When I think of the healing power of rhythm, I think of a Cajun Fais do-do. While the origins of the term are debated, it is thought to mean 'put the baby to sleep'. And even if you don't have a baby, if you have ever danced a waltz or a two step, you probably have felt the hypnotic effect.

This is an invitation to bring the dance floor into your bedroom or shower or living room. Wherever you choose to self-pleasure. And your dance might be very simple. Your dance might just be your hand waving in the air.

Start without music - just see what happens when you invite the possibility of rhythm into your body. Let your body guide you and listen. Your rhythm might include touch, movement, pauses, shakes, rolls, sounds from your voice. Play and follow your curiosity.

You might start to hear or feel a rhythm.

If and when it feels right, consider what music might match your rhythm. You might spend some time with this and try different things. Some ideas are: Cumbia (triple-pulse or duple-pulse), Bachata (polyrhythms), Zydeco (syncopation), Tango, Blues, Klezmer, songs that use harmonic rhythms, or maybe no rhythm!

I'm not a musician, but from what I understand, rhythm is determined by different beats or pulses, meter, tempo, and patterns of long and short notes.

Consider playing with touch and movement with a rhythm that you like. Consider touching your whole body with rhythm, including your genitals. Improvise, mess up, fall, get back up, and see.

Reflections

How does playing with rhythm feel in your body?

What does rhythm elicit in you?

What is your relationship to rhythm and arousal? Rhythm and pleasure?