“Erotic energy is the antidote to depletion” – Mama Gena

As a sensual embodiment coach and co-founder of Into the Boudoir, a Madrid-based business that empowers women through workshops and photography, I talk about sexuality a lot. And as many women adjust to expat life, or transition to new stages in life, or just find themselves in a rut… many ask me, “how can I feel sexy everyday?”

Well, my response is always the same. Tap into your sensual intelligence! In fact, it’s been proven that when we’re aligned with our sensual intelligence, we can live a life filled with vitality and pleasure.

Lucky for us, there are so many powerful ways to use sensual intelligence to cultivate a beautiful life, no matter where you are.

What is Sensual Intelligence?

You may wonder what is sensual intelligence? Well, it’s simple. In its purest form, sensual intelligence is being aware of our surroundings, our senses, and of our body’s messaging. Essentially, it’s noticing how you feel and adapting purposefully when placed in situations. That’s it!

And while this seems easy enough, the issue is we tend to prioritize our intellect and only operate from the mind. We get stuck in our heads and are often disconnected from our bodies.

But to better demonstrate sensual intelligence in our lives, we can exercise simple practices. These practices help us feel more sensation, develop our intuition, and learn to experience pleasure in all forms.  Now, who wouldn’t want more of that!

At this point, you may be thinking.. sounds too good to be true. But, the body is truly an amazing thing. Once you understand that sensual intelligence stimulates deep bodily systems that provoke positive reactions, it’ll start to make sense. And with sustained practice, you’ll feel your central nervous system working hand in hand with your senses, and shifts will begin to happen. Trust me on this!

Why Awakening to Sensual Intelligence Is an Important Part of Our Well-Being

So, you may have heard the phrase “tune in to your body.” But what does that actually mean and when was the last time you actually did it?

For example, when was the last time you sat down with no distractions? Do you regularly stop to take deep breaths? Or, have you ever lingered in the shower feeling the cleansing power of water on your skin? Or, have you ever practiced mindful eating? These are all examples of ways to practice mindfulness, and practicing mindfulness is one way to tune into your senses and your body.

I know, I know. Doing any of the above seems impossible these days. But imagine the possibilities if we took the time to pause. What could happen if we noticed our sensory experience and used it to benefit our overall wellbeing?

Well, let’s find out….

Take a Moment

Take a moment now. Pause. Take a deep breath in. Release your breath with a sigh. Check-in with yourself:

• Do you notice any tension in your body?
• Are your shoulders hunched?
• Are you clenching your teeth?
• Does your jaw feel tight?
• Is there a knot in your stomach?
• Are you clenching your anus?

Take this opportunity to breath. Let go of any tension. When we become aware of our body wisdom, we learn to self-regulate the nervous system, decrease stress, eat intuitively, have better sex, and much more. This means we take ownership of our needs. Sensual intelligence helps empower ourselves through well-being.

Simple Practices to Turn it On

When I started a regular body meditation practice, I noticed more pronounced relaxation in my system. This allowed me to drop deeper inside my body and feel more sensation. I instantly noticed an increased connection to my environment. I had heightened experiences around nature, music, and even relationships.

Here are a few ways I found a deeper connection to my sensuality. These are best practices you can try too!

A Body Scan

A body scan is a simple way to check in with yourself. You can do it very quickly and from almost anywhere. Here’s how it works:

1. Sit in a comfortable position or lie down. 
2. Take a few rounds of deep belly breaths through your nose. Hold for three seconds. Release, with a sound, through your mouth. This process activates your parasympathetic nervous system. This is the part of the nervous system responsible for rest, digestion, and relaxing the body. 
3. Start at the top of your head and work your way down the entire body. Feel and become aware of the sensation, tension, pain, or pleasure you feel. Continue taking deep and slow breaths.
4. End the body scan by bringing a smile to your face. Give thanks to the different parts of your body. Acknowledge everything your body does to work for you.

Pro tip: Journal about anything that came up during the scan. Now, you have the data to reflect on the future.

Breathwork

Many studies show that conscious breathing techniques reduce stress and can help release trapped emotions. Pranayama is the practice of breath control. It helps to strengthen the mind-body connection and can help heighten your sensual intelligence. 

Pause Breathwork has a wealth of free resources as well as guided breathwork sessions to follow on Instagram.

Awareness 

Become the observer of your magnificent and complex body in action. The previous practices will help develop this awareness. 

Awareness & noticing involves external stimuli around you. Next time you walk in your neighborhood or visit the park, examine the details. Become aware of the color of the sky, the sun’s position, or how the flowers respond to the season. Pay attention to colors, sounds, and smells. What elements bring a smile to your face? Feel the texture of the tree bark you always pass. Don’t be shy!

Staying open and curious on your stroll could turn into a walking- meditation or a surprise adventure.

Sensual Eating 

All too commonly, mealtimes turn into zone-out social media opportunities. This lack of awareness is terrible for digestion. But, it is also a lost moment of pleasure. I encourage you to choose one meal per day as your sensual eating time.

Ready to give this a try? Sit down with your food and practice a moment of gratitude. Put away any items that could distract you. Take your time with each bite and connect to the food’s colors, flavors, and textures. Chew slowly and sensually. Imagine if this was your last meal. 

It takes a little practice. But, you may realize that you’re more quickly satisfied. Don’t stop at this one meal. You can even try this practice when you eat fruit or your favorite dessert. So yummy!

Free Movement

Lastly, one of my favorite practices is free movement. Mini dance parties are my jam. This is one of the best ways to get out of your head and into your body.

With dance, you can transfer unyielding energy or lift a bad mood. Turn up the music and move your body in whatever way feels good. For inspiration, play Into the Boudoir’s Slaylist on Spotify!

Practice Sensual Intelligence To Change Your Life in Spain and Beyond

Any experience can be orgasmic when you realize there is so much possibility for pleasure. Even mundane activities can become exciting and sexy when you’re tuned into sensual intelligence.

So, try these easy practices and watch your sense of wonderment soar. And get ready to cultivate a beautiful life!

xo,
Astrid
@into.theboudoir
@astrid.provence_