A heads up, this episode is about self pleasure and may not be for everyone.

I'm journalist Simran Ceti. Welcome to NPR's Life Kip.

The morning of January 14, 2020 was chilly and overcast. A non-descript day, safe for

the fact that it was the last time I was kissed. I was in an airport in Mexico saying goodbye

to my then sort of boyfriend. He leaned in toward me, I leaned in towards him. He put

his hand on my cheek and his slight beard brushed my chin as his lips touched mine and

my body filled with light.

If you told me that would be my last kiss for the entire year, I wouldn't have let him

get on the plane. In COVID time, this drought of connection isn't unique, but what has felt

specific is the way it's forced me to get creative and redefine pleasure. There is a glorious

spectrum of how our bodies bring us joy and today we're going to explore all of it, including

sexual pleasure, starting now.

Organism is a new apple a day. It can help boost your immune system, boost your mood, you know,

decreases pain, reduces headaches, helps you sleep better, gives you better looking

skin, puts a smile on your face. I mean, there are really no drawbacks.

On this episode of Life Kip, we'll look at how the absence of physical connection with

others gives us an opportunity to be more present to the joys that our bodies can bring.

We'll debunk myths and learn the facts about self pleasure, get guidance on how to bring

ourselves joy and learn how self appreciation can spark deeper engagement, not only with

ourselves, but with the world.

A bigger relationship with yourself is sort of the longest relationship you're ever

going to have. And it's also probably the most intimate relationship you're ever going

...