Clarity. It’s one of my favourite words in the English language — clear, resonant, undeniable. It’s also a precious rare commodity in our time. When we’re surrounded by so much noise, how do we reconnect with the clarity within ourselves?

Cover image by Marissa Rodriguez via Unsplash.

BRAZEN recommends the gorgeous Sufjan Stevens song that has become so synonymous with one of the most iconic films of our time, Call Me By Your Name.

BRAZEN recommends this charming short film from NOWNESS about Barbara Flood and Stanley Dorfman, who have been in a relationship for over forty years despite never living in the same time zone.

Thumbnail image via Advanced Style.

BRAZEN sits down for a chat with Rathimalar Govindarajoo about dance, desire, discovering our power and more.

Interview and cover illustration by Shanita Lyn Kumar.

BRAZEN recommends this article from Psychology Today on the four stages of desire, as defined by the 15th-century Indian mystic, poet and philosopher Kabir.

In this edition of BRAZEN Recommends, Maria Popova of Brain Pickings explores the book Mating in Captivity: Unlocking Erotic Intelligence by Esther Perel to better understand the antiparallel relationship between love and desire, and the importance + beauty of cultivating space in your relationships in order to keep the fire burning.

A delicious, juicy poem by Nayli Nasran about taking a chance on the unknown for the sake of the sweetness it might offer.

Illustration by Shanita Lyn Kumar.

BRAZEN recommends this delightful and fascinating TED talk by Dr. Seema Anand on the ancient Indian arts of seduction, and how they were seen as a method of gaining total mastery over the self.

Shalina May Kumar breaks down the concepts of mimetic desire; the difference between desires of nature and desires of opinion; and the Stoic approach to living a more content, satisfied life.

Cover illustration by Shanita Lyn Kumar.

BRAZEN recommends this dreamy, heartfelt synth-pop ode to young love and blossoming romance by English alternative rock band, Wolf Alice.

A beautiful, moving poem about longing, unfulfilled desire and passion by Rachel Morais.

Illustration by Shanita Lyn Kumar.

Ever wondered why the path up that flight of stairs looks never-ending when you’ve just had your lunch? Or why it always looks like you can reach that really cool book on the top shelf, before you actually try, and find you can’t even brush it? Today's instalment of BRAZEN recommends sheds some light on that question.

Photo by Youssef Naddam via Unsplash.

BRAZEN contributor Chloe Sim reflects on how a broken relationship and a trip to Japan redefined her entire relationship with desire — and herself.

Photos by Ian Dooley via Unsplash.

BRAZEN recommends this video from Lessons of the Screenplay on YouTube, which explores what happens when the desire for greatness is taken too far — leading to obsession and the descent into madness.

BRAZEN recommends The Struts’ rousing rock anthem that invites you to live boldly, wholeheartedly and unapologetically — in other words, to live brazenly.

BRAZEN recommends our editor-in-chief’s favourite song ever, by a band whose music was one of the biggest inspirations behind the very creation of this magazine.

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, ‘Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?’ Actually, who are you not to be?”

Quote by Marianne Williamson. Illustrated by Shanita Lyn Kumar.

BRAZEN recommends this beautiful article from Brain Pickings, which celebrates E.E. Cummings’ timeless and inspiring advice to young poets.

Illustration from Enormous Smallness by Matthew Burgess via Brain Pickings.

What are you most afraid of?

BRAZEN highly recommends this beautiful interview with Elizabeth Gilbert on fear, authenticity, creativity, play and everything in between. So inspiring!