In a world beset by societal shifts, economic turbulence, and political divides, intimacy and love can feel like elusive ideals. Yet, Laurie Handlers, a globally acclaimed expert on Tantra and relationships, offers a beacon of hope.
With her Sex & Happiness book series, Laurie provides a profound exploration of the Tantric Laws of Intimacy, teaching readers how to deepen pleasure, reconnect with themselves, and return to love.
Laurie’s expertise stems from decades of transformational work. Since 1978, she has facilitated workshops on topics such as releasing emotional trauma, halting the aging process, and harnessing Tantra’s potential to expand awareness.
For Laurie, sexuality is not merely an act but a portal to healing and creativity, a life force that connects us to our truest selves.
As she puts it, “Couples are an endangered species.” But with the right tools, Laurie believes couples can thrive even in the face of external chaos. Her work with her partner centers on relationship coaching and immersive workshops, helping couples create extraordinary love stories.
Building Intimacy Amid Turbulence
2025 promises to be a year of upheaval, and Laurie emphasizes the importance of foundational practices for couples. “Fearless communication is paramount,” she explains. “Couples need rituals and practices to clear the air—especially during stressful times.”
Whether through daily check-ins, shared meditation, or engaging in emotionally transparent conversations, Laurie’s methods aim to foster resilience and understanding.
Laurie advises couples to co-create a higher purpose for their relationship, one akin to a mission or vision statement. “A relationship without purpose is like a ship without a compass,” she says.
“What do you stand for as individuals? What do you stand for as a couple? Once that purpose is defined, it becomes the anchor that keeps you grounded amid life’s storms.”
Practical Tools for Connection and Resilience
Laurie introduces exercises that can strengthen bonds and help couples navigate stress. For instance, the Bubble is a practice where partners create an imaginary safe space, free from judgment, to share their deepest fears and desires. “This is a ritual of containment, a way to be held emotionally without conversation,” she says.
Laurie also recommends “coughing up” emotions to stay current with each other. “Don’t let stress fester,” she warns. “Emotional release practices, like YogaBoxing or venting in a constructive manner, are vital for maintaining clarity and connection.”
Presence is another cornerstone of Laurie’s philosophy. She encourages couples to embrace moments of stillness and eye contact, helping them reconnect with each other on a soul level. “In a rapidly changing world, presence is the ultimate gift you can give your partner,” she explains.
Navigating Differences in Values
Polarization poses a unique challenge for relationships, particularly when partners hold differing worldviews.
Laurie’s advice is refreshingly pragmatic: stop trying to change each other. “Arguing about politics won’t bridge the chasm,” she says. Instead, she suggests a truce: agree not to discuss divisive topics and focus on the love that unites you.
For couples struggling with this, Laurie offers the “broken record” technique. “When baited, simply repeat, ‘I was raised not to discuss sex, politics, or religion.’ It’s a way to disengage without escalating conflict.”
The Power of Vulnerability
At the heart of Laurie’s teachings is the transformative power of vulnerability. “Vulnerability is not weakness—it’s power,” she declares. Creating a safe space where both partners feel seen, heard, and acknowledged is essential. This can mean holding space for emotional release or simply being present during moments of fear and uncertainty.
Laurie offers a powerful framing: “Vulnerability is the key to understanding how your partner ticks. It’s not about fixing them; it’s about holding space for their authentic self to emerge.”
Returning to Love
Laurie’s work is a reminder that even in a chaotic world, love is a powerful force for healing and transformation. By integrating fearless communication, purpose-driven connection, and vulnerability, couples can not only survive but thrive.
As Laurie reflects on her journey, she expresses joy in watching people transform. “When couples discover extraordinary love, it’s as if they’ve unlocked the secret to life,” she says.
Sex & Happiness is more than a book series—it’s a movement, inviting readers to rediscover intimacy, creativity, and love in its most profound forms.
In Laurie Handlers’ world, love is not just a feeling—it’s an active, deliberate practice. And in 2025, as the tides of change rise, her teachings are more relevant than ever.
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Love this piece Diamond-Michael! Thank you for sharing.
So important! I wrote a book on Late Love: Mating in Maturity, and heard again and again, that it's never too late, and never too intimate! Here's to dialling up love in 2025.