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Over the course of 175 weekly episodes spanning three and a half years, Two Open Doors has been exploring the many different facets of deep human connection.  Those episodes have focused on the nature of intimate relationship, how sexuality really works to support human connection, the many ways in which society interacts with individuals to shape relationships, and many other important topics. While I continue to see deep connection as a foundation for a healthy society, as well as a compass for my own personal evolution, the audience for the Two Open Doors perspective remains small.  In recognition of this, I’ve grudgingly concluded that I need to alter my focus from new-content creation, to connecting a broader audience with the existing material.  Rather than just stop my regular posting with no explanation, and effectively “ghost” my audience, I wanted to provide a respectful explanation of my change in direction, and invite my audience to accompany me in my new directions.   Dr. Claude Cruz is a relationship and intimacy coach based in the Portland, OR area. He holds a PhD in Human Sexuality from the Institute for Advanced Study of Human Sexuality (IASHS), as well as a Professional Sex Coach certification from Sex Coach U. Dr. Claude is passionate about promoting and supporting deep human connection. He develops and delivers workshops and other events regarding that topic, as well as being available for individual and couples intimacy coaching. He can be contacted at [email protected]. This weekly podcast is distributed through multiple podcast directories, including: * Apple podcasts: 1588173033 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/two-open-doors/id1588173033 * Google podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/search/two%20open%20doors * Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/two-open-doors * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6ib3hb9vsNoNvWM3HWpEXL * iHeart Radio: · https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-two-open-doors-86831925/

In our last two episodes, we’ve been exploring the outlooks that several major religions and worldviews hold regarding the human body, sexuality, relationships, and what is taken as constituting “proper” living.  In the course of that review, we’ve discerned both similarities and significant differences between those belief systems. In this episode, we’ll return to our original goal of trying to understand how each of our subject belief systems views to important life-orientations: sex positivity, and intimacy positivity.  Those two attitudes or orientations hold the key to a great deal of either satisfaction and joy, or conflict and fear, in life.  For that reason, it’s worth understanding how one’s belief system affects those possibilities. Dr. Claude Cruz is a relationship and intimacy coach based in the Portland, OR area. He holds a PhD in Human Sexuality from the Institute for Advanced Study of Human Sexuality (IASHS), as well as a Professional Sex Coach certification from Sex Coach U. Dr. Claude is passionate about promoting and supporting deep human connection. He develops and delivers workshops and other events regarding that topic, as well as being available for individual and couples intimacy coaching. He can be contacted at [email protected]. This weekly podcast is distributed through multiple podcast directories, including: * Apple podcasts: 1588173033 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/two-open-doors/id1588173033 * Google podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/search/two%20open%20doors * Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/two-open-doors * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6ib3hb9vsNoNvWM3HWpEXL * iHeart Radio: · https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-two-open-doors-86831925/

In our previous episode titled “Worldview, Body, and Sex”, we took a look at how a number of the most prevalent religions and worldviews perceive the human body and human sexuality.  We also reviewed how each of these belief systems embraces differing levels of acceptance, or restriction, of the expression of believers’ sexuality. In this episode, we’ll again consider the same set of belief systems, but this time focusing on how they position marriage, sexual expression and intimacy.  We’ll also see how those systems’ attitudes color what each system considers to be a “proper” lifestyle. Dr. Claude Cruz is a relationship and intimacy coach based in the Portland, OR area. He holds a PhD in Human Sexuality from the Institute for Advanced Study of Human Sexuality (IASHS), as well as a Professional Sex Coach certification from Sex Coach U. Dr. Claude is passionate about promoting and supporting deep human connection. He develops and delivers workshops and other events regarding that topic, as well as being available for individual and couples intimacy coaching. He can be contacted at [email protected]. This weekly podcast is distributed through multiple podcast directories, including: * Apple podcasts: 1588173033 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/two-open-doors/id1588173033 * Google podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/search/two%20open%20doors * Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/two-open-doors * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6ib3hb9vsNoNvWM3HWpEXL * iHeart Radio: · https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-two-open-doors-86831925/

In our episode titled “Intimacy Positivity”, we considered the well-established concept of sex positivity, in which an individual holds a generally positive and receptive perspective on sex.  I also introduced my notion of intimacy positivity, which describes an attitude of openness and welcoming of intimate emotional connection. In the next several episodes, we’ll step back to look at how worldview can promote or undermine these two forms of positivity.  We’ll start by considering views on the body and sex, in this episode.  In the following two episodes, we’ll then look at views on relationship and on lifestyle, wrapping up with some thoughts on the interactions between worldview, sex positivity, and intimacy positivity. Dr. Claude Cruz is a relationship and intimacy coach based in the Portland, OR area. He holds a PhD in Human Sexuality from the Institute for Advanced Study of Human Sexuality (IASHS), as well as a Professional Sex Coach certification from Sex Coach U. Dr. Claude is passionate about promoting and supporting deep human connection. He develops and delivers workshops and other events regarding that topic, as well as being available for individual and couples intimacy coaching. He can be contacted at [email protected]. This weekly podcast is distributed through multiple podcast directories, including: * Apple podcasts: 1588173033 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/two-open-doors/id1588173033 * Google podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/search/two%20open%20doors * Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/two-open-doors * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6ib3hb9vsNoNvWM3HWpEXL * iHeart Radio: · https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-two-open-doors-86831925/

In many episodes, Two Open Doors has referred to “sex positivity”, which in essence is a personal orientation in which a person is inclined to see sex in a generally positive light.  Having such an attitude can free a person from much of the inappropriate sex-based shame, fear and repression that is all too common in our rather Puritanical society. In this episode, I’d like to propose a variation on sex positivity, which I refer to as “intimacy positivity”.  We humans thrive on intimacy, which is every bit as important to us as is sexuality.  I’ll share some observations about why my work as a relationship and intimacy coach evolved from my initial focus on sexuality, to a broader focus on intimate relationship. Dr. Claude Cruz is a relationship and intimacy coach based in the Portland, OR area. He holds a PhD in Human Sexuality from the Institute for Advanced Study of Human Sexuality (IASHS), as well as a Professional Sex Coach certification from Sex Coach U. Dr. Claude is passionate about promoting and supporting deep human connection. He develops and delivers workshops and other events regarding that topic, as well as being available for individual and couples intimacy coaching. He can be contacted at [email protected]. This weekly podcast is distributed through multiple podcast directories, including: * Apple podcasts: 1588173033 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/two-open-doors/id1588173033 * Google podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/search/two%20open%20doors * Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/two-open-doors * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6ib3hb9vsNoNvWM3HWpEXL * iHeart Radio: · https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-two-open-doors-86831925/

In thinking recently about what sets apart truly noteworthy intimate relationships from functional but less unusual ones, I was reminded of the widely-held observation that “It’s the little things that count”.  I believe that applies in the realm of deeply-connected relationships, as in many other aspects of life. In this episode, we’ll examine the idea that relationships are marked by an accompanying tone; each relationship has a feel to it.  Some are easy and nurturing and energizing, while others are more challenging and perhaps less rewarding.  We’ll consider some of the reasons for this. Dr. Claude Cruz is a relationship and intimacy coach based in the Portland, OR area. He holds a PhD in Human Sexuality from the Institute for Advanced Study of Human Sexuality (IASHS), as well as a Professional Sex Coach certification from Sex Coach U. Dr. Claude is passionate about promoting and supporting deep human connection. He develops and delivers workshops and other events regarding that topic, as well as being available for individual and couples intimacy coaching. He can be contacted at [email protected]. This weekly podcast is distributed through multiple podcast directories, including: * Apple podcasts: 1588173033 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/two-open-doors/id1588173033 * Google podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/search/two%20open%20doors * Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/two-open-doors * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6ib3hb9vsNoNvWM3HWpEXL * iHeart Radio: · https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-two-open-doors-86831925/

For those who understand and practice sex-positivity, one of the familiar themes within that community is what is usually referred to as “consent culture”.  That term describes a community that is founded on mutual consent to enter into relationship as one of the fundamental traits of sex-positivity. While consent is indeed an essential element of sex-positivity, I’d like to propose that there is a different though related perspective and set of behavioral norms that is even broader than “consent culture”.  In this episode, we’ll explore what I like to think of as “invitation culture”. Dr. Claude Cruz is a relationship and intimacy coach based in the Portland, OR area. He holds a PhD in Human Sexuality from the Institute for Advanced Study of Human Sexuality (IASHS), as well as a Professional Sex Coach certification from Sex Coach U. Dr. Claude is passionate about promoting and supporting deep human connection. He develops and delivers workshops and other events regarding that topic, as well as being available for individual and couples intimacy coaching. He can be contacted at [email protected]. This weekly podcast is distributed through multiple podcast directories, including: * Apple podcasts: 1588173033 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/two-open-doors/id1588173033 * Google podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/search/two%20open%20doors * Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/two-open-doors * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6ib3hb9vsNoNvWM3HWpEXL * iHeart Radio: · https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-two-open-doors-86831925/

The Two Open Doors perspective on relationships is focused on prompting the understanding of, and support for, deep human connection.  Our motivating belief is that centering rich and abundant intimate connections in one’s life is essential to enjoying an emotionally satisfying life. In this episode, we’ll gain insight into deep connection, by examining its opposite: detachment.  We’ll consider how detachment can occur, and we’ll take a look at its possible consequences.  We’ll close by considering how the risk of detachment can be minimized. Dr. Claude Cruz is a relationship and intimacy coach based in the Portland, OR area. He holds a PhD in Human Sexuality from the Institute for Advanced Study of Human Sexuality (IASHS), as well as a Professional Sex Coach certification from Sex Coach U. Dr. Claude is passionate about promoting and supporting deep human connection. He develops and delivers workshops and other events regarding that topic, as well as being available for individual and couples intimacy coaching. He can be contacted at [email protected]. This weekly podcast is distributed through multiple podcast directories, including: * Apple podcasts: 1588173033 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/two-open-doors/id1588173033 * Google podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/search/two%20open%20doors * Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/two-open-doors * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6ib3hb9vsNoNvWM3HWpEXL * iHeart Radio: · https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-two-open-doors-86831925/

As we’ve noted in many prior episodes, human sexuality involves much more than just physiology.  Sex is a multi-dimensional experience that involves the body, mind, emotions and spirit (or a sense of transcendence). In this episode, we’ll consider how fantasy plays into sexual experiences.  We’ll take a look at some of the many forms that sexual fantasy can take, and we’ll consider the roles that fantasy can play within the scope of “real life” overall.  As we’ll see, fantasy can powerfully enhance deep human connections. Dr. Claude Cruz is a relationship and intimacy coach based in the Portland, OR area. He holds a PhD in Human Sexuality from the Institute for Advanced Study of Human Sexuality (IASHS), as well as a Professional Sex Coach certification from Sex Coach U. Dr. Claude is passionate about promoting and supporting deep human connection. He develops and delivers workshops and other events regarding that topic, as well as being available for individual and couples intimacy coaching. He can be contacted at [email protected]. This weekly podcast is distributed through multiple podcast directories, including: * Apple podcasts: 1588173033 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/two-open-doors/id1588173033 * Google podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/search/two%20open%20doors * Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/two-open-doors * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6ib3hb9vsNoNvWM3HWpEXL * iHeart Radio: · https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-two-open-doors-86831925/

Those of us who lived through or are otherwise acquainted with the 1960s are well-acquainted with the term “free love”.  That might immediately conjure up images of hippies frolicking at Woodstock.  The reality, though, is that there’s more to this term than meets the eye.   In this episode, we’ll examine what free love is about, including its goals and its long history, which includes many incarnations.  As we’ll see, it’s an idea that shouldn’t be lightly dismissed. Dr. Claude Cruz is a relationship and intimacy coach based in the Portland, OR area. He holds a PhD in Human Sexuality from the Institute for Advanced Study of Human Sexuality (IASHS), as well as a Professional Sex Coach certification from Sex Coach U. Dr. Claude is passionate about promoting and supporting deep human connection. He develops and delivers workshops and other events regarding that topic, as well as being available for individual and couples intimacy coaching. He can be contacted at [email protected]. This weekly podcast is distributed through multiple podcast directories, including: * Apple podcasts: 1588173033 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/two-open-doors/id1588173033 * Google podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/search/two%20open%20doors * Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/two-open-doors * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6ib3hb9vsNoNvWM3HWpEXL * iHeart Radio: · https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-two-open-doors-86831925/

Anyone who has been involved in an intimate relationship has almost certainly experienced the “green-eyed monster”: jealousy.  That emotion can be almost overpowering, driving a person to do things and make choices that they would never entertain in their more lucid and stable moments.   In this episode, we’ll consider the nature and origins of jealousy, and we’ll explore how it can affect both monogamous and multi-partner intimate relationships.  We’ll then go on to suggest some ways to manage this strong emotion, so that it doesn’t work to our disadvantage. Dr. Claude Cruz is a relationship and intimacy coach based in the Portland, OR area. He holds a PhD in Human Sexuality from the Institute for Advanced Study of Human Sexuality (IASHS), as well as a Professional Sex Coach certification from Sex Coach U. Dr. Claude is passionate about promoting and supporting deep human connection. He develops and delivers workshops and other events regarding that topic, as well as being available for individual and couples intimacy coaching. He can be contacted at [email protected]. This weekly podcast is distributed through multiple podcast directories, including: * Apple podcasts: 1588173033 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/two-open-doors/id1588173033 * Google podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/search/two%20open%20doors * Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/two-open-doors * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6ib3hb9vsNoNvWM3HWpEXL * iHeart Radio: · https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-two-open-doors-86831925/

As we’ve noted previously, such as in Episode 4-24 titled “Becoming Love-able”, generosity is an important quality that reflects a lover’s caring for their beloved.  Acts of generosity allow a person to not only demonstrate how they feel about their intimate partners, but also to provide tangible support for those partners.   In this episode, we’ll consider that giving needs to be done thoughtfully, if it is to provide a healthy way to promote thriving and intimacy for both partners in a deeply-connected relationship. Dr. Claude Cruz is a relationship and intimacy coach based in the Portland, OR area. He holds a PhD in Human Sexuality from the Institute for Advanced Study of Human Sexuality (IASHS), as well as a Professional Sex Coach certification from Sex Coach U. Dr. Claude is passionate about promoting and supporting deep human connection. He develops and delivers workshops and other events regarding that topic, as well as being available for individual and couples intimacy coaching. He can be contacted at [email protected]. This weekly podcast is distributed through multiple podcast directories, including: * Apple podcasts: 1588173033 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/two-open-doors/id1588173033 * Google podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/search/two%20open%20doors * Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/two-open-doors * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6ib3hb9vsNoNvWM3HWpEXL * iHeart Radio: · https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-two-open-doors-86831925/

Orgasm is an important event that can occur in the course of the human sexual response cycle, as we’ve noted in prior Two Open Doors episodes.  While orgasm takes somewhat different forms in men and in women, in both sexes it’s the source of much potential relationship satisfaction, as well as pleasure. In this episode, we’ll consider the role that awareness plays in promoting orgasm.   Our conclusions will underscore why attunement is so important in intimate connections. Dr. Claude Cruz is a relationship and intimacy coach based in the Portland, OR area. He holds a PhD in Human Sexuality from the Institute for Advanced Study of Human Sexuality (IASHS), as well as a Professional Sex Coach certification from Sex Coach U. Dr. Claude is passionate about promoting and supporting deep human connection. He develops and delivers workshops and other events regarding that topic, as well as being available for individual and couples intimacy coaching. He can be contacted at [email protected]. This weekly podcast is distributed through multiple podcast directories, including: * Apple podcasts: 1588173033 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/two-open-doors/id1588173033 * Google podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/search/two%20open%20doors * Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/two-open-doors * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6ib3hb9vsNoNvWM3HWpEXL * iHeart Radio: · https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-two-open-doors-86831925/

In our prior episode, we took a look at the many ways in which our patriarchal society disadvantages women and robs them of their right to live a life co-equal to men.  We then went on to identify a number of ways in which the men who care for those women can take action to improve this situation.    In this episode, we’ll consider the other side of the coin: how men also suffer under the patriarchy (despite their seeming prospering), and how caring and supportive women can help bring more meaning and satisfaction into men’s lives.  That’s a crucial aspect of displacing the patriarchy from society. Dr. Claude Cruz is a relationship and intimacy coach based in the Portland, OR area. He holds a PhD in Human Sexuality from the Institute for Advanced Study of Human Sexuality (IASHS), as well as a Professional Sex Coach certification from Sex Coach U. Dr. Claude is passionate about promoting and supporting deep human connection. He develops and delivers workshops and other events regarding that topic, as well as being available for individual and couples intimacy coaching. He can be contacted at [email protected]. This weekly podcast is distributed through multiple podcast directories, including: * Apple podcasts: 1588173033 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/two-open-doors/id1588173033 * Google podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/search/two%20open%20doors * Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/two-open-doors * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6ib3hb9vsNoNvWM3HWpEXL * iHeart Radio: · https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-two-open-doors-86831925/

In numerous prior episodes, we’ve looked at various consequences of the reality that ours is a patriarchal culture.  For example, we’ve noted that women are frequently objectified or treated as less-than by many men, who are accustomed to filling most of the positions of power in our society. In this episode, we’ll consider how men who believe in a more equitable partitioning of power can serve as allies to women, to help offset the current power imbalance. Dr. Claude Cruz is a relationship and intimacy coach based in the Portland, OR area. He holds a PhD in Human Sexuality from the Institute for Advanced Study of Human Sexuality (IASHS), as well as a Professional Sex Coach certification from Sex Coach U. Dr. Claude is passionate about promoting and supporting deep human connection. He develops and delivers workshops and other events regarding that topic, as well as being available for individual and couples intimacy coaching. He can be contacted at [email protected]. This weekly podcast is distributed through multiple podcast directories, including: * Apple podcasts: 1588173033 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/two-open-doors/id1588173033 * Google podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/search/two%20open%20doors * Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/two-open-doors * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6ib3hb9vsNoNvWM3HWpEXL * iHeart Radio: · https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-two-open-doors-86831925/