Using bodily non-compliance—withdrawal, resistance, strategic absence—as a form of self-definition and protection against systems that demand conformity.
Sor Juana's choice to enter the convent, to refuse marriage, and to selectively engage or disengage from court life were physical acts of refusal. Her body itself became a statement: I will not be what you demand. This is not merely passive resistance but active self-definition. Refusal as physical practice means recognizing that how you inhabit, move, show up, or withdraw your body is a form of agency and identity-making. It can mean saying no to demands on your time, setting boundaries around physical touch or exposure, or simply choosing not to perform the version of yourself others expect. In reclaiming your body as your own, you exercise the right to refuse—a right foundational to justice and identity.
Peri can explain this concept, give practical examples, help you decide whether it applies to your situation, or recommend a journey if appropriate.
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