#309: Sexuality, Spirituality and Shame with Kaamna Bhojwani
“We have to define what sexuality means, right? 'Cause a lot of people think sexuality and sex are the same thing and they're not. Sex is one component. I think of it as the pizza pie, right? Sex is one slice. But sexuality is your sexual orientation. It's your relationship with your body. It's desire, it's consent, it's sexual justice. It's your value systems, your beliefs.” — Kaamna Bhojwani
In this episode of I AM HUMAN, sexuality researcher Kaamna Bhojwani discusses the complex interplay between sexuality and shame and how we can shed the shame and guilt to embrace a new self-identity. She also teaches us why it's important to open conversations about sex and sexuality with our children early as well as why we should expect that sex and sexuality will evolve over the course of a long-term relationship.
Kaamna Bhojwani is a preeminent researcher in the field of sexuality, with a particular focus on the complex interplay between shame, spirituality, and self-identity. Through a range of services, including one-on-one consultations, intimate group workshops, and impactful public events, Kaamna empowers individuals to shed the shackles of sexual shame and guilt, ultimately facilitating the embrace of a liberating and authentic sexual self. Kaamna’s expertise is a confluence of rigorous academic achievement (Master's degrees in Spiritual Psychology from Columbia University and Organizational Psychology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Bachelor's degree in Clinical Psychology from Smith College) and a profound empathy for the human condition. This unique blend allows her to navigate the complexities of human sexuality with both intellectual depth and unwavering compassion.
Discussion points:
Kaamna’s intro and background
Studying the topics of spirituality and sexuality
Childhood in India with open-minded parents
What “sexuality” includes
Shame vs. guilt
How sexual shame manifests
Giving “the sex talk” and continuing the conversation with your kids
Women and orgasms
The definition of “good sex”
Changes in sexual habits with couples
Shame in the healthcare system and other institutions
Moms and sexuality
Final questions - success, goals, dreams, what we wish people knew
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Kaamna Bhojwani
Sexuality Researcher
Today, Kaamna is a sexuality researcher with a specialization in shame and spirituality. Through 1:1 clients, small group workshops and public events, Kaamna helps people shed the shame and guilt around their sexuality and embrace a new sexual self-identity. Kaamna holds a masters degree in Spiritual Psychology from Columbia University where she studied sexual shame. She also has a masters in Organizational Psychology from the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign and a bachelors in Clinical Psychology from Smith College. Kaamna’s works combines academic rigor with a deep love and compassion for being human - with all its complexities.
The information on this blog, website and podcast is for informational purposes only. It is not meant to replace careful evaluation and treatment. If you have concerns about your or your child’s eating, nutrition or growth, consult a doctor.
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