PLAY

This week, I wanted to highlight Adrienne Maree Brown's Pleasure Activism, a transformative read that offered perspectives unlike any I’ve encountered before. Brown's unique background and her purposeful intentions for readers were incredibly eye-opening. I was struck by how boldly she embraces her mixed heritage within the complex racial constructs of the U.S., exuding an unapologetic and liberated presence that’s empowering. A standout moment for me was her reflection on womanhood:          

“… I love the particular pleasures of being a woman. I love being of women who transform the brutal conditions we survive, who are upending rape culture, knowing we are inferior to no one, weaving our suffering into a fierce togetherness... I know it is a privilege to feel aligned with the gender assignment I was given at birth. I love the bodies I was born from and with”

Her words are a reminder of the power in embracing our identities fully, owning both our individual experiences and shared struggles. Brown's writing encourages us to reclaim joy and resilience within ourselves, and it left me feeling both inspired and deeply reflective about my own journey with identity.

There were so many valuable insights that I know I’ll carry with me throughout life. One idea that really resonated was Brown’s view of interconnectedness: she emphasizes that being human inherently connects her to all other humans. She refuses to live through the lens of society’s constructs of power or supremacy, choosing instead to embrace a worldview rooted in equality and shared humanity. Brown's approach is a powerful reminder to challenge limiting social narratives and to foster genuine connections with others, free from hierarchies or societal expectations. Her perspective inspires a mindset that seeks unity over division and compassion over control, which I one day hope to embody.

When we deny our full potential as sensual beings, we risk creating an internal conflict that pulls us away from true self-acceptance. By neglecting these essential aspects of who we are, we increase the likelihood of feeling disconnected or at odds with ourselves. Brown emphasizes that embracing our whole, nuanced identities and honoring our desires is crucial to living authentically. Recognizing and validating our needs, instead of suppressing them, is key to fostering a deep sense of harmony and self-alignment. This perspective encourages us to lean into our complexity and embrace our full range of emotions and experiences.

I am a firm believer in addressing the root causes of harm to prevent its recurrence for future generations. By uncovering and challenging these underlying issues, we can begin to disrupt entrenched systemic patterns, creating space for true transformative justice to flourish. Yet, achieving this requires us, as a society, to confront uncomfortable truths and ask the shameless, difficult questions that are oftentimes ignored. It’s only by engaging in this collective introspection that we can dismantle vicious cycles and build a more just and equitable tomorrow.

The "pleasure principles" that Brown outlines are, in many ways, life-changing insights serving as grounding reminders. Key among them is the idea that “we become what we practice,” which underscores the importance of intentionally shaping our lives through our daily actions. I also found profound wisdom in the balance between commitment and detachment, and in recognizing that saying "no" creates space for a meaningful "yes." Brown challenges the ingrained notion that we need to constantly strive for accumulating excess, a mindset many of us have been conditioned to accept. Her work places an emphasis on being enough, just as we are. Embracing this perspective has strengthened my sense of self-worth and inspired me to focus on cultivating joy and fulfillment from within rather than seeking validation.