Slow Sex by Nicole Daedone Summary

Slow Sex: The Art and Craft of the Female Orgasm introduces Orgasmic Meditation (OM), a 15-minute practice designed to help women achieve authentic sexual satisfaction through slowed-down, mindful connection. Nicole Daedone teaches couples to prioritize attention and emotional intimacy over novelty, offering a step-by-step 10-day starter program that combines extended orgasm techniques with principles from Zen Buddhism and mystical Judaism.

Nicole Daedone is the founder of OneTaste and creator of the Orgasmic Meditation practice. She graduated from San Francisco State University with degrees in semantics and gender communication, later studying under Dr. Dean Barnlund, an early collaborator of Alan Watts. Before founding OneTaste, Daedone established the avant-garde art gallery 111 Minna Gallery in San Francisco and has been leading the "slow sex movement" for over two decades.

Slow Sex by Nicole Daedone is best suited for couples who have strong foundations of trust and security but struggle with bedroom intimacy or emotional connection. The book appeals to partners seeking deeper spiritual and physical satisfaction through mindfulness rather than external aids like lingerie or toys. It's particularly valuable for readers interested in combining sexuality with meditation practices and those willing to commit to daily intimacy exercises.

Slow Sex: The Art and Craft of the Female Orgasm offers a worthwhile perspective for couples seeking to deepen intimacy through mindfulness rather than novelty. The book's strength lies in its focus on attention and connection as foundational to pleasure, though critics note its limitations for relationships lacking basic trust or security. Some readers appreciate the practical exercises, while others find the 15-minute orgasm promise oversimplified for complex relationship dynamics.

Orgasmic Meditation (OM) is a 15-minute partnered practice where one person strokes a woman's clitoris with focused attention while both partners tune into sensation. Nicole Daedone designed OM to combine extended orgasm techniques with meditative awareness, creating emotional and spiritual connection during the practice. The method emphasizes slowing down, staying present, and experiencing pleasure without goal-orientation, making it distinct from conventional sexual activity.

The 10-day OM starter program in Slow Sex provides step-by-step instructions for couples to begin practicing Orgasmic Meditation. Nicole Daedone structures the program to gradually introduce readers to the philosophy and physical techniques of OM, building comfort with vulnerability and focused touch. The book also includes supplementary exercises like Slow Oral for Her, Slow Oral for Him, and Slow Intercourse to enhance regular sexual experiences beyond the formal OM practice.

Slow Sex by Nicole Daedone confronts the discomfort many women experience about having their genitals observed during intimate acts. The book encourages readers to challenge negative self-perceptions and societal conditioning that create shame around female sexuality. However, some critics note the book oversimplifies gender dynamics by generalizing that women have negative body associations while men have prideful ones, without acknowledging how pornography affects both genders.

Critics of Slow Sex argue that Orgasmic Meditation isn't applicable to all couples, particularly those lacking foundational trust and security in their relationship. Reviewers note the book's promise that "every woman can become orgasmic in 15 minutes" feels outlandish without addressing deeper relationship issues. Additionally, the decision to relegate men's experiences to an appendix rather than a dedicated chapter has been criticized as dismissive and incomplete.

Slow Sex by Nicole Daedone rejects the novelty-focused approach of conventional sex advice that recommends lingerie, perfumes, mirrors, or toys. Instead, Daedone argues these external aids have limited effectiveness and advocates returning to basics—attention, presence, and emotional connection. The book positions daily intimacy and mindfulness as the true foundation of sexual satisfaction, challenging readers to slow down rather than constantly seek new stimulation.

The "slow sex movement" is Nicole Daedone's philosophy devoted to the art and craft of female orgasm through mindful, decelerated practices. For over a decade, this movement has emphasized tuning into sensation, deepening spiritual connection, and prioritizing attention over performance during sexual encounters. The movement gained thousands of followers through OneTaste retreat centers in San Francisco and New York, where Daedone taught workshops on mindful sexuality and relational healing.

Slow Sex: The Art and Craft of the Female Orgasm primarily focuses on female sexual experience and satisfaction, with male content relegated to an appendix. While the book includes exercises like "Slow Oral for Him," the overall framework centers on helping women achieve orgasm through Orgasmic Meditation. Critics have noted this imbalance, suggesting the male perspective deserved its own chapter rather than supplementary treatment, which limits the book's holistic approach to partnered sexuality.

Nicole Daedone's Orgasmic Meditation practice uniquely combines extended orgasm techniques with influences from Zen Buddhism and mystical Judaism. This spiritual integration transforms conventional sexuality into what Daedone calls "Eros"—a higher plane of consciousness that promotes human connection and flourishing. Her background in semantics and studies with early Alan Watts collaborators shaped her philosophy that intimacy serves as an entry point to deeper spiritual awareness and interconnectedness.