Eros: The Force That Awakens Us
Eros: The Force That Awakens Us
Eros is more than just romantic love or sexual attraction—it is the very pulse of life, the energy that fuels creativity, passion, and connection. It is the fire that ignites deep desire, not just for another person, but for life itself. Understanding Eros and embracing its power can transform the way we experience intimacy, relationships, and even our own self-expression.
What Is Eros?
The concept of Eros dates back to ancient Greece, where it was considered a divine force of love and attraction. In modern psychology, Eros is often linked to life energy, an innate drive toward passion, growth, and connection. Unlike fleeting lust or infatuation, Eros is a deeper, more expansive force—it is the longing to merge, to create, and to feel fully alive.
Psychoanalyst Carl Jung viewed Eros as a transformative energy that moves us toward greater wholeness, while philosopher Alain Badiou described love as an event that shakes us from complacency and forces us to see the world anew. This is the essence of Eros: it disrupts, awakens, and compels us to seek something beyond the ordinary.
Why Eros Is So Powerful
Eros is a force of aliveness. It is the part of us that yearns for depth, connection, and meaning. When we embrace it, we tap into:
Passion and Vitality – Eros fuels our desire not just for physical intimacy but for everything that brings us joy and meaning—art, adventure, learning, and self-discovery.
Transformation – When we allow ourselves to fully experience Eros, it has the power to change us, making us more open, vulnerable, and connected.
Risk and Surrender – True eroticism requires us to step outside of our comfort zones, to surrender to the unknown, and to embrace uncertainty.
Creativity and Expression – Eros is not limited to relationships. It is the force behind artistic creation, inspiration, and innovation.
The Role of Eros in Love and Desire
Eros fuels both love and desire, yet they are not the same. Love seeks safety, while desire craves the unknown. As Esther Perel writes in Mating in Captivity, “Love enjoys knowing everything about you; desire needs mystery.” Balancing the two requires an understanding of how Eros operates in relationships.
To keep Eros alive, we must:
Allow for Distance – Desire thrives in space. Seeing your partner as a separate, independent being, rather than an extension of yourself, can reignite attraction.
Embrace Playfulness – Eros loves spontaneity, teasing, and the thrill of anticipation.
Keep Exploring – Erotic energy is fed by novelty, curiosity, and a willingness to try new experiences.
Engage the Imagination – Desire is as much about the mind as the body. Storytelling, fantasy, and sensual rituals help sustain erotic energy.
Eros Beyond Sexuality
Though often associated with physical passion, Eros extends far beyond the bedroom. It is the energy that compels us to create, to express, and to connect deeply with ourselves and others. When we lose touch with Eros, life feels dull, uninspired, and disconnected. But when we embrace it, everything—our relationships, our work, our sense of purpose—becomes infused with vibrancy and meaning.
Cultivating Eros in Everyday Life
If you feel disconnected from Eros, here are ways to invite it back into your life:
Slow Down and Savor – Eros is found in presence. Savoring food, touch, movement, and beauty awakens the senses.
Follow Your Desires – What excites you? What makes you feel alive? Pursue those things unapologetically.
Break Routine – Monotony kills Eros. Shake things up, whether it’s in your daily life, your creative pursuits, or your relationships.
Engage in Creative Expression – Dance, paint, write, sing—let yourself create freely, without judgment.
Connect with Others Deeply – Authenticity, vulnerability, and emotional depth keep Eros thriving in our relationships.
Final Thoughts
Eros is a powerful, life-giving force that exists within all of us. When we nurture it, we awaken to a richer, more passionate existence. It calls us to live fully, love deeply, and embrace the unknown with open arms. So ask yourself: where is Eros alive in your life? And where is it waiting to be rekindled?