Hi, Veronica.

I hope all is well with you 'topside' as it is with me DowNunder. How could I not be well? Last weekend, I did a 4-day Savouring Erotic Trance States workshop with Joseph Kramer and Ellen Heed. I think we ALL learned a bit.

About 3 months ago, I showed your article on the bonobos and the recipe for peace to a woman friend of mine and she said that she thought that it might need some discussion. I am playing a waiting game here as she claims to be open minded. So far, she has not made any further mention of bonobos or their culture.

Personally, I have given some thought to what might need to be involved in humans making the switch to a similar culture. I can't help the feeling that some fairly monumental changes in fundamental thinking and perception would be necessary. I doubt that many people would be ready for it at the moment and I am damned sure that the 'power brokers' of human relationships (Religions, moralists, etc..) are going to be dead set against any such shift.

One of the biggest changes would be men respecting women as equals in ALL respects instead of considering them as life support systems for vulvas and vaginas. Sadly, I find that attitude amongst a LOT of the men whom I hear talking about women and sex. I can't see a place for that attitude in a bonobo-modeled culture.

I think that another big change would need to be with women, especially in most 'Western' societies. Currently, it appears to me that many women seem to view sex and the with-holding of it as a tool/weapon to control men, even though they may enjoy sex when they have it. I can see no place for that thinking in a bonobo-modeled culture either.

On another aspect of humans taking on the bonobo culture, during the workshop mentioned above, I found it interesting and refreshing that a group of people of mixed gender and sexual proclivities, mostly unknown to each other, could remove their clothes and work with and on each VERY intimately and apparently VERY comfortably. You just don't get that in mainstream society - Sex Without Shame? Thank you, organized religion. NOT. It is abundantly obvious that the bonobos aren't bothered by any feelings of shame.

I was the oldest person in the workshop by probably 10 years. One young woman who worked very intimately with me during one part of the workshop made a comment to me while we were preparing for this session. She said that she was surprised that someone of 'my' generation could be so open and receptive to the work we were doing. It didn't bother me. I loved every minute of it because I was learning, about me and about other people.

Gottago. Catchyalater. DON'T stay out of mischief.

You have a wonderful day. Best wishes.

Deas.