Charting Toward Intimacy

Get Let's Talk About "It" Right HERE!Ellen discusses the concept of marital debt and the perceived obligation for married couples to have sex. She explores this in the context of Catholic teachings on attending Sunday Mass and Holy Days of Obligation. Ellen argues that the true essence of these obligations lies not in mere obedience but in a deep, life-giving desire. Just as attending Mass should stem from a genuine yearning to connect with God, marital intimacy should be driven by a desire for deep communion with one's spouse, rather than a mere sense of duty___________________________________ Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books! Reach out at instagram.com/chartingtowardintimacy/ or email us at ellen@vinesinfullbloom.comReady to improve your sex life and take it to the next level? Check out our courses: vinesinfullbloom.com/courses

Check out the Getting in the Mood Guide!In this episode Ellen and Kathleen explore the challenges and frustrations often associated with Natural Family Planning (NFP). They delve into the importance of choosing positive thoughts and gratitude, even in difficult circumstances, to improve one's marital intimacy and overall outlook on NFP. Through practical advice and thought-provoking insights, Ellen and Kathleen encourage listeners to shift their perspective, recognize NFP as a gift, and find strength in their faith and discernment.___________________________________ Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books! Reach out at instagram.com/chartingtowardintimacy/ or email us at ellen@vinesinfullbloom.comReady to improve your sex life and take it to the next level? Check out our courses: vinesinfullbloom.com/courses

Check out our courses and guides at Vinesinfullbloom.com/coursesIn this episode Ellen addresses the common concern of finding time for sex in the midst of busy modern lives filled with jobs, kids, and various commitments. Ellen emphasizes that we find time for what we prioritize, comparing the scheduling of sex to the commitment of attending Mass. She encourages listeners to evaluate their weekly activities, prioritize sex, and follow through on these priorities to enhance their marital intimacy. Ellen suggests practical steps, including scheduling and hierarchical prioritization, and reassures listeners to trust in God's provision of time and capacity.___________________________________ Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books! Reach out at instagram.com/chartingtowardintimacy/ or email us at ellen@vinesinfullbloom.comReady to improve your sex life and take it to the next level? Check out our courses: vinesinfullbloom.com/courses

Need help with how to actually say what you want to your husband? Get Let's Talk About "It"!This episode addresses the common struggle of figuring out personal sexual desires within a marriage, particularly from a Catholic perspective. The hosts discuss the importance of communicating needs, such as specific types of foreplay, to one's spouse while maintaining boundaries. The conversation emphasizes the power of positive thoughts and the importance of setting an appropriate time and atmosphere for such imaginative exercises. We also mentioned the Orgasm Course if you're looking for that!___________________________________ Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books! Reach out at instagram.com/chartingtowardintimacy/ or email us at ellen@vinesinfullbloom.comReady to improve your sex life and take it to the next level? Check out our courses: vinesinfullbloom.com/courses

Need help getting in the mood for sex. Your answer is the getting in the mood guide, right hereEllen discusses the challenge of staying present during sex and introduces the concept of storytelling as a helpful technique. She clarifies the difference between storytelling and role-playing, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the dignity of the act in accordance with Catholic faith. Ellen provides examples of how couples can use their imagination to create engaging scenarios and memories to enhance intimacy. She also mentions a new guide available for more tips on getting in the mood using imaginative and morally appropriate methods.___________________________________ Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books! Reach out at instagram.com/chartingtowardintimacy/ or email us at ellen@vinesinfullbloom.comReady to improve your sex life and take it to the next level? Check out our courses: vinesinfullbloom.com/courses

Check out the Getting in the Mood Guide Here!In this episode, Ellen and Kathleen discuss the appropriateness of Catholic women consuming romance novels and PG-13/R-rated media like Bridgerton and Game of Thrones. They explore the potential negative impact such content can have on brain chemistry, intimacy, and marital relationships. The hosts offer practical advice on recognizing and eliminating detrimental media from one's life, emphasize the importance of using one's imagination positively, and recommend using spiritually enriching content like Song of Songs to foster intimacy. They also introduce a forthcoming 'Getting in the Mood' guide to help women find morally acceptable ways to enhance their marital intimacy.___________________________________ Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books! Reach out at instagram.com/chartingtowardintimacy/ or email us at ellen@vinesinfullbloom.comReady to improve your sex life and take it to the next level? Check out our courses: vinesinfullbloom.com/courses

Get the FREE Foreplay Foundations Course right here!In this episode, Ellen discusses the challenges of communicating and embracing the Church's teachings on Natural Family Planning (NFP) and marital intimacy. She reflects on a personal conversation with a family member who acknowledged that NFP is a 'hard sell.' Ellen delves into the difficulties of living out these teachings, the role of suffering in the Christian life, and how enduring these challenges can ultimately lead to spiritual growth and redemption. She encourages listeners to remain steadfast in their faith and commitments, despite the inherent struggles.___________________________________ Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books! Reach out at instagram.com/chartingtowardintimacy/ or email us at ellen@vinesinfullbloom.comReady to improve your sex life and take it to the next level? Check out our courses: vinesinfullbloom.com/courses

Transform your sex life with 7 essential conversations - Get Let's Talk About "It"In this episode Ellen and Kathleen discuss the ease with which marriages can become disconnected and offer strategies to counteract this. They emphasize the importance of intentional habits and routines in fostering connection, particularly in the context of marriage and intimacy. The conversation also explores the need for persistence in these efforts and compares these habits to continual prayer, highlighting that even small, seemingly rote actions can have substantial power and efficacy over time. ___________________________________ Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books! Reach out at instagram.com/chartingtowardintimacy/ or email us at ellen@vinesinfullbloom.comReady to improve your sex life and take it to the next level? Check out our courses: vinesinfullbloom.com/courses

Get the FREE Foreplay Foundations Course Here!Ellen addresses common questions and concerns about sexual desire within marriage. She discusses the significance of sex as a renewal of wedding vows and as a way to image the Trinity, emphasizing the importance of intentionality and respect toward the sexual union in marriage. Ellen explores how apathy towards sex can harm relationships and underscores the holy and essential nature of sex within a Catholic marriage.___________________________________ Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books! Reach out at instagram.com/chartingtowardintimacy/ or email us at ellen@vinesinfullbloom.comReady to improve your sex life and take it to the next level? Check out our courses: vinesinfullbloom.com/courses

Get Lovemaking at Ave Maria Press! Use code Ellen10 to get 10% off!In this episode, we welcome Monica and Renzo Ortega to discuss their new book titled 'Lovemaking.' Drawing from personal experiences and mentorship to young couples, they emphasize the importance of communication and real conversations in marriage. They also read an excerpt from their book and elaborate on how it addresses sensitive topics such as sexual intimacy and marital challenges. Their book aims to guide newlyweds and couples at various stages of marriage, offering practical and heartfelt insights to strengthen their relationships.___________________________________ Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books! Reach out at instagram.com/chartingtowardintimacy/ or email us at ellen@vinesinfullbloom.comReady to improve your sex life and take it to the next level? Check out our courses: vinesinfullbloom.com/courses