The Healing Power of Pleasure: Seven Medicines for Rediscovering the Innate Joy of Being

by Julia Paulette Hollenbery

A step-by-step journey into sensuality to rediscover the delight that lies just below the surface of everyday experience

• Shares seven easily accessible spiritual “medicines”--slowing down, embodying, deepening, relating, pleasure, power, and potency--so you can discover more sensual pleasure and delight in your body, relationships, and way of being as well as inner confidence, instinctual power, and aliveness

• Presents reflections, practical somatic and breathing exercises, prompting questions, meditations, and energetic transmissions for each medicine

• Explores body awareness, managing emotions stored in the body, the five realms of relationship, the different kinds of love, sexuality, passionate intimacy, and pleasure as a source of nourishment and healing

Hidden just below the surface of ordinary day-to-day reality lies an abundance of pleasure and delight. By learning to look beyond your daily challenges, you can ease your stressed mind and body and rediscover the magic, mystery, sensuality, and joy that is possible in everyday life.

Taking you step by step through a sensual journey of healing and transformation, Julia Hollenbery explores seven easily accessible spiritual “medicines” or pathways to discover more sensual pleasure and delight in your body, relationships, and way of being. Journeying through slowing, embodying, deepening, relating, pleasure, power, and potency, each medicine invites you to engage through reflections, practical somatic and breathing exercises, prompting questions, and meditations. Energetic transmissions help you reconnect body, mind, and soul in an integrated way and reclaim your innate source of pleasure.

A visionary call to action to inhabit your universe of deliciousness, The Healing Power of Pleasure combines scientific fact with ancient spirituality, insight, humor, and poetry. This book presents an invitation to reawaken your body, realize the depth and web of relationships within which we live, and embrace the pleasure, power, and potency that arise when we look inward as well as confidently relate outward with the world around us.

Genres: Sexuality, Psychology, Self Help

288 pages, Paperback

Published October 12, 2021

About the author

Julia Paulette Hollenbery is a bodyworker, therapist, mystic, healer, and facilitator. For more than 25 years she has guided countless clients into deep confidence and self-authority. She is passionate about sharing her life-long love of the mystery, real sensual relationship, and the life of the body. Julia lives and works in London.

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Reviews

[Simran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read.

In "The Healing Power of Pleasure : Seven medicines for rediscovering the innate joy of being", Julia Paulette Hollenbery have made a way for us to connect with the divine inner-self life. She have written a fun filled, joyful book that's inspiring & motivating.

This book revolves around the power of pleasure and how we react to it. Whether it be society, individuals, relationship or any other aspect, pleasure is seen in different lights. And this book goes deep into unraveling it's complexities.
Author presents her thoughts on various different topics such as loneliness, modernity, time, presence, etc. And I immensely enjoyed reading all her thoughts and learning new things.

I also loved how empowering and inspiring this book is. I felt rejuvenated after finishing the book and cannot stop thinking about all the advice given inside. This book helps in connecting with ourselves and rejoicing in our inner self.

I would recommend everyone to read this book atleast once, so that they can rejoice in it's awesomeness and get one step closer to obtaining self awareness.

[Andrew Marshall · Rating 3 out of 5]

We are brought up to be suspicious of pleasure (or at least my protestant work ethic makes me think it is self indulgent and possibly dangerous). However, Hollenbery makes a great point that unless we dive into pleasure, we can't really be fully in our bodies and end up living in our brains instead.

I loved her seven medicines, they are accessible and build one on top of the other to heal trauma or just the everyday harm of living in an alienating system. Best of all, she combines deep thinking, spiritual insight and accessible language.

Full disclosure, I interviewed Hollenberry for my podcast 'The Meaningful Life with Andrew G Marshall' and the publisher sent me a free copy. Have a listen if you want to hear her explain her theories in her own words (podcast published 31.01.22)

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an extremely insightful book on a topic that is hardly ever discussed. The author delves into the power of pleasure, on many different levels, not just sexual. At the heart of the book are what she calls “the seven medicines for modern times.” Each “medicine” is discussed, along with practical, lovely ways to experience that particular pleasure on one’s own life. I found these to be extremely relevant for this day and age, as well as for my own personal life. The seven medicines are: Slowing, Embodying, Deepening, Relating, Sensing, Empowering, and Aliveness.

Thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for an advanced reading copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Nick Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the idea of trusting pleasure and joy

[Paulette Reefer · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Healing Power of Pleasure by Julia Paulette Hollenbery is a text that aims to break deep cultural barriers that hinder authentic passionate and pleasurable living. It focuses on the God within that is interconnected with our human relationship and our relationship with animate and inanimate objects. It is a scream to put an end to demonizing physical and emotional pleasure. The text celebrates the masculine and feminine principles of life as well as the intersection of the sacred and the profane while tapping into some of life’s scientific and intuitive principles for good health.

Hollenbery’s book is a thought-provoking mouthful to be savored slowly to process and access the potency she hopes that it will unleash in the lives of readers. Her prosaic writing is interspersed with poetic utterances that vary from a line to sometimes three to five stanzas of poetic language that compactly convey her spirited observations and philosophies.

A reader of this book will find many quotes he or she may wish to highlight and muse upon. One of my favorites is; “The magical is right here in the middle of our Monday mundane messiness” Another I highlighted, “Collectively we have yet to understand how the instinctual world is spiritual.” (p.94.)

This book will be best enjoyed by readers open to embracing pleasure as a way of life and as a right of each person and gender. The book features adult content, thus it is not suitable for children. The book focuses on building self-confidence in individuals to live a deeper, happier, and more conscious life.

Hollenbery’s promise to guide her reader to accomplish satisfying relationships, meaningful work, and passionate life is a task with which her text is firmly anchored. She scribes “When we bring our curiosity, authenticity, and embodiment, life becomes deeply enjoyable, pleasure becomes quietly, deeply, satisfyingly delicious, in our intimacy and ordinary daily life.” (p.138.) The Healing Power of Pleasure is a refreshing and vital tome arising from an increasingly bleak and desperate human landscape.

REVIEWED BY
Paulette Reefer

[Stuart Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Julia Paulette Hollenberg was a girl she danced and the sun came out. Then she danced again and the rain fell. Julia is Hebrew for wave of love.
The patriarchal world responded to this wave of love as you would expect. The trauma of the world hurt Julia and she sought therapy. Her best healing came as it does for many wounded healers as she became a therapist herself.
Julia writes in a fashion you will find entertaining and easy to digest. The best way to reject pain is to embrace pleasure. Should this be your path then The Healing Power of Pleasure will be a signpost for you. Whether you are a novice or an experienced mystic/magician The Healing Power Of Pleasure will enhance your entrance into the “Universe of Deliciousness “.

[Deborah Beauvais · Rating 5 out of 5]

Julia Paulette’s The Healing Power of Pleasure is perfect for these times to guide us in reconnecting with our true selves and to embrace the magnificence of our bodies’ magical functionality that so many of us take for granted. Julia’s intention to awaken us to the nectar of life is felt in each nourishing word. When we align ourselves with our bodies we begin to feel more deeply, more present, sensing our breath and every organ. In essence we experience reverence for our bodies. We become more responsive instead of reactive. We listen. We grow in Love with the self. Julia’s Universe of Deliciousness is right here in front of us. To be read again and again.

[Ben Hewitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great read this was. I was lucky to read an early stage manuscript and it really hit home how complex, and potentially transformative, my relationship with pleasure is… and that of society as a whole. Julia frames this up so well through her knowledge and experience of wisdom traditions old and new, and clearly communicates how we can heal the way we see pleasure, and the type of pleasure we pursue in our lives. An important read in many ways, not least because it is itself a pleasurable and delicious book, like a delicious meal. Highly recommended.

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Julia is a wonderful light in this world, guiding us back home to ourselves. Her book, The Healing Power of Pleasure, points us toward slowing down, coming into alignment with our bodies, and consciously feeling more of our sensuality, power, and potentiality in the world. I love these ancient reminders in a modern society! The 7 medicines Julia outlines are both practical and spiritual in nature, and I greatly appreciated the wisdom alongside actionable steps to build a healthier relationship with pleasure!

[Reshma · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a truly wonderful book, it tells truths as ancient as our universe and yet as relevant now as they were then.
The pandemic has been difficult for many people, myself included. This book has really helped me slow down and stop letting small things worry me.
What I find especially interesting is how Julia manages to weave together wisdom from so many different traditions and schools of thought into an easy to understand guide.
Loved this book, would definitely recommend to everyone

[Traceys · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm getting into reading these types of books, maybe it's an age thing or just life being very busy.
I am no psychologist, so some things go over my head!

The beginning of the book I wasn't that into, the explaining of whys and how we live, but I enjoyed the lessons and have taken some on board. I liked the pause lesson and I think it's one I can add into my life easily.

3.75 stars

[Allison Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully crafted and poetic book that teases the senses and guides the reader through the healing powers of pleasure. Julia's words bring together the natural knowledge of pleasure and the hard science and facts, imbuing the reader with wisdom and an enthusiasm to enjoy a more satisfied and a more vibrant love of life.

[Virginia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Julia takes us on a spiritually transformative journey, into her gorgeous Universe of Deliciousness. She teaches us how to re-connect with our inner wisdom and to the people in our lives, through learning to be in the moment. A beautifully written book. This is the medicine we all need right now.

[Julia Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the clear guidance in this book - Julia writes from a place of personal experience and gives us clear tools we can use to bring pleasure back into our lives in simple and profound ways.

[AnaHealings · Rating 5 out of 5]

Julia book i can recommend to my patients clients as well in the topic . Is a book with magic, psychological, pnl , Healing .... is a deep book to work with it . It clever deep in the heart. Very truth wisdom.

We must know that we come from sex , is the highest energy in the world even sexlove can be use to create ,manifestation . So is an honor read this book.
ANAHEALINGS

[David Brower · Rating 5 out of 5]

A manual for living a meaningful pleasurable life
Really enjoyed this book, in it's audio version. It's like a field manual of how one can integrate more, better, qualitative, little, detailed, huge, sensuous, empowering version of everyday pleasures into our lives. This has the natural consequence of living a meaningful life where we feel good about and with ourselves. We are facing ourselves, our needs and wants, with self-compassion and kindness. We are accepting who we are, and what we desire to integrate into our lives to live a life WE consider beautiful. More than a permission slip, some of the "medicines" of this book since activated in my life are enhancing my impression of feeling healthy and prosperous, abundant and energized, whether it's during everyday mundane tasks or during liberating pleasurable moments. Highly encourage taking this healing pleasure journey with Julia !

[Graeme Sutherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's something so right for this moment in bringing the words Healing, Power, and Pleasure together to chart a new way.

Julia has brought forth a heartful, careful and thoughtful integration of what we are and how we can truly be, by embracing ourselves and allowing the joy and deliciousness of life to come to the surface. I guess this is about being, not doing; listening to our bodies; and taking the time and space to enjoy all of this.

Her poetic and practical guide brings spirit, practical wisdom and science together and leaves a warm knowing feeling in my belly that this is just right.

Here's a path for us all into delicious life.

[Alison Wooding · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautifully written book opens your eyes to the universe of the body - and just how much of your experience happens through sensation and feeling perception.

I was compelled to read it slowly... taking each element in and experiencing little shifts and connections, as new bits of my own inner reality surfaced. All the time, my mind savoured fascinating details drawn from the latest science, healing arts and ancient wisdom.

With new gifts of awareness and activities to practice, you'll find this book an invaluable resource for self-discovery and wellbeing.

[Julia Hollenbery · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved writing this book. I wrote what my heart knows and wants to share. It felt as if Life itself was co-creating the book with me. And Life supported its publication internationally. I hope the book has a wonderful life out there in the world, reaching the people who need to read and benefit from it.

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

In seven clear and easily digestible steps Julia Hollenbury guides you through with strategies and insights the many varied ways in which we can derive more pleasure in our lives.

[Jan Howarth]

I have enjoyed this book so much, I am still dipping into the different parts of the whole, and there is always something to absorb or learn from Julia's writings, and it brings up surprises that I hadn't thought of, and a variety of remedies for life. It is a celebration of Pleasure, but also brings in so much too about just being human and all that that entails. I recommend it.

[Ingrid Velleine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a pleasure in itself. If you don't yet know the healing power of simple pleasure - drug free, alcohol free - then this book will lead you to into the realm of simply being and enjoying it. A very simple wisdom, but for most of us hard to reach, if ever. So here is your chance to reach this secret garden. Even just holding this book and looking at Julia Hollenbery's drawings inside the book has a healing power. Don't wait, just take it and read it.

[Ana Isabel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pleasure is an essential part of life. Yet, very few books celebrate it like this one. Julia is a wonderful guide to help us rediscover our inner passion and joy. If you’re feeling like something is missing, this book will help you find it.

You can watch Julia discussing her book in In The Light- Growing Your Soul: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KWA9K...

[Melissa T · Rating 3 out of 5]

There were parts of this that I enjoyed, and parts of it that I did not.

Self care is something I've set about working on this year, and I thought that this book might be a good jumping off point into some of that work. While there are some helpful concepts contained within this book, I struggled through it.

Some of the phrasing just didn't resonate with me, particularly "The Universe of Deliciousness" The catch phrase, while unique, felt forced and not well supported by the material presented. The quotes at the beginning of chapters felt like overkill, and didn't elicit any particular thoughts of meaningfulness on my part when reading them.

There are pieces of this that I will take away some helpful information from, particularly the section comparing sex vs intimacy.

I'm not really sure if I'd recommend this one as a "must read" though.

*Please note that I won a copy of this book via Goodreads Giveaways*

[Daniel Kingsley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A helpful and valuable book.

It is wonderful that somebody has written a book on this important topic, and Julia Hollenbery has a unique perspective on this. She clearly knows her stuff from the inside – having real lived experience of what she writes about.

There is a great deal of wisdom and insight contained within these pages. And those insights have the power to enrich all our lives.

There are some moments when, from my perspective, as a reader, the book would have been served by some better editing. But this does not detract from the fact that there is so much in here which will be so very valuable to just about anybody reading it.

If the title of the book intrigues you, then I would say that it is well worth you buying it!

[Karen Tate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of interviewing Julia Hollenbery on my podcast, Voices of the Sacred Feminine. I found her a sincere and delightful guest who provided my listeners with valuable information. It's important that some of the solutions and practices she recommends can be done by anyone. They are free, aren't complicated and I have no doubt if humans did these practices like we're taught to brush our teeth or say thank you or look both ways before we cross a street, the entire world would be a better place. Instead of chasing after power and wealth, Julia's recommendations offer a roadmap to true joy and happiness. Every person should make these practices a routine.

[Oliver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you for this wonderful book!
At first glance, "The Healing Power of Pleasure" seemed a deceptively simple premise, and yet as I read it, it became clear that the author has 'navigated the waters' she writes about, gently guiding and inviting the reader into a deeply personal, and transformational journey.
The layout of the book is user-friendly, and I appreciated the practices offered at the end of each 'medicine' chapter. The 7 medicine themselves are an antidote to the stresses of 'modernity', age-old tools that can help us live a healthier and more deliciously full life.

[Adam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Each of the seven “spiritual medicines” slowing down, embodying, deepening, relating, pleasure, power, and potency offered me something unique. I especially loved the sections on embodying and relating, where Hollenbery combines practical breathing and somatic exercises with gentle reflections that invite you to connect more deeply with yourself and others. Her words are poetic yet grounded, blending spirituality, science, and emotional wisdom in a very natural way.

[Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the message but started struggling through the book after 75- 100 pages…. Don’t like the style of writing.

[Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book allows you to tap into the joy of being alive. This is a lost art finding joy in being in your body and being present. This book was comforting and you feel good reading it.