Discover Orgasmic Meditation: The Art of Surrendering to Sensation
Jan 15, 2025
Your body holds the key to a state of consciousness that most people never experience. Orgasmic Meditation (OM) unlocks this potential through a simple 15-minute practice that’s taking the wellness world by storm. Not quite meditation, not quite sex – OM exists in a category all its own, offering a unique path to presence, pleasure, connection, and various health benefits.
What is Orgasmic Meditation?
For 15 minutes, one partner gently strokes the clitoris of the other, with a featherlight touch. The goal is not to "achieve" anything but to simply be. To feel. To surrender to the sensations as they arise and dissipate. In this shared space, time softens, and the mind stills, allowing both partners to experience the alchemy of conscious presence.
Orgasmic meditation gained mainstream attention in 2004 through Nicole Daedone., the co-founder of OneTaste. In her 2011 TEDx Talk, Daedone shared that she first learned about the practice from a Buddhist monk. Under her leadership, OneTaste presented orgasmic meditation as a practice to help individuals reconnect with their sexuality, enhance their intimate relationships, and support personal healing. The practice and the journey of OneTaste were later explored in the Netflix documentary Orgasm Inc: The Story of OneTaste.
Daedone’s live demonstrations of OM became an iconic part of OneTaste workshops, showcasing her unique ability to command presence. As Aurora Wells from The Cut described, Daedone would demonstrate the practice in front of audiences, stroking a volunteer’s clitoris with featherlight precision. Participants were encouraged to “speak their sensations,” describing physical feelings like “burning in my chest” or “tingling in my pussy” to heighten their awareness and connection.
Is it The Same as Traditional Meditation?
Traditional meditation often guides practitioners inward, focusing on the breath, silence, or inner stillness to cultivate awareness and transcendence. Orgasmic meditation, however, is a structured practice that invites participants to anchor their awareness in the body, sensations, and the shared energy field between partners.
Unlike traditional meditation, which is often a solitary pursuit, orgasmic meditation is a partnered practice. This dynamic interaction introduces a profound element of relational presence, where the practitioner not only connects with their own inner landscape but also with another’s. The giver and receiver become mirrors, reflecting each other’s vulnerabilities, truths, and energies. This shared presence deepens the experience, revealing the sacred in the seemingly mundane.
A Note on the Term "OM" and Its Sacred Origins
Before delving further, it’s important to acknowledge that the term "OM" holds deep significance in Hinduism. OM (or AUM) is considered the sacred primordial sound that represents the essence of the universe, the soundless sound from which all creation arises. It is revered as a symbol of divine energy and connection to the ultimate reality.
The term "OM" used in Orgasmic Meditation is an abbreviation and was not chosen to diminish the sacredness of the original term. Instead, over time, the practice gained popularity, and the term "OM" became widely used as a shorthand to describe this specific meditation.
While the name has sparked reactions from those who honor the sacredness of OM in its original spiritual context, it’s important to note that the use of this term is not intended to be disrespectful. Rather, it reflects the terminology chosen by the creators of Orgasmic Meditation and the community that practices it.
How Does It Differ from Sexual Meditation?
Orgasmic Meditation (OM) is a structured attention training practice that differs from sexual meditation in several key ways. While sexual meditation often focuses on achieving a specific outcome, OM emphasizes a focused, intentional approach to connecting with another person through a specific action—stroking the clitoris for 15 minutes. This practice highlights the importance of being present and experiencing sensations without distraction or a specific outcome in mind.
1. Focus on Sensation Over Sexuality
Sexual meditation often involves integrating sexual energy with spiritual practices, using the act of sex as a meditative tool. In contrast, orgasmic meditation isolates a specific point of focus, the clitoris, and emphasizes sensation as a gateway to mindfulness. In orgasmic meditation, the intention is not to amplify desire but to explore how subtle sensations can deepen presence and lead to greater emotional awareness.
2. Non-Sexual Context
Unlike sexual meditation, which may often involve full-body intimacy and the merging of energies through intercourse, OM creates a structured, non-sexual container. The giver applies lube to their left index finger to facilitate a gentle stroking motion. The roles of giver and receiver are clearly defined, with no expectation of reciprocation or climax.
3. Partnered but Not Romantic
While sexual meditation is often practiced between romantic partners, orgasmic meditation does not require such a connection. The focus is not on the relationship itself but on the shared experience of presence and connection, fostering connected relationships.
4. A Journey Into the Present
Orgasmic mediation anchors participants firmly in the present moment, helping them deal with the challenges and stressors of everyday life. It celebrates the micro-moments of life, each stroke, each breath, as a portal to deeper consciousness. Rather than using energy to ascend, it invites practitioners to descend into the richness of the now, where divinity resides within every sensation.
Simplicity and Accessibility: A Structured Attention Training Practice
OM’s clear structure and limited timeframe, 15 minutes of focused practice, makes it uniquely accessible compared to the often elaborate rituals of sexual meditation. It strips away complexity, allowing even beginners to experience the profound shifts that come from presence, touch, connection, and personal growth.
The 4 Steps to Orgasmic Meditation
Orgasmic Meditation (OM) is a practice that combines mindfulness and sexuality. It involves a partner gently stroking a woman's clitoris for 15 minutes with no goal other than to feel the sensation. This practice is said to increase connection, intimacy, and overall well-being.
OneTaste offers a coach training program to help individuals learn and teach the practice of OM.
Step 1: Communication - Building the Foundation of Trust
Before beginning OM, open dialogue is essential to create a sense of safety and mutual understanding. This step is where partners align their intentions and establish clear boundaries, ensuring a shared commitment to presence and care.
Take a few moments to express your goals for the session. Whether the focus is connection, healing, or simply exploring sensation, clarity sets the tone for the practice.
Respecting each other’s comfort levels is key. Use this time to share any physical, emotional, or energetic boundaries, and ensure both partners feel fully heard.
Use principles of Tantric dialogue, open, nonjudgmental communication, to create a container of trust.
Step 2: Nesting - Creating the Sanctuary
The “nest” is the sacred space where OM takes place, and its preparation is an act of care and intention.
Lay down clean linens or a soft blanket as the foundation for your nest, using a yoga mat as a supportive base to enhance comfort and experience. Include cushions or comfortable seating for both partners to relax fully.
Keep a washcloth and lubricant within reach to maintain hygiene and ease during the practice. Use a timer to set the 15-minute duration, ensuring the structure is honored.
Add elements that foster relaxation, such as dim lighting, calming scents like lavender, or soft background music. This attention to detail helps both partners feel held in the space.
Step 3: Stroking Technique - Entering the Flow
The stroking phase is the heart of orgasmic meditation, where the giver’s touch becomes a meditation and the receiver surrenders to the sensations. Precision, presence, and intention guide this intimate exchange.
The giver’s attention is directed to the upper-left quadrant of the clitoris, a point known for its sensitivity and receptivity. This focus ensures a gentle yet effective connection to the receiver’s energy.
The giver’s strokes should be no firmer than the pressure of an eyelid, maintaining a light, rhythmic touch that fosters relaxation and awareness.
Both partners remain attuned to the subtle shifts in sensation and energy. The receiver practices being fully present, while the giver listens through their touch, adjusting as needed.
For the entire 15 minutes, the giver maintains a consistent rhythm and connection, allowing the receiver to explore the flow of sensations without interruption.
Step 4: Closing - Integrating the Experience
As the timer signals the end of the session, the practice transitions into a phase of reflection and integration. This step honors the shared journey and creates space for gratitude and connection.
The giver slowly and intentionally withdraws their hand, maintaining the same care and presence as during the stroking phase.
Partners may choose to share their sensations, emotions, or insights. This open exchange deepens the connection and allows both to integrate the experience.
Acknowledge each other’s willingness to engage in the practice. Whether through words or a shared moment of silence, gratitude reinforces the sacredness of orgasmic meditation.
Adopting a Non-Judgmental Mindset: Embracing What Is for Greater Emotional Awareness
OM is not about achieving orgasm or reaching a specific milestone. Let go of any pressure to perform or meet expectations, and instead approach the practice with curiosity and openness. Treat each sensation, thought, or emotion as a valid part of the experience. There is no right or wrong way to feel during orgasmic meditation, everything that arises is simply an expression of your unique journey.
Be gentle with yourself, particularly if doubts or insecurities surface. Acknowledge these feelings with kindness and return your focus to the practice, knowing that OM is a space for growth and healing. The true essence of OM is found in presence. By surrendering to the moment without evaluation, you unlock its transformative potential, discovering the sacred within the simplicity of being.
Perspectives from Practitioners: Building Connected Relationships
To understand the impact of Orgasmic Meditation, let’s hear from those who have experienced it:
- Suzannah Weiss from Glamour noted: "At the first workshop I attended, we discussed everything from our sexual fantasies to our biggest fears without reservation. After trying the practice itself, I didn’t have the ‘15-minute orgasm’ some say they get, but I did feel relaxed, energized, and immediately close to the stranger I was OM-ing with."
- "Each time I’ve dipped a toe in the OM pool, it’s been a really freeing experience. The openness of my fellow attendees was refreshing, making me feel like I could be uncharacteristically honest with a group of people I had never met before."
A Balanced Perspective: Honoring Both Masculine and Feminine Energies
While Orgasmic Meditation is a powerful practice that empowers feminine energy by focusing on clitoral stimulation, it raises an important question: why is there no reciprocal practice designed to honor masculine energy? From a Tantra perspective, the balance of masculine and feminine energies is essential for harmony within individuals and the world at large. In Tantra, both the feminine (Shakti) and masculine (Shiva) are considered sacred, and their equal honoring is vital for personal and collective transformation.
Orgasmic Meditation is undoubtedly a profound way to nurture and empower the feminine essence, fostering healing and presence for both participants. However, to achieve true balance, practices that equally celebrate the masculine, such as lingam worship or other forms of honoring male energy, are equally important. Tantra teaches that both energies must be acknowledged and revered to create harmony both within and without.
From the perspective of Tantra Essence, the key to global harmony lies in honoring both energies equally. By integrating practices that empower both the feminine and the masculine, we can foster a deeper understanding of ourselves and each other, creating a world rooted in respect and unity.
FAQ
What Does Oming Mean?
"Oming" is the colloquial term for practicing Orgasmic Meditation. It refers to the act of engaging in the OM practice, whether with a partner or solo. Oming is a way to explore sensation, foster presence, and create a sacred space for connection and self-discovery. It is not about sexual gratification but about embracing the richness of the present moment.
Does Meditation Increase Arousal?
Meditation, including OM, can increase sensitivity and awareness, which may heighten arousal. By quieting the mind and tuning into the body, practitioners often experience a deeper connection to sensation and energy flow. However, in OM, the goal is not arousal or climax but presence and mindfulness. Any increase in arousal is simply a natural byproduct of heightened awareness and connection.
What is the AUM Technique?
The AUM (Awareness Understanding Meditation) technique is a dynamic meditation practice created by Veeresh, a disciple of Osho and the founder of the Humaniversity in Holland. Veeresh developed many "Social Meditations," as he called them, designed to foster emotional expression, self-awareness, and connection with others. Among these, AUM meditation remains one of the most popular.
This therapeutic process involves a series of guided steps, often practiced in a group setting, that encourage participants to explore and express different emotional states. While Veeresh has passed away, his meditations and the work of the Humaniversity continue to thrive, bringing his vision of connection and mindfulness to people worldwide.
