At the Byron Bay Sex and Superconsciousness Conference, launched by ISTA (International School of Temple Arts) — founded by a man named Baba Dez and organized by Eve Glimma — I had a breakthrough.

I walked on stage to deliver my keynote speech dressed in the most colorful, psychedelic, sexy, outrageous outfit I had ever worn in the course of my long career. I told the audience that I was grateful for this opportunity to be so daring.

I realized that, for all this time, I had wanted to raise public awareness in the West about Tantra. I wanted Tantra to be taken seriously as a legitimate and important science of spiritual development — one of the rare ones that incorporated sexuality as a path to spirituality. And I had always worn elegant, conservative, and formal costumes at public conferences.

But now, in Byron Bay, I did not care. Because I was surrounded by joyful, sex-positive people who loved their bodies and felt comfortable wearing sexy and daring outfits.

The conference unfolded in a fun and flowing way. Thanks to Colin, Eve, and to all of you out there who have ever been willing to break out of the box — you all gave me a lift!