What is sensory Play ?
Sensory play is activities that engages the senses.
Storytime: An Unexpected Conversation
A few weeks ago, I found myself in a cosy coffee shop, indulging in a casual outing with a friend.
We sat there, sipping our engaging in some light-hearted banter about life's little quirks.
Little did I know, our conversation was about to take a surprising turn…
As we relaxed in the comfort of our seats, my friend, who I affectionately refer to as ‘vanilla’ mustered up the courage to ask a question.
It caught me a little off guard.
With an innocent expression she asked about openly embracing lifestyle, one that has always been shrouded in intrigue for her…
…The world of BDSM
I couldn't help but chuckle. Nearly spilling my coffee, as I observed her wide-eyed curiosity.
She looked like a lost little rabbit, cautiously approaching a topic as complex as BDSM
Bondage, discipline, dominance, submission, sadism and masochism.
it was clear that she had stepped out of her comfort zone.
I always strive to be open and honest about my choices with those who are not familiar with the lifestyle. But I have been known to get mildly annoyed when people make assumptions, believing BDSM is solely about “whips, chains, ropes, and pain”
So, with a sip of coffee, I took a moment to gather my thoughts and weigh up how best to answer her question without overwhelming her.
Inspiration struck!
I decided to approach the subject from an unexpected angle.
Through the lens of our senses.
I spoke of the incredible but vital role our senses play in heightening our experiences within the world of BDSM. From sight to hearing, touch to smell, and taste, I emphasised that touch, above all, held immense importance for me.
With a lean forward, so that the tables around us couldn’t overhear. I shared with her how touch possessed the remarkable ability to evoke a wide range of sensations.
From gentle caresses to intense impact play.
I painted vivid pictures of satin restraints gliding across the skin, a peacock feather brushing across a thigh, a hand pressing against a throat, the coolness of metal against warm flesh, and the intoxicating blend of pleasure and pain achieved through various techniques.
My friend's expression had transformed from uncertainty to intrigue.
She began to grasp the complexities and nuances that lay beyond the initial assumptions about BDSM.
Her curiosity ignited a series of questions, as she sought to understand more and more about trust, consent, emotional connections, and the vital role of communication in navigating the exploration of desires.
By the end of our conversation, that lost little rabbit had transformed into an inquisitive seeker of knowledge.
While I couldn't guarantee that her perspective would be forever altered, I felt a sense of satisfaction in having shed light on the diverse dimensions of BDSM beyond the stereotypes.
As our coffee date came to an end. I couldn't help but appreciate the opportunity to open someone's eyes to a world that was so dear to me. It reminded me of the importance of remaining open, patient, and compassionate when discussing matters that might seem unfamiliar or uncomfortable to others.
Moral of the story is there’s a hell of a lot more to participating in BDSM than just whips, chains, rope and pain!
But enough story time, back to today's topic…So, why do I believe touch is so relevant?
The importance of touch in BDSM is multifaceted and it massively contributes to the overall experience within BDSM .
Some key points highlighting the significance of touch.
Connection and Trust:
Touch plays a fundamental role in establishing and deepening connections between partners. It builds trust, intimacy, and vulnerability, creating a safe space for exploration within the BDSM dynamic.
Communication and Consent:
Touch acts as a powerful form of communication in BDSM. It allows individuals to convey their desires, boundaries, and consent nonverbally, enhancing the clarity of communication between partners.
Sensory play Exploration:
Through touch, we can explore a rich array of sensations, textures, and techniques. This sensory exploration adds depth and variety to BDSM encounters, enabling individuals to discover new desires, boundaries, and personal preferences.
Mind-Body Connection:
Engaging in intentional touch within BDSM scenes promotes a heightened mind-body connection. By focusing on the physical sensations experienced during play, participants can achieve a state of mindfulness, deepening their presence and enhancing the overall experience.
Pleasure and Stimulation:
Touch is a primary source of pleasure and stimulation in BDSM. Whether it involves gentle caresses, impact play, or the use of specific implements, touch can elicit a range of pleasurable sensations and intensify the enjoyment of participants.
Emotional and Psychological Fulfilment:
Touch in BDSM can fulfil emotional and psychological needs. It allows individuals to experience catharsis, explore power dynamics, and fulfil specific roles, leading to personal growth, self-discovery, and a sense of fulfilment within the BDSM context.
Bonding and Intimacy:
Touch strengthens the bond between BDSM partners, creating a unique form of intimacy. It enhances the emotional connection, deepens the level of trust, and reinforces the mutual understanding and respect between participants.
Ethical and Responsible Engagement:
The importance of touch also lies in its ethical and responsible use within BDSM. Prioritising consent, communication, and mutual respect ensures that touch is consensual, safe, and respects the boundaries and well-being of all involved.
Personally I think touch holds great importance in BDSM. It facilitates connection, communication, and trust between partners.
It enables sensory play exploration and pleasure, it enhances the mind-body connection, allowing emotional fulfilment, and contributes to ethical and responsible encounters.
But most of all…It feels Great .
What’s your thoughts on touch? How do you use touch? I’d love to hear let me know in the comments.
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