Sexual Connection
What is it for?
Why do humans have sex? Why does the body respond to physical touch and contact, why are there feelings that accompany this, and how do these lead to orgasm and satisfaction? What is the role of procreation in human life, and how does it relate to sex? How is sexual experience related to pleasure, power, love, pain, anxiety, fear, shame, guilt, and trust? Can one find meaning in being naked, vulnerable, exposed, and open before another person? Is it possible to feel free from social constraints and expectations through sex? What happens when gender roles, age, appearance, and cultural norms become irrelevant during sex? How can sexual connections change identities and perceptions of oneself and others?
These are some of the fundamental existential concerns about meaning and identity that arise in relation to sexual connection. People seek answers to such questions throughout their lives, and they explore them through various means, including talking, reading, reflecting, experimenting, and most importantly, having sex. Sex is an intriguing and mysterious phenomenon that has fascinated philosophers, psychologists, sociologists, anthropologists, biologists, and many other scholars who study human behavior. It has also been a subject of interest to artists, writers, filmmakers, musicians, and other creators who depict human experiences in their work.
What exactly is the relationship between sex and existentialism?
Existentialism is a philosophical tradition that deals with the fundamental issues of existence, freedom, responsibility, choice, meaning, value, death, and so on. Existentialists argue that humans must make choices and decisions based on their individual values and beliefs because there is no higher authority or purpose in life. In this sense, individuals are responsible for creating their own meaning and identity, as opposed to passively accepting predefined meanings imposed by religion, society, culture, family, politics, etc. This means that people have to navigate existential concerns constantly, even if they may not be aware of it. As Sartre says, "existence precedes essence" - we exist first, then we define ourselves by our actions. And sexual connections can play a crucial role in defining oneself.
One way in which people use sexual connections to navigate existential concerns about meaning and identity is by exploring their desires and needs. By engaging in physical contact and intimacy, they discover what makes them feel good, how they relate to others, and what makes them feel alive. Sexual experiences help individuals understand themselves better, including their bodies, emotions, thoughts, and relationships. They can learn to communicate with partners, express their needs and expectations, and create mutually satisfying encounters. Through sex, people can experiment with different identities, roles, and dynamics, and gain new insights into themselves and the world around them. They can also challenge social norms and cultural assumptions about gender, race, age, power, and other factors that shape sexuality.
Another way in which sexual connections can be used to address existential concerns is through pleasure and pain. The body responds to touch and closeness in physiological ways, generating feelings of arousal, excitement, relaxation, and more. These sensations can become intense during orgasm, leading some individuals to pursue sexual gratification as an end in itself. For others, however, pleasure and satisfaction are just one aspect of sexual connection. They may seek intimate relationships based on trust, love, support, empathy, companionship, or other values that go beyond mere physical attraction. Conversely, some individuals experience pain and shame during sex, which can lead to self-doubt, anxiety, and even depression. This can make it difficult for them to find fulfillment or purpose in life, but exploring such issues through therapy or counseling can help resolve these problems.
Sexual connections can change identities by providing a sense of freedom and authenticity. By letting go of social constraints and embracing their desires, individuals can feel liberated from cultural norms and expectations. They can reject labels and stereotypes and discover their true selves.
This process can also bring up fears and insecurities that require introspection and reflection.
Individuals who engage in BDSM or kink activities may explore identity through the power dynamics involved, while those who explore polyamory may challenge monogamy and jealousy. All of these experiences require careful thought and consideration, but they can offer deeper insights into oneself and society.
Sexual connections play a crucial role in navigating existential concerns about meaning and identity. Through touch, intimacy, arousal, communication, experimentation, and more, people learn about themselves and the world around them. While there is no simple answer to the questions raised here, engaging with them through sex can be a powerful way to gain understanding and grow as individuals.
In what ways do individuals use sexual connection to navigate existential concerns about meaning or identity?
Some individuals may use sexual encounters as a means of establishing their sense of self and purpose by seeking validation from others through sexual interactions. This can lead to a cycle of addiction where they feel that they need to continue engaging in sex to maintain their identity and avoid feelings of isolation and loneliness. In other cases, individuals may seek out sexual experiences that challenge their boundaries and push them outside of their comfort zones as a way of exploring and discovering new aspects of themselves.