What is Pleasure? Here’s Our Philosophy
Here at Sugar House, we exist for your pleasure. To help you find it, connect to it, define what it means for you. So what is pleasure? Here are a few of the ways we like to look at it.
What is pleasure?
If you're asking Merriam-Webster, pleasure is a desire or inclination; a state of gratification; sensual gratification; frivolous amusement; or a source of delight or joy. But to us, pleasure is so much more: it's natural, it's medicine, it has radical potential.
Pleasure is natural.
Have you met our girl anandamide? Anandamide, also known as "the bliss molecule," is a neurotransmitter that your body produces to help regulate your mood and decrease anxiety. It's an endogenous cannabinoid, meaning that it's made by the body to help your cells achieve and maintain homeostasis—and it binds to the same receptors in your brain as THC (an exogenous cannabinoid, or a cannabinoid that exists outside the body). The endocannabinoid system is complicated and still not well understood by science, but you don't have to be a pharmacologist to notice that THC consumption has its links to feelings of pleasure. In addition to THC consumption, you can also boost your anandamide by eating chocolate and exercising vigorously. Whatever works for you, right?
Fun fact: anandamide was named for the Sanskrit word "ananda," meaning "joy" or "bliss."
Pleasure is medicine.
“The singular most healthy and distinguishing aspect of our humanity is our collective urge towards seeking pleasure. It is when we are most enjoying the moments of our lives that we are also growing and evolving into better versions of ourselves.”
— Wendy Strgar, Pleasure Medicine
At Sugar House, we embrace pleasure as medicine. Pleasure helps us to know ourselves and heal ourselves, and to know and heal the world in turn. Don't shy away from it, especially when your mind and body are telling you that pleasure is what you need.
Pleasure is freedom.
“Pleasure is the point. Feeling good is not frivolous, it is freedom.”
― adrienne maree brown, Pleasure Activism: The Politics of Feeling Good
We're big fans of adrienne maree brown and her theory of Pleasure Activism. Here are more of her words from an interview with Colorlines in 2019:
"The definition of pleasure, as I use it, is about happiness, joy, contentment and satisfaction. I definitely have people look at me when I start talking about the idea like, 'So just pure debauchery, that’s what you’re saying. It’s just pure escapism.' And I’m like, 'No, it’s about pure aliveness and actually being present for the world around you.' I often quote the Zapatistas who say, 'We’re trying to build a world in which many worlds fit.' In order to do that, we need to feel what our goals and needs are inside of that world on an individual level and on a collective level. I don’t think we can really feel for the collective if we can’t feel ourselves."
Your pleasure is worth it.
In practice, pleasure means something different to everyone. Whether your idea of pleasure is a few minutes of mindful meditation to start your day, a delicious and indulgent meal, solo or partnered sex, or a smooth herbal smoke, your pleasure is worth it. Your pleasure is natural, medicinal, and your own tool for freedom. Use it well, and use it frequently.