Book Review: The Awakened Woman by Dr. Tererai Trent

Posted On: December 2, 2019

It took me a while to finish reading this book because carrying it around for weeks doesn’t mean a book gets read – you actually need to read it, and I finally did.

It took me a while because I really wanted to absorb not just the words, but the essence of who Dr Tererai Trent is. Increasingly I believe that one isn’t “better” than another. Sure, we are born different in our mental intellect and other types of intellect, and destiny/ karma (e.g. country/ family) plays a big part in nurture vs nature – but no one is “better” (as in more worth/ value). In short, different isn’t better. It is just that: different.

But it is true that no matter the circumstances (nationality, race, religion, gender, economic status etc), some people do “show up” in the world in unique/ special ways that “help” others. I believe that people who show up more radiantly and powerfully (unforgettable/ leave an impression/ long lasting impression) because they remind us of how powerful we are capable of being They inspire us. I believe these individuals would have done inner work aka dug deeply into themselves – hence show up differently.

Dr Tererai Trennt is one such person. She weaves into the book the lives and stories of her mother, grandmother, community, totem, tribe and country. The traditions and practices of her people including midwifery is interspersed throughout the book. She talks about how she honors the women who have gone before her once a month, and how this practice strengthens her ‘dreams’. I believe it also anchors her soul and nourishes her spirit. Herein lies in her “why” she does what she does – where she came from and how her ancestors and people counts on her.

What about me? What have I accomplished to date? Have I remembered how I stand on the shoulders of those who have gone before me – and done them justice? Rather than be over-burdened by it all, how can I embody all this and use this to support my future?

Her words aren’t just words. They seem to jump out of those pages, grab by the throat, then land like a flutter my heart. I ask myself too how I can incorporate her practices into my life, and how I can support more people. I am inspired and propelled to dig deeper into my own vision for my life and my people. We are all works in process.

I like to invite you to join me in this Write and Release Ritual inspired by Dr Tererai Trent!

About Dr. Martha Tara Lee

Surrounded by friends who were sexually inhibited and struck by dire lack of positive conversations around sex and sexuality in Singapore, Dr. Martha Tara Lee set out to make a positive difference in embarking on her doctorate in human sexuality before launching Eros Coaching in 2009. Today, she remains dedicated to working with individuals and couples who wish to lead self-actualised and pleasure-filled lives.

She also holds certificates in counselling, coaching and sex therapy, and her fourth degree – a Masters in Counselling in May 2018. In practice for more than 10 years, she is the only certified sexuality educator and certified sexuality educator supervisor by the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT) in Singapore.

Often cited in the local media, Dr. Lee is the appointed sex expert for Men’s Health Singapore, and Men’s Health Malaysia. She was recognised as one of ‘Top 50 Inspiring Women Under 40′ by Her World in July 2010, and one of ‘Top 100 Inspiring Women’ by CozyCot in March 2011. She has published four books: Love, Sex and Everything In-BetweenOrgasmic YogaFrom Princess to Queen and {Un}Inhibited.

Martha works with individuals and couples in private coaching sessions, and conducts her own workshops. She takes prides in making sure all her workshops are also fun, educational, and sex-positive. This comes easily to her because even though she is extremely dedicated and serious about her work, she fundamentally believes that sex is meant to be fun, wonderful, amazing and sacred. As such, this serious light-heartedness has shone through again and again. For her full profile, click here. Email her here.

         
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