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OM FAQs

Your guide to the naunces of Orgasmic Meditation

OM Basics

What is Orgasmic Meditation (OM)?

Orgasmic Meditation (OM) is a structured attention training practice conducted between two people who follow a predefined set of detailed instructions. The practice involves one person gently stroking the clitoris of the other person for 15 minutes while both place their attention on the point of contact and notice what they feel.

How does OM differ from sex or masturbation?

Unlike sex or masturbation, which tend to be oriented around the goal of climax without any established structure or attention training protocol, OM is a structured practice focused on harnessing sexual energy for meditation and personal growth.

What are the benefits of practicing Orgasmic Meditation?

Orgasmic Meditation provides participants with access to a powerful state of mind that is sustainable, replicable, reliable, and relatively expedient. It promotes human flourishing, or what is called Eudaimonia, and has been shown to increase positive emotions, decrease negative emotions, and enhance closeness and connection.

Is there scientific research supporting the effectiveness of OM?

Yes, research from MIT, Jefferson University, University of Pittsburgh, and others has demonstrated the potential impact and effectiveness of OM. A peer-reviewed study found that 62% of practitioners reported having had a mystical experience during an OM, with the power of these experiences being comparable to the effects of the second-highest dose of psilocybin in another study.

How does OM compare to meditation in terms of brain connectivity?

A study by Dr. Andrew Newberg at Thomas Jefferson University observed that how OM affects certain regions of the brain more closely resembles brain patterns seen in meditation than sexual activity.

What makes OM a meditation practice?

OM is a meditation practice because it involves placing attention on the point of contact where the clitoris meets the finger, staying present with a dynamically shifting object of attention. The attentional aspect defines the practice as meditation, not simply sitting and breathing.

Why does OM focus on the clitoris and finger?

The clitoris has more than 8,000 nerve endings, the highest number of any body part, making it primed for subtlety and feeling each nuance. The tip of the finger is the most dextrous part of the human body, with the finest motor control available. When these two body parts make contact, the potential for resonance is infinite.

Can I OM alone?

No. Orgasmic Meditation is a partnered practice. Connection is a key component. Just as we can't tickle ourselves, the interaction with another human being is part of what makes OM what it is.

Can I OM with my partner if they haven't gone through the basic training?

No. Both partners must complete the basic training before beginning their practice. If one partner has completed the training but the other hasn't, please wait until both go through the training to practice together. This way, both partners will have the same understanding about the practice, the container, and the steps, and have a deeper connection to their own desire for an OM practice.

How can someone learn Orgasmic Meditation?

Training in OM is available through various channels, including online resources like the OM App for iOS and the Institute of OM website, courses taught in-person by OneTaste or online through The Eros Platform, and private coaching offered by certified OM trainers from the Eros Coaching Collective. Comprehensive study resources include 'The Eros Sutras, Volume 3: Orgasmic Meditation' and the 'Container & Form' document.

OM Container

What is the 'container' in Orgasmic Meditation?

The container in OM consists of a set of unchanging rules that define how the meditation is conducted. It includes prescribed steps, no reciprocation between participants, a 15-minute stroking portion, the stroker remaining fully clothed while the strokee is undressed from the waist down only, and the stroker wearing gloves.

How does the container benefit practitioners?

The container liberates the vigilant part of the mind from its typical duty of monitoring the environment for changes or disruptions, allowing participants to refocus their attention inwardly and enhance their awareness of their own internal experiences and the subtle interplay of sensations during the practice. It also maintains the purity and focus of the practice.

Do I have to follow the container exactly?

Yes, the container is meant to provide structure that helps both partners immerse into the shared experience. The container is integral to the OM practice.

How does the container differentiate OM from sex or other practices?

The OM container, with its specific rules and structure, clearly differentiates the practice from sex or other activities. The container ensures that OM remains a focused, meditative practice rather than a sexual encounter, and it prevents the incorporation of elements that could undermine its purpose.

Is OM considered sex?

No, while OM involves genital stroking, which superficially resembles a sexual act, the intention, step-by-step protocol, and neurological results clarify that OM is vastly different from sex. Research shows that practitioners overwhelmingly consider OM to be more akin to meditation than to sex, and neurological evidence supports this distinction.

What are some examples of what an OM is not?

OM is not adding or skipping steps of the predetermined practice, one partner taking on the role of 'healer' or 'therapist,' overt reciprocation, one partner being untrained, the stroker not being fully clothed or the strokee removing more than just her bottom garments, using substances during the experience, incorporating romantic elements, stroking anything except the glans of the clitoris, or making sexual advances during the OM.

What is the significance of the 15-minute duration in the OM container?

The 15-minute duration emphasizes that the OM practice is not about prolonged engagement or mutual exchange but is focused on the experience within a set timeframe. This time limit is part of the container that helps practitioners trust the practice and let go of vigilance.

How do clothing requirements in the OM container contribute to the practice?

The stroker's full clothing and the strokee's partial undressing create a physical boundary that reinforces the practice's non-sexual nature and focuses on the clitoral stroking. This clothing arrangement is part of the container that helps maintain the integrity of the practice.

What role does the 'nest' play in the OM container?

The nest is the carefully prepared environment for the OM practice. The absence of external stimuli such as music or scents in the nest ensures that the focus remains on the tactile sensations and intrinsic experience, without external influences. Maintaining the nest is part of upholding the OM container.

Why is it important for both partners to be aware of the OM container?

Both partners must be aware of the OM container to ensure they can consciously opt-in to upholding its principles. Adhering to the container is the responsibility of each practitioner, as it is essential for maintaining the safety, integrity, and intended benefits of the OM practice.

Stroking Technique

Which finger is used for clitoral stroking during the OM practice?

The stroker uses their left index finger for clitoral stroking, focusing primarily on the 1 o'clock spot, known for its high nerve concentration.

What should the stroker focus on during the OM practice?

The stroker is encouraged to direct all available attention into their finger, enhancing the tactile connection. This focus helps both participants remain present and deeply engaged in the experience.

How should practitioners position their bodies during an OM session?

Participants are encouraged to relax their bodies fully, avoiding any unnecessary movement that could detract from the meditative focus of the OM.

If the stroker is right-handed, can they use their right hand to stroke?

Even if the stroker is right-handed, they should still use their left hand because it offers the best access to the one o'clock spot.

How much pressure should be applied during the stroking portion of OM?

The amount of pressure used during stroking can vary, and may include light, medium, or firm pressure. The strokee can make requests for adjustments to find the most resonant sensation.

Should the stroker maintain a consistent stroking speed throughout the OM?

No, the stroker can vary the speed of their strokes, including slow, medium, and fast speeds. Different combinations of speed, pressure, and location can evoke different sensations for the strokee.

How much of the clitoris should be stroked during OM?

The stroker should focus primarily on the upper left quadrant of the clitoral glans, around the 1 o'clock spot. This area is known to have the highest concentration of nerve endings.

Can the stroker use additional fingers other than the left index finger?

No, only the left index finger should be used for direct clitoral contact. The thumb may be used for grounding pressure on the introitus, but should not stroke the clitoris directly.

Should the strokee provide physical guidance or adjust the stroker's hand during OM?

No, the strokee should not physically guide the stroker's hand or finger. Any adjustments should be communicated verbally to maintain the structure of the practice.

How can the stroker and strokee work together to find the most resonant stroke?

The stroker and strokee can communicate verbally to explore different combinations of pressure, speed, and location. The strokee can offer feedback and make specific requests to help guide the stroker towards the most resonant sensation. With practice, the partners will attune more deeply to each other's bodies and responses.

Communication

How is communication handled during an OM session?

Communication during the OM is limited to necessary exchanges, such as safeporting, which occurs twice for ensuring consent and comfort, and framing, where sensations are described in specific, non-abstract terms.

Are sexual overtures or seductive behavior allowed during an OM session?

The practice strictly prohibits any sexual overtures or seductive behavior, emphasizing the non-reciprocal nature of the experience. The stroker and strokee roles are clearly defined, ensuring that actions remain within the boundaries of the established container.

How are adjustments communicated during an OM session?

Adjustments during an OM session are communicated verbally. The strokee does not physically guide the stroker, maintaining the formality and boundaries of the practice.

Can the strokee request specific modifications during the OM practice?

Strokees may verbally request modifications, such as omitting the use of the thumb due to pain or sensitivity in the introitus, ensuring their comfort and personalizing the practice to their physical needs.

What is the purpose of offers and requests during an OM session?

The OM practice is fundamentally a practice of communication where offers and requests are not merely procedural but are designed to enhance the resonant connection between the participants. This structured communication fosters a deeper, more attuned interaction, central to the philosophy of OM.

What topics are prohibited during an OM session?

Engaging in 'sexy talk' or any conversation that deviates from the direct needs of the practice is strictly prohibited, reinforcing the non-sexual, meditative intent of OM.

How does communication enhance connection during an OM session?

By adhering to communication protocols, practitioners of Orgasmic Meditation ensure that each session not only respects boundaries but also deepens the connection and understanding between the participants, enhancing the overall effectiveness and experience of the practice.

What is the standard etiquette for conversation during an OM session?

Standard etiquette in OM limits conversation to necessary offers and requests. This focused dialogue helps maintain the meditative and professional nature of the practice.

How do verbal adjustments maintain the formality of the OM practice?

Verbal adjustments ensure that the strokee does not physically guide the stroker, maintaining the formality and boundaries of the practice. This method preserves the integrity of the practice and upholds the non-physical direction from the strokee, emphasizing a respectful and clear exchange between participants.

Why is communication limited to necessary exchanges during an OM session?

Communication during the OM is limited to necessary exchanges, such as safeporting and framing, to maintain the focus on the practice's meditative nature. This ensures that the session remains centered on the connection and sensation between the participants, without distractions or deviations from the core objectives of OM.

Partners & Learning

Can I OM alone?

No. Orgasmic Meditation is a partnered practice. Connection is a key component. Just as we can't tickle ourselves, the interaction with another human being is part of what makes OM what it is.

Can I OM with my partner if they haven't gone through the basic training?

No. Both partners must complete the basic training before beginning their practice. If one partner has completed the training but the other hasn't, please wait until both go through the training to practice together. This way, both partners will have the same understanding about the practice, the container, and the steps, and have a deeper connection to their own desire for an OM practice.

How can someone learn Orgasmic Meditation?

Training in OM is available through various channels, including online resources like the OM App for iOS and the Institute of OM website, courses taught in-person by OneTaste or online through The Eros Platform, and private coaching offered by certified OM trainers from the Eros Coaching Collective. Comprehensive study resources include 'The Eros Sutras, Volume 3: Orgasmic Meditation' and the 'Container & Form' document.

Where can I find comprehensive resources for studying OM in depth?

Two key resources for comprehensive study of OM are 'The Eros Sutras, Volume 3: Orgasmic Meditation', which is suitable for both new and advanced practitioners and covers nuances and subtleties of the practice, and the 'Container & Form' document, the official, unabridged supplement to training in Orgasmic Meditation that includes a step-by-step breakdown of the practice and answers many FAQs. The 'Container & Form' document is available at ErosPlatform.com/container and in the back of 'The Eros Sutras, Volume 3: Orgasmic Meditation'.

How can I find an OM partner?

Finding an OM partner typically involves engaging with the OM community, either online or in-person. Connecting with local OM groups, attending events or workshops, and interacting with others who share an interest in the practice can help you find potential partners. It's important to ensure that any prospective partner has completed the basic training and is familiar with the guidelines and norms of the practice to maintain a safe and respectful environment.

What online resources are available for learning OM?

Key online resources for learning OM include the 'OM App: Partnered Meditation' found on the iPhone app store and om.instituteofom.com for the web-app version suitable for Android users, and the Institute of OM website at https://om.instituteofom.com/.

What courses are available for learning OM?

Courses for learning OM are available both in-person and online. OneTaste teaches live in-person courses, while The Eros Platform offers an online course at http://erosplatform.com/u/What-Is-OM.

Is private coaching available for learning OM?

Yes, private coaching for learning OM is offered by certified OM trainers from the Eros Coaching Collective. It's important to note that certified OM trainers will never be present with clients while clients are OMing. All training is done verbally and/or via fully clothed demonstration either in person or via telecommunication.

Should I verify that potential OM partners have been properly trained?

Yes, when engaging in OM, it is recommended that practitioners verify that potential partners have a comprehensive understanding of the practice's guidelines and norms. This verification process is crucial for maintaining the safety and integrity of the practice environment.

Are demonstrations a substitute for proper OM training?

No, demonstrations of OM, often performed by practitioners with varying levels of experience, are not substitutes for actual OM sessions but serve as educational tools to illustrate the technique and its underlying philosophy. Proper training through established courses, coaching or study of comprehensive resources is necessary to engage in the practice safely and effectively.