We live inside the dreams of others. We might be imprisoned in them.
(Ben Okri)
Healthy sex
We live in a world that will continue to bombard us every day
with sex.
This is unlikely to stop.
If the imagery upsets you, ask yourself why.
Repression and obsession both revolve around the subject of sex, and
represent the extremes.
Taoism is about finding balance.
Sex is a healthy part of life and should be enjoyed.
There is nothing wrong with being stimulated by the sexual images and
narrative in the media, but it needs to be kept in perspective.
Having perspective
Most of the photographs in the media are taken under unique
conditions.
The models are chosen for body shape and symmetry of features.
Lighting, hair, make-up and the use of colour and scenery all serve to create an
illusion.
It is entirely artificial.
Attempting to live up to such pictures will only cause you hardship.
Accept the pictures for what they are: glamorous illusions designed to sell a
product, image or lifestyle.
Be strong. Only you can decide who you are.
If you begin to believe that the illusion is real, you need to take a
step back.
Performance
You cannot eat the picture of an apple. A picture is the
representation, not the real thing.
Sexuality in the media is all performance. It is a show.
The models in the pictures are not real, the picture is not the actual person.
It is just a poise, a performance.
The picture cannot capture the personality, character, nature of somebody
- not even the truly good ones can offer you reality.
Entertainment
Tai chi encourages people to embrace the sexuality around them and
have fun with it.
The world is filled with images of sexuality, designed to entice and excite.
Seeing
beyond the surface
A taoist may find a picture stimulating, but they also realise
that the picture is just a picture.
There is more to sexuality than appearance; symmetrical
features are not enough.
Passion and sexuality are expressed through a
person.
Passion lights up their face.
It animates their bodies.
It shines out of them and has little to do with physical appearance.
Being poised in underwear is not sexy - it is what it is - just being
poised in underwear.
Sexy is the way, the how of the person.
It comes from within...
Page created 18 August 2000