Sex & Intimacy in the Pink
1 . Intimacy : Many women have a hard time looking at themselves after breast cancer surgeries and treatments , and they don ’ t want their partner to see them naked . This is heart-wrenching , and a scary part of the roller coaster ride . There can be grief , sadness , fear and lots of other feelings about how your body looks now , as well as how it functions . How to find the balance ?
2 . Sexuality : Your body may not work in the same way as before , especially if you have experienced meno-
Sex & Intimacy in the Pink
Intimacy , Sexuality and Relationship Balance
Tools to Maintain your Grip on the Roller Coaster Ride
Let ’ s face it , cancer is a roller coaster ride filled with unexpected twists , turns , dips and climbs . All sorts of challenges arise and life can feel very out of balance . Let ’ s explore some ways to find or regain balance in your intimate , sexual and relationship life .
1 . Intimacy : Many women have a hard time looking at themselves after breast cancer surgeries and treatments , and they don ’ t want their partner to see them naked . This is heart-wrenching , and a scary part of the roller coaster ride . There can be grief , sadness , fear and lots of other feelings about how your body looks now , as well as how it functions . How to find the balance ?
The mirror is your friend . This may sound counterintuitive , but stay with me . The mirror can be a powerful tool for accepting , healing and loving your body as it is now . And it ’ s something you can share with you sweetheart , which will create deeper intimacy . Try this practice :
• Stand naked in front of a full-length mirror . Look into your eyes and breathe . After a few deep breaths , gently lower your gaze to look at your breasts or chest . Imagine that you are looking through the eyes of love at your dearest friend as she sees herself as she is now , radically changed by cancer treatments . Be kind and gentle and say out loud , “ I love you ( your first name ).” Let all the feelings arise and continue to say the words .
• Invite your partner to stand behind you with his or her hands on your shoulders , looking into your eyes with great love and kindness and witness you as you say , “ I love you ” to yourself . Invite him / her to say the same words to you as they look at your body . This is a very powerful healing practice . My suggestion is that you do this daily for a month or two and make it a sacred practice of love and intimacy .
2 . Sexuality : Your body may not work in the same way as before , especially if you have experienced meno-
Summer 2013 THE PINK PAPER
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