Sensual is not always the same as Sexual
Oxford English Dictionary has two definitions:
- Involving gratification of the senses: of, relating to, or arising from physical (esp. sexual) urges or desires and not the intellect espirit, carnal, fleshy, base.
- In more neutral sense: relating to, characterized by, or involving enjoyment derived from the senses: physically enjoyable of pleasurable.
The first definition is in some people's minds negative because of the sexual implications referring to base, carnal, or flesh not the intellect.
This definition implies you can not enjoy the gratification of the "Senses" without "Sex". Some people also mistakenly use the words sensual and sexual interchangeably. They are not the same and should not be used one for the other.
Sensuality
Sensuality is about being in tune with your senses. All of them, Taste, Touch, Sight, Sound, and Smell. Taking time to immerse your senses is being sensual by getting pleasure from the whole world around you.
Slow Down
But to be Sensual and enjoy all your senses, you must slow down, open you mind, and enjoy the moment with all your senses. Do not deprive any one of your senses, go out of your way to make sure you experience and enjoy each and every one of them.
Taste, Touch, Sight, Sound, Smell
Examples of how I indulge my Senses:
- Taste - Eating Strawberries covered in chocolate
- Touch - Feeling the soft and smoothness of velvet leaves of a velvet leaf Mallow plant
- Sight - Looking out at a view of the country side on a spring morning as the sun is rising
- Sound - Listening with my eyes closed to smooth Jazz music
- Smell - Freshly brewed coffee in the morning with a hint of vanilla
Enjoy your Senses
Let go of your preconceived definition where Sensual must be Sexual and enjoy your senses at all times - at work, outside, on a walk, with friends, every where.
Look for new ways to involve and enjoy all five of your senses and be more SENSUAL.