Sexual Sovereignty

Our bodies know when we want to be touched, and when we don’t want to be touched. Desire and agency simmer in our throats, ready to emerge as “Yes” or “No,” to protect our sovereignty over our own bodies and sexuality. But centuries of patriarchy and violations in our personal histories may have disconnected us from the channel of our desire, and the agency of our voice. 

In today’s episode, we explore how “yes” and “no” in the sexual realm are intimately and irrevocably intertwined.  We linger on re-learning our right to say “no,” for, as Sheryl reminds us, there is no true yes without no. One depends upon the other. We explore some of the common themes that emerge when people feel disconnected from their desire—history of assault or abuse, feeling touched out, grappling with sexual pain, buckling under pressure and expectations. And we invite the warm light of compassion and gentle love to wash over us and bring us back to safety. 

Within this vast, deep, and sometimes painful conversation, there is also room for rediscovering eros, for finding solace, power, joy and laughter within sisterhoods and within ourselves. 

We can gently uncover pathways leading us back to the place that most naturally belongs to us—with time, patience, gentleness, and a bit of ferocity. 

References and Resources:

• Sheryl’s Sacred Sexuality course information and registration
• Sheryl’s blog post, "This is One of the Best Ways to Get Sexually Aroused"
• Perennials Podcast Episode 61: Embracing Weakness with Shannon K. Evans
• Sheryl’s upcoming Sacred Sexuality free webinar
• Women Who Run with the Wolves by Dr. Clarissa Pinkola Estés
• The Chalice and the Blade by Riane Eisler
• Story about Amy Poehler in Bossypants by Tina Fey
• Lizzo, body positivity and self-love