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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

BRAZEN highly recommends this article from Brain Pickings which explains the four (incredibly simple, yet deeply powerful) mantras shared by Thich Nhat Hanh which transform fear into love. The perfect remedy for these crazy times, when we need love more than ever.

Ashvinder Kaur reflects on the relativity of fear in the face of a rapidly-changing world, and the hope for which she was named by a woman she never got to know.

Cover image by Jesper Aggergaard via Unsplash.

BRAZEN recommends the album trailer for MARINA’s album Love + Fear, in which she recites lyrics from her own songs to moving and poetic effect.

“Curiosity will conquer fear even more than bravery will; indeed, it has led many people into dangers which mere physical courage would shudder away from, for hunger and love and curiosity are the great impelling forces of life.” - James Stephens

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” - Maya Angelou

In this article, Shanita Lyn explores how asking the right questions can lead to deeper connections and, she hopes, a better world.

BRAZEN recommends this heartfelt conversation between Chella Man and MaryV Benoit on The And, filmed almost two years after their first one, in which they return to discuss the complexity and simplicity of love and identity once again.