I was first interested in reviewing Life, Lies, And Sex by Mikaya Heart because I was attracted to this part of the synopsis: “Allowing energy to move through us, which is what we can learn from sexual desire, is the basis of the art of being fully alive.” Our cultures, beliefs and learned ideas have taught most of us that sex is wrong or that simple human desire is sinful. We often shame our bodies based on these ideas, not allowing us to fully benefit from what we can actually gain from sex.
In the beginning of the book, Mikaya Heart says to open the book at random to read what you need to read at that moment. Although I read this title cover to cover, I specifically focused on Chapter Four, “Sex and the Wisdom of the Body,” since that was what I was most interested in reading. Heart says “…sex can be a very powerful healing force: restorative, clearing, expansive, and profound. Because we live in duality, sex can be used to do the opposite of healing: to alienate, destroy, pervert, and hurt people.”
I bet your mother never told you that, huh? Heart even points out if you don’t have anyone to have sex with, to just do it yourself. That there is nothing wrong with it; but it is “…allowing yourself to have a loving partnership with your body.” Don’t get me wrong:, this is not a Kama Sutra manual, and there are not any instructions on how to achieve orgasms (however there is another book of Heart’s that might have some of that content).
I could go on and on with amazing quotes from this 122 page read but would rather express the interesting ideas not just about sex, but on how to change your thinking in general to get the most out of your human experience. Heart has given a new perspective on feelings and beliefs; whether you really believe something because you feel it is right within yourself, or just going with what someone taught you in church or at home.
I have read some inspirational books with the topics of the Universe, spiritual awakenings, being one with the earth, etc. I will throw in there that those who are accustomed to tight religious beliefs might cringe at the words in this book. I always thought of myself to be a good Baptist girl. and when I grew up. I formed my own ideas and beliefs. Whether it’s right or wrong to the next person, Life, Lies, And Sex hits on many points that I agree with in my own spiritual journey. Life has much more to offer than following what many organized religions lead us to believe. I believe that many will agree with me when I say that religion has been a turn off, for many different reasons, for a long time.
If you are looking for something different, something to make you think, and your mind is open to new ideas, my recommendation would be that Life, Lies, And Sex is on your list to be read. Even though I was not particularly fond of the cover, this is one of those books that should not be judged by it. What I found inside was more than inspirational and definitely something I will share with my friends.