What if the word 'pleasure' has been whispering "approve me" all along? Today, I'm thrilled to dive deep into a word that's more complicated than it seems: pleasure. In this episode, Sarah Diedrick (writer, sex educator, yoga teacher) and I explore the multifaceted nature of pleasure and its importance in our lives. In this episode, you'll learn: How the definition of pleasure has evolved over time and its connection to approval The difference between seeking pleasure and being receptive to it How our nervous system impacts our ability to experience pleasure The cultural messages we receive about pleasure and how they shape our experiences The importance of communication in relationships and pleasure How pleasure intersects with work, rest, and daily life Highlights from our conversation: Sarah shares her journey of expanding her understanding of pleasure beyond just sex We discuss the importance of playfulness and receptivity in experiencing pleasure We explore how trauma and stress can impact our ability to be open to pleasure We delve into the connection between pleasure and approval, and how it shapes our experiences Sarah explains the differences between spontaneous and responsive desire, and how understanding these can improve relationships We talk about the challenge of communicating our needs and desires, especially in intimate situations We share our thoughts on the pleasure of food and how it connects to all our senses and community Resources mentioned: Emily Nagoski's book "Come As You Are" Judith Lasseter's teachings on perception Kara Lowenthal's thought work Connect with Sarah: Instagram: @sarahdiedrick Newsletter: "Intimate Distance" on Substack Connect with me at itsallpoetry.podcast@gmail.com And sign up for my weekly marketing prompts that don't feel gross at nicolecopy.com/prompts