Every time I refer to S Factor, I wish I had an entry I could link to that describes and defines it from my perspective. Especially for those who’ve never taken a class, done it at home, been to a retreat, seen a demo or even read the book or watched a video. I realized I actually answered this question six months ago in my journal during an immersion workshop. Here’s an updated version of what I wrote:
What is S Factor?
A feminine movement that empowers, transforms and connects.
The class takes place in a darkened, mirror-less room warmed by a soft red glow. The floors are cool blonde wood. Walls smooth white. A cushioned club chair sits in one corner. A day bed fills another. A small bench lines one wall near a stereo. Chrome poles shimmer in the center of the room. Women settle, stretch and sit on purple mats around the room. A teacher’s soothing voice begins to float through the sometimes cool, soon to be warm air.
It begins with floor work—circular yoga, Pilates and hula-like moves—to music and guided imagery. This gives my brain a break and immerses me into my body. It is dance and meditation. After about forty-five minutes we move within the space—crawl, slither, strut and fly. Playing and dancing with the walls, poles, chair and day bed. Pole playtime, where we learn and practice tricks or pole flow exercises, follows. Then most of us change into sexy and sensual outfits, some put on six-inch stilettos, or maybe cowboy boots, and then share improvisational dance with each other.
It builds community and sisterhood. It processes, releases and changes emotions. I’m convinced it changes the brain to favor balance (or homeostasis; stress causes allostasis). By the end of class each woman feels different than how she entered the space. Somehow more grounded yet buoyant, or maybe more peaceful and passionate or even more radiant and centered. Each week different, yet consistent.
It is as necessary as breathing for me. Weekly class plugs me into my sensuality, sexuality and femininity like nothing else. It recharges me and my feminine soul. It heightens my joy and bliss. It restores me and makes me whole. It teaches me about my life. It deepens my connection to myself, my spirit, my sisters and the Divine.
S Factor is a language for a women’s body and a path to body love. It lets the body—my body—speak. It gave my body a voice. A way to communicate with my brain. To tell the story of my week, my life, my emotions, my sensuality, sexuality and my role as a woman living in a patriarchy. In a world that still values men and masculine traits over women, femininity and feminine characteristics. S Factor is my tribe, my safe place to be a woman. To weep, wail, wonder and wander. To slide, slink, twirl and strut. To laugh, heal, cheer and support. It is women honoring and celebrating the beauty, emotion and curve of being woman.
It is a life-changing feminine movement I expect to do for the rest of my life in some way because it makes me feel super-alive and more fully who I am as a woman.
