The practice of defining oneself through one's own words and ideas rather than accepting others' definitions and interpretations.
Sor Juana wrote extensively in her own voice, explaining her intellectual choices and defending her right to study. This concept emphasizes narrative authority—the power to define oneself. Cisgender people are constantly narrated by others: women by patriarchal culture, men by masculine ideology. This framework involves active resistance: speaking one's own truth, refusing imposed narratives, and insisting on complexity and self-determination. For cisgender women, this means refusing the role of victim or angel; claiming agency, ambition, and contradiction. For cisgender men, this means refusing simplistic masculinity and claiming full humanity. Sor Juana's letters and poetry are acts of narrative reclamation. She defines her own intellectual journey and refuses to accept the Church's framing of her. This practice is available to all cisgender people: writing your own story, in your own voice, on your own terms. Narrative authority is a form of freedom.
Peri can explain this concept, give practical examples, help you decide whether it applies to your situation, or recommend a journey if appropriate.
Explore related journeys or tell Peri what you're working through.