Sensuality is a debated topic and often makes people uncomfortable to talk about. The term itself is interchanged with sexuality but there are so many layers to it. So many, in fact, that it can’t be covered in a single post so this will be a continuing topic on this blog.
WHAT IS SENSUALITY?
Sensuality is the art of experiencing the world through all six senses – touch, taste, sight, smell, sound and intuition.
If you’ve ever heard the saying “romanticize your life”, this is what people mean.
Engaging your senses fully enhances your pleasure and enjoyment of even the most ordinary moments. When was the last time your savored the taste of a delicious meal? When was the last time you were fully present with yourself and your thoughts as opposed to running through your mental to-do list?Doing these things serves to make life more enjoyable and luxurious. It also helps women, in particular, reconnect to and stay grounded in their femininity.
Here are some things to keep in mind as you begin engaging and exploring your sensual nature:
SLOW DOWN
If you’re used to rushing from one moment to get to the next, it’s going to require some effort but–Slow. Yourself. Down. Take a moment to give some attention to how the floor feels under you feet. Is it hard, cold, warm, fuzzy? How is the temperature in the room? Hopefully it’s cozy and the air has a delightful aroma. Close your eyes and feel yourself in your body. How do you feel? Hopefully you feel at home and in peace. You wouldn’t know how it feels or what you think of yourself if you rush through those moments.
Slowing down heightens your self-awareness. When we’re distracted or preoccupied, we miss out on the pleasures available to us.
MINDFULNESS
An important aspect of sensuality is mindfulness. Mindfulness involves paying attention to the present moment without judgment. By practicing mindfulness, we can cultivate a greater awareness of our thoughts, feelings, and sensations.
Sensuality is not just for the bedroom – it’s for your life. By cultivating a greater awareness you can experience more pleasure and joy in everything we do.
If you’re interested in exploring your own sensuality, there are many ways to get started. You might try taking a mindful walk in nature without your phone. The next time you make a meal, don’t just gobble it down, savor it. Take note of the flavors both robust and subtle. Practicing yoga and meditation even for a few moments at a time will help you focus your senses.
Sensuality, when it comes to physical pleasure, requires a post all its own. For now, I encourage you to get into the practice of experiencing emotional and intellectual pleasure through mindfulness.
I want us all to experience richer lives and experiences. We do that through every aspect, from the food we eat, books we read to the conversations we have and on to the relationships we cultivate. And this is only the beginning. Once you learn to slow down your mind, you can begin to have better experiences within your own body.