Reclaiming Our Sensual Vernacular: A Broader Definition of Pleasure

Words like arousal, sensuality, and erotic have become tightly boxed in by society’s narrow lenses. So often, they’re whispered behind closed doors, considered “taboo” outside the realm of sexuality. Yet, this restriction only fuels the shrinking of spaces where healthy, natural expressions of our sensual and erotic selves can be freely shared.

But what if these words—words that invite us into life’s delicious depths—could mean more? What if we began to understand them as tools not just for physical intimacy but for something much bigger, something essential for our creative and expressive lives?

Imagine this: you’re diving into a sumptuous meal. Maybe it’s something saucy, with fresh herbs and warm spices—something best savored with your hands, not silverware. Your senses ignite as you feel the textures, the taste bursting across your tongue. You find yourself fully present, connected, activated by the aliveness of the meal. It’s not just satisfying; it’s invigorating, even…

Arousing.

Or consider that moment when you’re witnessing a musician in their genius. There’s a thrill in seeing someone fully embodied in their craft, pouring their heart into every note. You feel it stir something within—a hum, a pulse, a spark. It’s a kind of awe that transcends words, a sensation that leaves you feeling utterly awake, connected to something greater than yourself.

In these moments, “arousal” is no longer a word we reserve for intimate encounters. They stir not just the body but the spirit, engaging every part of us. And in these moments, arousal is not just a physical experience; it’s an invitation to be fully, unabashedly present.

Reclaiming this sensual vernacular matters. As society tries to limit where and how we speak of sensuality, we risk losing touch with a vital part of ourselves—a part that thrives on presence, wonder, and creative expression. Reclaiming our sensual nature empowers us, not only in the realm of desire but in how we show up in the world, in our work, our art, our relationships. To live sensually is to open our senses fully, to savor the everyday moments that might otherwise pass us by.

This approach to life is undeniably epicurean. It’s about savoring each moment, each interaction, each circumstance, not merely as an experience but as something delicious and inspiring. When we allow ourselves to see life this way, everything around us has the potential to delight us, to uplift us, and to stimulate all our senses—body, mind, and spirit.

By reclaiming and expanding the meaning of these words, we give ourselves permission to be more present, more embodied, and more in awe. 

I see this reclamation as a path back to creativity. By consciously engaging with our senses, we feed our creative fires, reigniting passions we might have let slip in the face of daily demands. Sensuality - the pursuit or expression of sensate pleasure - is a wellspring for all creative acts, making it essential to push back against society’s restrictive definitions and reclaim these words, openly and defiantly.

The more we allow ourselves to explore life’s sensual side—safely, freely, joyfully—the more we remember that we are creatures of pleasure, wonder, and awe. And yes, some words may need creative re-spelling on certain platforms, but we won’t stop expressing this truth. Life is richer, more vibrant, and far more inspiring when we give ourselves permission to feel it fully.

I challenge you to reclaim these words in your life, to celebrate them, and to allow them to flow juicily through every part of your experience.

In sensual sovereignty,
Sharon Marie Scott

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