The Intersection of Psychology and Sexuality: A roadmap to my work
Here are all the links and topics/posts organized by category and structure. How and why sexuality, as the source of life, connects all human experiences.
Welcome!
In this post, I hope to provide a clear roadmap for my work up to this point, and I will continue to update with new information, posts, and insights.
Now that I've collected over 20 pieces of writing (yuhu!), I can finally connect them so that my work makes sense whether it's read, zoomed out, or zoomed in.
I'd like to explain where to begin reading, how I plan to connect topics, and why I write about sexuality, particularly for new readers.
Why write about sexuality?
At first glance, it may appear that discussing sexuality includes everything commonly associated with the act of sex.
This is not my goal at all.
I want to write what I would have liked to read as I matured, grew, and discovered myself.
I would have liked to have been told by someone I trusted that sexuality is so complex, that the way I feel, the way I was raised, my relationship with money, how healthy relationships form, how to understand my emotions, how to take space, and the way I make love are all linked, and that each of those aspects says something about me.
I would have liked someone to tell me that not only what happened to me was significant, but also what I didn't experience—the missing love, celebration, and care—so that I wouldn't have to believe that there was something wrong with me.
Everything I felt was human, justified, legitimate, and true.
I write for myself to validate and honor my younger self by answering all of the unanswered questions in an in-depth holistic manner, on how we can integrate our sexuality, learn and relearn, and be creative.
I am eager to talk about all aspects of our sexual identities, the impact of social, cultural, and economic factors on our behavior, cognitive aspects, biological traits, and so much more.
As I already said, Sexuality has little to do with sexual expression; it is merely the tip of the iceberg. Sexuality incorporates everything that lies beneath the surface, it is the foundation, the underlying knowledge, where we already have all wisdom and can find every panacea.
Furthermore, sexuality, metaphorically speaking, extends beyond the surface of the iceberg, incorporating all the space above the tip, the limitless cosmos, and our connection to the universe-the source of all life and creations.
Thus, if we use our imagination, we can understand the interconnectedness of everything, the reduction of our sexuality to mere sex, and the ways in which we act, perform, and explore our sexuality is just one aspect—one practical aspect—that is important, but it is not the only one; it is not the ultimate goal; it is a nuance of our human spectrum.
If we truly examine ourselves, we can see our predetermined existence and the social/cultural economical limitations of our free will, identities and self-concepts, which we may refuse to acknowledge or accept.
At the same time, we are more than we realize; our potential far exceeds what we allow ourselves to believe.
By being receptive to new information and challenging our identities, behaviors, lives, distorted perceptions of the world, and how we were conditioned, we can start exploring our sexuality.
It's difficult work, but it's rewarding and liberating to understand why you are the way you are.
I hope we can be kind and compassionate to ourselves as we process new information, reflect on past versions of ourselves, projected images, and unrealized dreams, and reclaim our true selves and the inherent power we all have, both consciously and unconsciously.
There are only personal truths that each of us claims, shares, and finds meaningful. There are no absolute truths about who we are, how we are perceived by others, or how we perceive others.
The source of life: Sexuality
The idea that sexuality is the source of life has several biological and psychological interpretations. Here's an in-depth review from both perspectives:
From a biological perspective, sexuality is linked to reproduction, which is fundamental to species survival.
Sexual reproduction combines genetic material from two parents, resulting in genetic diversity, which is necessary for species survival and evolution.
Life Cycle: The act of reproduction ensures that life continues across generations, so sexuality is a vital part of life's survival.
From a psychological perspective, sexuality impacts behavior, identity, and relationships.
Human Development: Sexuality influences identity formation, a sense of self and social relationships.
Relationships: Sexuality has a significant impact on emotional bonds, intimacy, and connection with others.
Psychological Drive: Life/Death instincts. Sigmund Freud's theory of libido holds that sexual energy is a primary driver of human behavior, contributing to creativity, motivation, and life satisfaction.
Philosophical and cultural perspectives highlight the importance of sexuality in human existence.
Many cultures have creation myths that attribute the beginning of life to sexual acts or unions between deities.
Symbolism/Archetypes: In literature, art, and religion, sexuality frequently represents fertility, creativity, and vitality.
Sexuality includes:
Biological Aspects: Reproduction, Physical Pleasure, Hormonal Influences.
Psychological Aspects: Identity, Emotional Connection, Mental Health.
Cultural Aspects: Norms and Values, Societal standards and taboos, Rituals and Traditions, Media Representation.
Social Aspects: Relationships, Power Dynamics, Community.
Philosophical and Existential Aspects: Meaning and Purpose, Spirituality.
Here, you'll find links to all of my posts, which I've categorized and organized to make it easier for you to find them and return whenever I update.
It's similar to a summary for an ever-evolving digital book.
Each title will open to a new page where you can read the content that piqued your interest.
1. Foundations of Psychology and Sexuality:
a. Understanding Sexuality Step by Step: Learning and Unlearning Processes
A summary of the processes involved in learning or unlearning one's sexual identity.b. How Our Brain Works: The Consequences of Living in a Left-Hemisphere Society. Urbanization and Our Minds. Down to Earth.
Nature has a remarkable ability to bring us peace, which can be measured psychologically. It's time to eat your strawberries and celebrate LIFE.c. Understanding The Ego's States, Roles, and Stages in Psychology. Self-Ego Spiritual Axis: Transcending to a Higher Self.
The necessity of the psychological Ego and the dissolution of the spiritual Ego.
2. Dynamics of Relationships and Attachment:
a. How Relationships Are Formed. Our Fixation with Romantic Relationships, Finding the "ONE" Explained. Marriage Archetype. Different Relationships=Abundance of Resources and Inclusion.
What is the difference between Mature, Fusional, Teenager love. Learn how to identify resources, abundance, and value in relationships around you.b. Polyamory, Monogamy, and Other Types of Bonds Explained. Part I: How Secure and Insecure Attachment Styles Manifest in Adult Romantic and Non-Romantic Relationships.
Why we pair bond. An overview of attachment style theory. Our biology, the neurochemistry, and hormone systems
3. In-Depth Exploration of Sexuality:
a. Anger, Aggression, and Vulnerability in Sexual Intimacy. Differences in How Men and Women Experience Anger and Vulnerability.
Emotional aspects of sexual intimacy and gender differences, how secondary behaviors like anger and rage can be related to our feelings of vulnerability..b. Sexual Desire: Frequency and Intensity
Addressing the mismatch of sexual desire in relationshipsc. The Connection Between Orgasms, Death, and the Ego. Eroticism/Mother Death Archetype. "La Petite Mort". Understanding Our Existential Reality is Essential for Living Life to the Fullest.
Connections between orgasm, mortality, and the ego. "Death Education" is at the same time "Life Education."
4. Archetypal and Psychological Insights:
a. The Goddess Archetype Aphrodite. Sensuality, Seduction, Aesthetics, and Creation.
The art of balancing female goddess archetypes in a society obsessed with beauty and youth. Archetype of Aphrodite (Venus)-shadow and light.b. Madonna-Whore Complex Simplified.
The effects of internalized misogyny on men and women.c. Eros and Anteros: A Psychological Tale of Mutual Connection and the Art of Love
Eros and Anteros/Desire and Reciprocal Love are the two sides of love.
5. Money, Society, and Sexuality:
a. The Money Complex: Understanding Your Relationship With Money. Greed, Idealized Poverty, and Healthy Wealth. Psychological Roots of Money.
Money symbolism throughout history. How do family dynamics and emotions around money impact and predict future financial patterns.
6. Emotional Intelligence and Everyday Wisdom:
a. Everyday Wisdom: Using Emotions for a More Conscious Life. Emotional Intelligence Made Easy.
If we can't understand ourselves, how do we understand others?
7. In depth Psychological Topics:
a. Motherhood, Sexuality, and Identity: Honoring Matrescence and Deciding Not to Have Children. Dealing with the Guilt, Shame, and Regret of Having Children. Men's Role in Supporting Women's Choices.
An Interview with Matrescence Guide and Educator Simona Mustatab. Trauma. Sexuality as Self-Reflection. Body/Mind Dissociation State.
It is important to realize that trauma is defined by how events affect you, not just by what happens to you.c. A Historical Perspective of Sexuality
Exploring sexuality across different epochs, from Ancient Greece until today, provides insight into how societal attitudes and norms have evolved over time.d. The First Touch: Jungian Symbols, Parental Figures, and the Search for Truth in Shaping Our Sexuality
Analysis of the Symbolic Significance of Skin and Sensation
Please let me know in the comments if this topic is important to you. I would also appreciate any feedback you may have, as I'm not sure what I'm doing here, and I'm curious to know how you perceive this information.
However, please be patient with any gaps or shortcomings. English is my second language, and I'm still learning how to translate what is on my mind into what I would love to really say and create.
Read it at your own pace, and enjoy this moment of solitude and reflection.
I will publish/pin this post on my main page for your convenience.
I thank you! Warm hugs, Katerina <3
“The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are.” C.G.Jung
Wow, I don’t even know where to start here! This is fantastic. So many resources. Thank you so much. I will attempt to get lost in these. Such an important topic that we reflect on maybe too late. We can’t bypass anything growing up yet I wish I knew then what I know now. 🙏❤️
"I write for myself to validate and honor my younger self by answering all of the unanswered questions in an in-depth holistic manner, on how we can integrate our sexuality, learn and relearn, and be creative."
I read this as one of the key statements in your post (and perhaps the work you are presenting here on substack.)
You view and interpret sexuality as the hub or root of human existence. Sexuality as the source of procreation, creativity, identity, potential, relationships with self and others, meaningful social connections, community, and ultimately our place within our tribe/ in the world.
Given that sexuality is so fiercely suppressed in so many cultures (including our western so-called civilisation, which claims to be sexually liberated), and is causing so much suffering and destruction, you've obviously got your finger on the pulse of an important topic.
Thank you for the summary and guidance. Your writing is excellent, and so is your English!! 💙🙏