<p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1794284/open_sms">Send us a text</a></p><p>What if <b>eroticism</b> is simply your <b>life force</b>—your aliveness—and not just a sexual act? In this episode, <b>Jacquelynn Cotten</b> talks with trauma-informed somatic educator <b>Darshana Avila</b> about <b>reconnecting with your body, rewriting internalized shame, and building safety for authentic intimacy</b>.</p><p>We discuss:<br/><br/>• What <b>“erotic wholeness”</b> really means<br/> • How <b>trauma, religion, and patriarchy</b> disconnect us from pleasure<br/> • Why <b>talk therapy</b> often is not enough without <b>somatics</b><br/> • How <b>freeze responses</b> and <b>people pleasing</b> show up in intimacy<br/> • <b>Consent</b> as collaboration, not obligation<br/> • <b>Body-based tools</b>: breath, movement, sound, self touch<br/> • <b>Myths</b> about desire, pain, lube, and menopause<br/> • <b>Raising kids</b> with healthy embodiment and curiosity instead of shame</p><p>Darshana shares <b>simple practices</b> for shifting from sexual performance to <b>presence</b>, so you can experience intimacy with clarity, consent, and sovereignty.</p><p><b>Connect with Darshana:</b><br/> <a href='https://www.instagram.com/darshana_avila'>Instagram</a> | <a href='http://www.darshanaavila.com'>Website</a><br/><br/></p><p>If this episode resonated, <b>share it with a friend</b> and leave a review telling us which old belief about sexuality you are ready to release.</p> <a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1774013">Buzzsprout - Let&#39;s get your podcast launched!</a><br>Start for FREE<br><br>Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.<br><br><p><a rel="payment" href="https://cash.app/app/ZWTBBZS">Support the show</a></p><p><b>🌿 Ready to go deeper?<br/><br/></b>Join the waitlist for Wild Women Who Wander 2026 — the retreat for women ready to drop the masks, reclaim their power, and connect with their most authentic selves. <b>👉 Fill out the the </b><a href='https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdHaYUn8Ycl09mzr_u2gIo8SBYbDQsoTNDMztT0uxKiC-3GOQ/viewform?usp=sharing&amp;ouid=105280262756137680754'><b>Google Form HERE.</b></a><b><br/></b><br/><b>📲 Let’s stay connected:</b></p> <ol> <li>Follow on Instagram:<a href='https://instagram.com/justwomentalkingshit'> <b>@justwomentalkingshit</b></a> and <a href='https://instagram.com/jacquelynncotten'><b>@jacquelynncotten</b></a> </li> <li>Email your stories, questions, or advice requests: <b>[email protected]</b> </li> <li>Support the show by becoming a monthly subscriber <a href='https://www.buzzsprout.com/1794284/support'><b>HERE.</b></a> </li> </ol> <p><br/></p> <p><em>Disclaimer: This podcast is for entertainment and informational purposes only. The views, opinions, and discussions expressed by the hosts and guests are their own and do not constitute professional advice or services. Listeners should not rely on the content as a substitute for consultation with qualified professionals in areas such as medical, legal, financial, or mental health matters. Always seek the advice of an appropriate licensed professional for any questions or concerns you may have. </em></p>