Tantric Intelligence
Language of the Heart and Vagus Nerve
What is Tantric Intelligence?
Tantric intelligence refers to our body’s innate evolutionary drive towards spiritual awakening. Our brains are wired for enlightenment, and when we strengthen these neural pathways we improve not just our own sense of purpose and wellbeing but also our ability to meaningfully connect and cooperate with others ¹.
By nurturing inner fulfillment and expanding our capacity for compassion, spiritual growth dissolves the illusion of separation—between self, other, spirit, and Earth—thus offering a profound path toward sustainable coexistence. I believe that our collective future hinges on awakening to this deeper tantric intelligence—a way of relating that honors the sacredness of all life and opens us to our innate wholeness.
How to cultivate Tantric Intelligence?
My passion lies in exploring how we can make spiritual practices more efficient and effective in order to accelerate our evolution in consciousness. I study the intersection of practical nervous system science, especially vagus nerve regulation, with tantric spirituality—drawing from both classical Eastern traditions and contemporary Western adaptations.
When our nervous systems are balanced, our minds and bodies become more receptive to the depth and transmission of spiritual practices. Fascinatingly, many practices shown to increase vagal tone—such as heart-centered breathing, gratitude, prayer, chanting, and loving-kindness meditation—are already central to spiritual traditions ². Because our nervous system is shaped profoundly by bottom-up pathways, especially via the vagus nerve, somatic methods often provide a more reliable gateway than purely cognitive strategies. In this way, nervous system training becomes a powerful ally in the path of spiritual transformation.
How is the Heart involved?
This is my favorite question! The Heart (or heartspace, or heart-mind) is the central location or “driving force” of tantric intelligence. The heart refers to much more than the anatomical muscle or the emotional center (yet those are included as well). It is a spiritual/energetic center that allows us to connect with a deeper current of intuitive, embodied wisdom. This connection is both a personal and suprapersonal experience that has been described by many different wisdom traditions with words such as: presence, unity, oneness, God, devotion, unconditional love, the absolute, etc. Ultimately what you perceive through your heart is beyond words and unique to you. When we regulate our nervous systems and activate our ventral vagal state, our heart qualities such as love, compassion, and openness naturally comes more fully online.
But I thought tantra was about sex…
Traditionally, Tantra is a spiritual path and compatible worldview aimed at a fully-embodied, all-inclusive dedication to awakening (as opposed to a disembodied, transcendental approach). In the West, neo-tantra is a relatively new body of practices focusing on sexual energetics, pleasure, and intimacy. Traditional Eastern forms of tantra may utilize vital life-force energy which is comparable to sexual energy, yet the practices are generally not sexual in nature ³. A common thread between all forms of tantra is deeper connection to the heart’s wisdom—a connection which is much juicier and more fulfilling than “regular” sex.
With training in both traditional and neo-tantra, I can support you in exploring your sensual/sexual essence as a source of freedom, inspiration, love, and vitality. I believe it is important to unpack shame around sexuality and to reclaim the connection to your natural sensuality and pleasure in order to cultivate greater flow in the body, mind, and your relational life. In our sessions, I create a safe space for you to explore your sensuality through discussion, reflection, and at-home somatic practices.
As a trauma-informed practitioner, my first priority is your felt sense of safety. I support you in moving at a pace that honors your nervous system while offering tools for inner awareness, boundaries, and resourcing. I’m a kink-aware, ENM-affirming practitioner who supports people across all bodies, identities, orientations, and relationship designs.
Read more about my Coaching Sessions here for support in awakening your innate tantric intelligence.
References:
¹ Newberg, A. B., & Waldman, M. R. (2017). How enlightenment changes your brain: The new science of transformation. Avery.
² See Research page for a list of studies
³ Wallis, Christopher. D. (2013). Tantra illuminated: The philosophy, history, and practice of a timeless tradition. Mattamayura Press.
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