Anything that influences and gratifies the senses can be defined as "sensual". Tasting dark chocolate, smelling freshly baked cookies, and listening to birdsong can all be sensual experiences. We are often too busy or distracted to appreciate the physical sensations that go through the body. However, with a little time and practice it is possible to learn to get carried away by the senses.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Tune into the Senses
Step 1. Get into the right frame of mind
Try to be more aware. Genetics play an important role in determining sense-perceptual abilities and many factors can distract us or diminish these abilities.
Although it seems very difficult to improve our senses, it is possible to refine one's sensory abilities by isolating them
Step 2. Try to feel good in your own skin
Get rid of your inhibitions to better perceive the sensations you feel physically.
Self-confidence is not a quality that is acquired overnight. Enrich your personality every day, reminding yourself to always be positive and optimistic
Step 3. Close your eyes
Sight is the most important sense that accompanies you throughout your life and is responsible for about 80% of the information that the brain receives. If we cannot rely on sight, we become more aware of what is affecting the rest of our senses. Therefore, give them the opportunity to interpret the environment around you.
Step 4. Focus on what you hear, keeping your eyes closed
Note each sound and try to gauge the distance it covers to get to where you are. Distinguish every single sound, like a bird's song. Try following two different sounds.
- Listen to music with headphones. If you want to take on a bigger challenge, listen to two different songs in each ear with a pair of headphones. Try following them separately.
- Listen to the music you love. Ask yourself why you like it.
Step 5. Enjoy a meal with your eyes closed
Although taste and smell are controlled by two different receptor organs, these two senses are interconnected and are responsible for how the brain perceives flavors.
- Close your eyes with every bite. Chew slowly and focus on the flavor, texture and smell.
- Identify the flavors you like. Make cookies or light a scented candle.
- Add different herbs and spices to your dishes and try to distinguish their flavors.
Step 6. Tap the objects
The skin is the largest organ in the body and transmits important information about the surrounding environment. It keeps you up to date on temperature differences, texture, pressure, vibration and much more. Find some activity that aims to stimulate touch.
- Appreciate your favorite fabric and pay attention to its texture.
- Relax by taking a hot bath or shower.
- Get a massage.
Part 2 of 3: Letting go of the senses
Step 1. Live in the present
You will not be able to indulge your senses if you are in a hurry to go to work. Give yourself fifteen minutes in the morning to savor your coffee.
Step 2. Appreciate what you prefer
You will probably already have some of your favorite things with you at home. Now, all you have to do is give yourself the chance to enjoy your new stereo system or your scented candle, using them! As you tune into your senses, it will be more natural to find time to use them.
Step 3. Put the phone aside
The presence of the cell phone is already a source of distraction. Texting or checking emails can restrict your vision and obstruct the senses. If you're tempted to use the phone, shop around instead. Notice the bartender's eye color or the texture of the chair you're sitting on. Listen to the noises spreading around the environment you are in. Try to be more aware of the many things around you.
Step 4. Relax
Let go of mental stress and take some time to get away from work or your social life. Pamper yourself with a massage or a long relaxing bath. Enjoy your favorite scented lotions and wrap yourself in the fabrics you love. Give your body a special day of rest and relax. Letting go of stress will allow you to enjoy your senses more.
Step 5. Visit a new place
A great way to awaken the senses is to experience new things. Give yourself the opportunity to have experiences that stimulate you on a sensory level.
- Listen to various genres of music. Go to a live concert, visit a museum, and pretend you can take a piece of art home. Which one would you like?
- Spend some time outdoors. Visit a new city or national park. Go camping or a holiday dedicated to the senses.
- Try a new restaurant, take part in a wine tasting or go to a local farmers' fair and buy some ingredients to make a delicious dish. Savor every bite. The secret is to enjoy life to the fullest and be grateful for what you are feeling.
Part 3 of 3: Involving the Senses in Relationships
Step 1. Make physical contact
Remember that the senses are not systematically reducible to sex. Physical contact has the power to bond with your partner, friend, or child. Touch is the first sense we experience, thanks to which we receive many emotional stimuli.
- Hug your friends. Physical contact with friends can help build trust and foster lasting bonds.
- Touch your partner. When you kiss him, linger. Hold his hand when you walk together and stroke his fingers. Enjoy the contact. You will be surprised at the bond that will be established between you.
- Run your hands through your child's hair. Hug him when you see him. Physical contact with children has been shown to promote their developmental abilities.
Step 2. Make eye contact
Look people in the eye when you meet them and maintain eye contact. A simple exchange of glances can arouse love and affection.
Smile with your eyes. You will be surprised how many people will reciprocate your gesture
Step 3. Slow down the pace
We are often too in a hurry to have time to "stop and smell the flowers". Giving in to your senses can be an excellent therapy for reducing stress. You will become more aware of what your senses transmit as you notice more and more things in the world around you.
- Slowing down the pace doesn't mean wasting time. Use your free moments to reflect on how your surroundings physically appear instead of abstracting yourself.
- Savor the taste of coffee or notice the new dress a friend is wearing. Caress your partner on the face and try to get pleasure only from his company, without imposing and caring about anything.
Warnings
- Always make sure you have adequate lighting when studying or working on a project. If it is insufficient, it can cause eye damage.
- Never exceed 60% of the maximum volume when listening to music with headphones. You risk losing your hearing permanently.
