“Open Nest”: Redefining Love After Children Leave Home (S5

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The Open Nesters

212 episodes

6 days ago

We are the Open Nesters. We are the Baby Boomers and Gen X’ers who reject the traditional roles that our parents played and the empty nest syndrome. We defy the stigma of ageism, ailing health, empty retirement and a passionless sex life.

Together we explore the journey of re-discovering and reinventing our lives as our grown children leave the nest. We hear about the sides of people that have been left unexplored during a long-term marriage. The mysteries, fantasies and unmet desires and needs are laid wide open at this juncture in their lives. Their empty-nesting chapter in life is anything but empty! It’s an Open Nest, fulfilling, expansive, explorative, and raw. The stories reveal alternative lifestyles and explore how our generation is redefining life on their own terms.

All content for The Open Nesters is the property of The Open Nesters and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.

“Open Nest”: Redefining Love After Children Leave Home (S5 | E196)

The Open Nesters

47 minutes 51 seconds

3 months ago

“Open Nest”: Redefining Love After Children Leave Home (S5 | E196)

"Open Nest": Redefining Love After Children Leave Home (S5 | E196)

[Tessa]
As children leave the home, parents often find themselves at a new life stage, ripe for rediscovering themselves and their relationships. This is the essence of being an "open nester," a mindset that embraces new adventures and possibilities in love, intimacy, and connection. Sumati Sparks, our guide, highlights the importance of releasing outdated beliefs and societal programming. She encourages a deeper understanding of personal desires and the freedom that can come with exploring consensual non-monogamy. Sumati carefully distinguishes between open relationships, swinging, and polyamory, dispelling common misconceptions and emphasizing the potential for deeper emotional bonds.

TIME CODE

2:47 Sumati Sparks: The Journey Begins
6:41 Ethical Non-Monogamy Explained
17:58 Couples in Open Relationships
28:53 Holding Space for Truth
35:49 Strengthening Relationship Foundations

Sumati shares her personal journey from traditional monogamy to engaging in ethical non-monogamy, detailing transformative moments that shaped her approach and insights. She addresses the crucial skills needed to navigate jealousy, insecurity, and the inevitable triggers that can arise when expanding relationship boundaries. Through real-life examples, including a case study of a couple seeking to enhance their intimacy while exploring outside connections, she illustrates the gradual and intentional process of transitioning into alternative relationship structures.

Listeners will gain valuable advice on creating a safe space for honest conversations between partners. Sumati emphasizes the significance of understanding each other's emotional responses and allowing space for discomfort. This approach fosters greater intimacy and cooperation, ensuring both individuals feel heard and respected. She provides practical steps for couples considering an open relationship, including initiating non-sexual encounters with potential romantic interests to gauge emotional readiness.

The episode concludes with a thorough discussion of self-awareness and communication. Sumati guides the audience through exercises designed to help partners articulate their needs and boundaries, reminding us that vulnerability is a strength when opening up to new experiences. For those considering this new phase in their relationship, she encourages reflection on desires and suggests coaching or counseling as supportive resources.

Whether you're exploring the idea of open relationships or simply seeking deeper intimacy with your partner, join us as we navigate the exciting, sometimes challenging, terrain of love in later life, guided by Sumati's expertise and warmth.

Resources for You

We want to provide you with support and many many resources for your own Open Nesting Journey. Our resource page has so much to offer as does our private discus...