Episode 4: Presence Is the Practice: Tantra as a Way of Being in Modern Relationships with Shawn Roop

Show Notes In this episode of The Poly Tantra Kink Podcast, Laurie Ellington sits down with modern tantra teacher Shawn Roop, founder of Tantra Quest, for a grounded and expansive conversation on presence as a lived practice, and not a performance. Shawn shares his unconventional path into tantra and how his work, rooted in Mahamudra Tantra, focuses on removing what's in the way rather than adding more techniques. Together, they explore why pleasure is impossible without presence, how maturity creates safety in open and non-traditional relationships, and why designing relationships from inner truth matters more than following external blueprints. This episode is an invitation to slow down, return to the body's intelligence, and let presence guide intimacy, sexuality, and relationship choice.   Episode Highlights Tantra as something you remember, not something you learn Presence as the foundation of pleasure and intimacy Removing obstacles instead of adding techniques Maturity vs. "safety" in open and polyamorous relationships Designing relationships from inner truth Embodiment as awareness, feeling, and action Why pacing and sobriety of mind create sustainability   About Shawn Roop Shawn Roop is the founder of Tantra Quest and a modern tantra teacher with over 25 years of embodied experience. Rooted in Mahamudra Tantra, his work is direct, grounded, and practical, supporting people in reconnecting with the intelligence of their body, energy, and awareness. Shawn works with individuals, couples, and teachers through classes, private sessions, and immersive programs. His teaching emphasizes presence over performance, empowerment over dependency, and removing what's in the way so people can access their own inner wisdom and live more truth-aligned lives. Links & Resources Mentioned Tantra Quest: https://tantraquest.com/ Connect with Laurie Ellington Website: poly-coach.com Instagram: @polycoaching Work with Laurie: Explore coaching for polyamory, open relationships, tantra, sacred sexuality, and conscious kink. Free Resource: Inspired by this conversation about presence? Download The Pause Method, Laurie's free guide to slowing down, clearing what's in the way, and meeting relationship moments with embodied awareness.