Colonialism has impacted societal expectations and practices related to pleasure, leading to the loss of context and meaning.
Understanding indigenous practices requires considering reliability, bias of source material, and original cultural context.
Moving towards a communal and connected approach to pleasure involves appreciating and respecting the cultures that originated these practices.
Deep dives
Understanding the Impact of Colonialism on Pleasure Practices
The podcast episode explores the ways in which colonialism has impacted societal expectations and practices related to pleasure. It discusses how colonialism separated individuals from their minds, bodies, communities, and the environment. This separation led to the loss of context and meaning around sex, pleasure, and connection. The episode emphasizes the need to question societal roles and challenge the assumptions and limitations imposed by colonial structures. It highlights the importance of recognizing the value, wisdom, and complexity of ancient cultures and their practices, while being respectful and avoiding the appropriation of their knowledge.
The Importance of Context in Understanding Indigenous Practices
The episode delves into the challenges of understanding indigenous practices and cultures from a historical perspective. It highlights the need to consider the reliability and bias of source material, as well as the importance of acknowledging the original cultural context in which practices were developed. It emphasizes the dangers of romanticizing or fetishizing indigenous cultures, instead advocating for seeking a deeper understanding of the complexities, nuances, and historical backgrounds of these cultures.
Exploring Pleasure Through Community and Spirituality
The podcast episode discusses the significance of community and spirituality in the realm of pleasure. It highlights the need to move away from individualized and goal-oriented experiences of pleasure and towards a more communal and connected approach. It emphasizes the importance of seeking deeper connections and spiritual experiences, while recognizing the need to appreciate and respect the cultures that originated these practices. It encourages individuals to question societal norms, explore historical practices, and adapt them in ways that resonate with their own lives.
Navigating the Challenges of Appropriation and Appreciation
The episode addresses the complex issue of appropriation and appreciation of cultural practices. It raises questions about the line between these two concepts and encourages individuals to be mindful of their intentions and actions. It emphasizes the need to credit and honor the cultures from which practices are derived, while understanding their historical and cultural contexts. It highlights the importance of curiosity, research, and a holistic understanding when engaging with cultural practices.
Embracing Complexity and Seeking Meaning in Pleasure Practices
The podcast episode advocates for seeking a deeper understanding of pleasure practices by embracing complexity and examining the historical, cultural, and societal factors that have shaped them. It encourages individuals to question assumptions, challenge societal roles, and uncover the rich history and wisdom that lies within different cultures. It emphasizes the need to approach pleasure from a holistic perspective, taking into account the mind, body, community, and environment. It concludes by highlighting the value of self-discovery, curiosity, and respecting the diverse experiences and narratives surrounding pleasure.
On this episode of #mensexpleasure, I chat with Toya Ricci, BSocSc(Psych), PgDipCEAT, MSexol. Toya is a sex therapist and sexuality educator who passionately believes in embracing, nurturing, and creatively expressing sexuality as a fundamental component of overall health and wellbeing. Drawing on a solid background in counselling, psychology, and creative & experiential arts therapy, Toya brings a diverse range of experience and skills to her practice. She adopts an inclusive and eclectic approach, incorporating therapeutic frameworks such as existentialism, cognitive-behavioural therapy, compassion-focused therapy, and solution-focused therapy. This allows her to provide compassionate support to individuals and couples as they navigate the challenges of modern sexuality, sexual performance, intimacy, connection, dating, relationships, and sexual expression throughout their lives.
Key points:
- Toya introduces herself
- Perceptions about pleasure
- Pleasure practices throughout history
- The importance of historical context
- What does it mean to decolonise pleasure?
- Learning and unlearning
Relevant links:
Toya’s Instagram: @toya.ricci
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
