How is it that the word "pleasure" often invokes uncomfortable or misconstrued connotations? Pleasure, at its core, is simply the act of enjoying something good—without pain or suffering; being pleasantly anchored in the present moment. Yet, in today’s world, this beautiful concept has been twisted, warped, and misunderstood. Why has this seemingly innocent pursuit become so complicated, so loaded with innuendo and judgment?
Take a moment to do a little experiment. Ask a few friends how the word “pleasure” makes them feel. It’s likely that some of them will squirm, shifting uncomfortably, as their faces contort into amused yet awkward expressions. It's almost comical, but telling. Why does such a natural, human experience evoke such a mixed response?
When Did Pleasure Get So Convoluted?
As I reflect on this, I can’t help but wonder if this shift has roots in the cultural revolutions of the 1960s. The “hippie” ideals that flourished during that time embraced freedom, joy, and connection with the self, the earth, and others—but also led to an overemphasis on instant gratification. While it’s difficult to pinpoint exactly when pleasure began to take this turn, something about that era sticks out.
For example, my husband grew up in a household heavily influenced by the hippie movement. His parents, who were married IN a tree (yes, we have the pictures to prove it!), held a particular philosophy that shaped his formative years. They believed that if something didn’t feel good, you shouldn’t do it. Sounds great, right? But there was a negative side to this idea. This belief created a perpetual pursuit of pleasure, a life lived seeking the next moment of happiness without the depth and commitment required for true inner fulfillment.
The Downside of Unbalanced Pleasure
As you can imagine, this self-focused mindset can cause significant damage. Constantly chasing fleeting pleasures often leads to a life devoid of structure and purpose. When the goal is only to feel good, other values—commitment, drive, passion—tend to fall by the wayside. Relationships can suffer as real connection requires dedication through both joy and discomfort. Growth demands hard work, persistence, and, yes, doing things that aren’t always pleasurable in the moment but rewarding in the end.
Some of life’s greatest pleasures are born from enduring periods of challenge and discomfort. Consider the satisfaction that comes from mastering a difficult skill, finishing a piece of artwork, or the deep connection that forms in relationships after weathering a storm together. These experiences are the antidotes to a shallow pursuit of pleasure because they lead to lasting joy.
Rediscovering True Pleasure
Maybe the issue isn’t with pleasure itself but with the way we've come to define it. Pleasure doesn’t need to be about indulgence or avoidance of discomfort. Instead, it can be about balance and expressing artistic creativity—finding joy in both the easy and the difficult moments. This is where the real magic happens: when we recognize that pleasure is not about constant ease, but about embracing all that life has to offer, the good, the hard, and the in-between.
Now ask a few friends to describe a “simple pleasure” in their lives. Note how the word “pleasure” takes on a different feel. For example, imagine savoring a moment of peace after a long, exhausting day. The quiet pleasure of a hot bath, the simple joy of being fully present with loved ones, or the satisfaction of achieving something hard-earned. These are pleasures that are deep and lasting. They don’t require running away from discomfort but learning to coexist with it, to bring balance to when life happens! In fact, the richest pleasures often arise when we stop chasing them and instead create a life that allows them to flow naturally.
Embracing Pleasure, Upside Down
At Light & Love Box, we’re all about helping you reclaim pleasure on your own terms—pleasure that is rooted in authenticity, balance, creativity, and intention. Our Pleasure guided ritual box is designed to support your journey toward joy that is both grounded and expansive, so you can reconnect with the true meaning of pleasure.
The truth is that some of the greatest pleasures in life come from dedication, perseverance, and balance. When we stop seeking pleasure as an escape, and instead allow it to be a part of our growth and self-discovery, we find ourselves turning everything upside down—in the best way possible. Need some inspiration? Check out this video.
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