours in the audience were shining. A turned-on woman is a beautiful site to behold. And this strange meditation quietly (and then not so quietly) has the affect of lighting women up from the inside. I am one such woman.
I’ve made a commitment to do this practice three times a week for my wellness and sexual health. I am noticing more boldness emerging. This is a really good thing. The world needs more bold women and supportive men to help us get there. I had a marvelous time at this unique and delightful conference. And I’ll never forget how it feels to be in a room with hundreds of women feeling pleasure – all at the same time.