The word 'Decadent'

I have been using the word without realizing that I have never actually looked it up. Think about the word for a bit. What images or feelings does this word evoke in you? Do you have a feeling for the word? What do you think it means; based on it's popular use in Pop Culture. I remember deserts being referred to or named 'Decadence' or 'Decadent'. Often affluent lifestyle is described as decadent. I have referred to time spent with me as a decadent indulgence. Well, at the time of this writing I would like to argue the definition as it is written. I love the word, and want to continue to use it with the context I had originally inferred. Hear my protest, as I am passionate about this word and absolutely withdraw from it's actual definition.

Read on for what I found, that is if you were not clear as to what the real interpretation of the word Decadent is.




dec•a•dent

dec•a•dent [dékəd'nt]
adj
1. in decline: undergoing a process of decline or decay, especially in morals
2. immoral: showing uninhibitedly or immorally self-indulgent behavior


[Mid-19th century. < French décadent < décadence (see decadence)] -dec•a•dent•ly, , adv Encarta ® World English Dictionary © & (P) 1998-2005 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.

I can't believe that yet another wonderful word which wets the tongue and pleases the ear, could be weighted down with the anoxic, vile toxin of a word---morality. The word morality, itself, destroyed along with any word that could even loosely be linked to sex or sexuality. Please! Can we just enjoy the pleasures of the body and this earth without the dictionary making a mess of the symbols of our souls speech; the written word. Such power is held in each and every letter, so why wreck a beautiful word and bring down it's power with colonial bondage. No shackles needed when the bonds are in the mind.

I revoke the power of the words immorality and morality when in the same conversation as sex, sexuality, or any divine luxury meant to be explored and worshipped while we are so lucky to be in a body that feels. Decadence in my universe means the ultimate in indulgent pleasure with no bounds and no remorse.

Mmmm Darling, wouldn't you love to...

...lay back and rejoice in sensory pleasures. Stimulation of the senses inspires grand and beautiful day dreams of how great life is when you allow yourself the time to celebrate your body and all the pleasure you get to experience through it. Visual, tactile, gustatory, aural;it is a dream, but you are living it.

Inspired by the memoirs of Anais Nin, reading myself to sleep. I find that upon waking, my skin has a will to reach out; to be touched and to touch. To let go of the cares of the usual noise of the work week, traffic and fuss. To go on mental and physical voyages that offer a prized release, without the commitment that a full vacation would require. Why not take a mini-vacation, of a few hours to worship and be worshipped into ecstasy. Time escapes our grasp, and night comes too swiftly. Mornings even faster still and then it is the weekend which too, swiftly dissolves into chores or boredom. One can tolerate much when rewarded richly.

Celebrate the art of being in the moment. You can celebrate with me while we relish the joy the body offers; desires. My sanctuary and scintillating amusement are within your reach. All you need do is write me and be rewarded with memories, inspiration and renewal. I await your letter and anticipate the mutual celebration of our senses.

Yours,
Marylin