Grief, Love, and Pleasure

Last Friday on the day of the opening of Stockholm Tantra Festival, I attended a funeral of a friend in my community in Stockholm who had decided not to stay on earth anymore. When I told people I was going to this ceremony before the festival I was met with comment ”oh, what a contrast!”

However, instead I would like to share with you why I perceived it as not such a contrast. Arriving at the funeral I was actually overwhelmed by the love and connection. So many close friends and members of my community were there, people I would normally meet at joyful gatherings.

There was a lot of pain and tears, but at the same time a sense of belonging and mutual support where we hugged and held each other.

I shared a quote the other day; ”as we open up for grief we open up for love”, and it was born out of this day. The tears and the letting go helped to open my heart towards humbleness and connection.

As I arrived at the tantra festival I was so open, I was ready to receive love from everyone who was there in softness and compassion. I could sense who I could receive support from while holding space for others.

Many associate Tantra with pleasure, but in the end, to me it’s about building resilience so that we can stay present while feeling more of any emotion.