by Emma Atkinson and Rachel Drake

Dearest Reader,

We offer you warm greetings in these crisp autumn days, and thank you for joining us on this journey through the nuances of consent.  We’re grateful to be a part of the CSPC’s community and its communications with you.  

In the last newsletter we reviewed our consent model and likened it to building a strong and enduring structure.  We noted that we’re well advised to build our structure’s foundation on a solid ground of respect.  The foundation is what we’re considering today, and it represents Autonomy.  Specifically, for you, the foundation means your own Autonomy.

Autonomy is the act of self-government or self-determination.  You get to decide what’s good for you:  what will nurture your mind, body and spirit.  

Your foundation is yours alone, and doesn’t have to resemble anyone else’s.  You can listen to suggestions about how you might reconsider what’s good for you, but ultimately it’s your life, and you get to decide how you’re going to live it.  Yay you!  

You have the right to appreciate whatever it is that you do appreciate, along with other consenting beings.  You have the right to allow something today that you didn’t allow yesterday, and vice versa - and what’s a little vice among friends?  You’re changing all the time, and your wants and needs will change, too.  Just keep your partner(s) in the loop about it.  Sneak preview:  communication is another integral part of our consent structure that we’ll talk about in an upcoming column!  

We’ve been fortunate enough to have met some people who always seem to be on their own side, no matter what.  They’re unfailingly kind to themselves, even as they face what would appear to be challenges.  They tend to see unfortunate experiences not as errors, but rather as learning opportunities.  We’re absolutely in awe of such people, and we encourage you to follow their example as you build your own foundation of Autonomy.  

Homework:  take 5 minutes, get comfortable, and ponder what nourishes you in mind, body and spirit.  Just notice what arises for you.  And, today or tomorrow, make one of them so.  

Got compliments?  You can appreciate us at:  info@thecspc.org. 

“Be excellent to each other” - Bill and Ted

“Be sexcellent to each other” - Emma and Rachel