Aging and Eroticism

with Anne More

(Season 4 | Episode 172)

[Tessa] In this episode, we engage with Anne More, a returning guest whose insights on aging and eroticism resonate deeply with our journey as open nesters. We explore the concept of “open nesting”—a vibrant approach to life after children have left home.

This discussion is enriched by Anne’s expertise in boundaries, sensuality, and the celebration of aging. Our focus is not just on surviving this stage of life, but thriving by opening ourselves up to new possibilities in relationships, passions, and self-discovery

We dive into the importance of celebrating our bodies as we age, acknowledging the physical changes that come with time. Anne shares her wisdom on shifting the conversation from self-judgment to acceptance, emphasizing the power of surrender in our journey of self-love. We reflect on how it can be challenging to embrace the changes our bodies undergo, particularly when influenced by societal standards and expectations regarding beauty and youth. Through compassionate dialogue, we explore how close interactions with nature can foster a sense of belonging and acceptance for our evolving selves.

EPISODE TIME-CODE

1:09 Embracing Aging with Anne More

6:10 Celebrating Our Changing Bodies

10:22 Nature’s Role in Acceptance

14:20 Navigating Relationships in Aging

18:48 Expanding Definitions of Sex

21:26 The Art of Shibari

27:56 Reflections on Aging and Gratitude

Anne introduces practical exercises to expand our relationship with pleasure, urging listeners to engage in “solo pleasure” practices that prioritize self-exploration over performance. We discuss the transformative potential of mirror work, where we learn to appreciate our bodies as they are, redefining beauty through the lens of age and experience. This practice encourages us to find joy in the present moment, letting go of past comparisons and future anxieties.

As we navigate the complexities of intimacy, Ann emphasizes the significance of communication and the erotic blueprints, which guide couples towards a deeper understanding of each other’s desires. Our conversation explores the dynamics of giving and receiving in relationships, highlighting the potential for empowering shifts, particularly in the context of evolving sexual landscapes as we grow older.

WRAPPING UP (AGING AND EROTICISM)

Furthermore, we explore the realm of kink and shibari, recognizing how these practices can cultivate trust and vulnerability within partnerships. Anne eloquently describes the healing aspects of being bound and the exploration of power dynamics, and how these experiences enable deeper connection and intimacy.

Throughout our discussion, gratitude emerges as a central theme, a tool to reframe our perception of aging. We celebrate the wisdom that comes with experience and recognize the beauty of self-acceptance, finding appreciation in the journey rather than focusing on the limitations. Ann encourages us to lean into our vulnerabilities and to allow ourselves to receive support from others as we step into our roles as elders.

Together, we acknowledge that aging is a dynamic process filled with uncertainty and joy. By reimagining our relationships and embracing the fullness of our identities, we can forge deeper connections with ourselves and one another. This episode serves as an invitation to every open nester out there to cultivate resilience, explore intimacy in new forms, and embrace the endless possibilities that lie ahead.

Aging and Eroticism (S4 | E172)

Resources for You

We want to provide you with support and many many resources for your own Open Nesting Journey. Our resource page has so much to offer as does our private discussion group on Facebook about queerness, relationship fluidity in the empty nest, and other topics of interest:

Open Nesters Resource Page

The Open Nesters Private Facebook Group

About Tessa

Tessa Krone is the engine behind and the face of The Open Nesters.

Tessa holds an MA in Consciousness Studies and is a speaker, coach, program, and journey facilitator & leader, author and, of course, Podcaster.

Her offerings are based on her mission to help people open to their most self-expressed, loving selves. Tessa’s specialties include embodiment from all the senses and elements of our inner and outer lives, ranging from mindfulness, dance, play, and sensory exploration in nature. If she had one superpower, it would be to help people, especially as they age, to live more open-hearted lives.

Please email Tessa to make a connection. If you like, please answer the question:

What do you need to OPEN your NEST? In your LIFE. In your BODY. In your SPIRIT. Do you need MORE…