Tantra - Experience ecstasy - Discover the sensual awakening ritual
What makes Tantra unique from most spiritual practices is that Tantra embraces the senses as a path to the divine. It sees the body as a temple for consciousness to play and explore the material plane. Tantra uses the senses to expand consciousness. One way to do this is through the sensory awakening ritual. You and your partner explore the art of giving and receiving pleasure by activating the senses. There is something profound about surrendering completely and allowing all your senses to respond and be awakened. It is a sensual process...

Tantra - Experience ecstasy - Discover the sensual awakening ritual
What makes Tantra unique from most spiritual practices is that Tantra embraces the senses as a path to the divine. It sees the body as a temple for consciousness to play and explore the material plane. Tantra uses the senses to expand consciousness. One way to do this is through the sensory awakening ritual. You and your partner explore the art of giving and receiving pleasure by activating the senses. There is something profound about surrendering completely and allowing all your senses to respond and be awakened. It is a sensual process that can be light and playful or erotically charged. This ritual is a wonderful way to start a romantic evening or weekend with your loved one.
Create a sacred space
Transform your room into a temple. Start by clearing out the clutter and creating an altar. Light a few candles, add a vase of flowers, crystals, a photo, or an item that honors your relationship with the divine. Then collect the items that will allow you to awaken all the senses during the ritual. Some possibilities may include massagers, fur, feathers, fruits, chocolate, flowers, essential oils, music, bells, rattles and eye covers. Bathe and dress in ritual clothing. The ritual begins with the blessing of the room. This can be done with sage, incense, bells, songs or shouts in the directions. Put on some nice music.
The bubble
Now create a bubble around you and your partner. Do this by waving your arms around to define the shape of the bubble surrounding both of you. Take turns releasing one thing at a time that might be keeping you from being fully present in the ritual. When you say what you are removing (the past, distractions, anger, worries, etc.), make a gesture as if you were removing an object from your bubble. Next, identify the things that strengthen your connection (love, willingness, presence, trust, etc.) and gesture as if you are bringing these things into your bubble.
Share your wishes, fears and boundaries
Once the bubble is created, share your desires, fears, and boundaries regarding this practice. First, one person speaks while the other person listens without judgment or comment. Then you switch roles. Here is an example:
“My desire is to stay present, stay open and connect deeply with your soul.” “My fear is that I will become self-conscious and shut down.” “My limit is that we both turn off our cell phones.”
Why limits? Borders are not walls, but bridges. Bridges help bring people together. Intimacy happens when people have healthy boundaries. Healthy boundaries allow you to feel safe, stay open, and be present. Boundaries are dynamic, so it's important to check in with yourself regularly to see if your boundaries have changed. If they have changed, update your partner so that he can adhere to your new boundaries. Here are a few examples:
"I'm getting tired. I want to be ready by midnight." “I’m sensitive to perfumes, so please don’t use them.”
Once you've shared your desires, fears, and boundaries, offer each other a blessing, such as, "I want to bless your hands for all you do for others." Then decide who will receive first and cover their eyes with a blindfold. Help the recipient lie down and get comfortable. The giver begins the ritual by stimulating the senses as feels right, as long as it respects the recipient's boundaries. Come from a place of surrender as you awaken and arouse your partner. Take your time. Be playful and creative.
The power of seeing
In this ritual we limit vision with a blindfold to enhance the other senses and add an element of surprise. Also, removing the blindfold and restoring vision at the end of the conversation often offers a new appreciation of the viewing experience by the recipient. It's like seeing the world through the eyes of a newborn again.
The power of smell
Fragrance is an important part of enjoyment. Your olfactory nerves pick up chemical messages from the air you breathe and quickly pass them on to your brain. Smells are often associated with memories. A whiff of a particular food, perfume, or place can instantly transport you to a moment from the past associated with that scent. Pheromones are chemical messages that we send and receive. They influence who you are attracted to and are an important factor in who you choose as a partner. Smell is a great awakener.
The power of touch
Touch is a basic human need. We live in a culture where many people are often touchless. Touch creates connection at the most fundamental level. The skin is your largest organ. It feels good to be massaged, kissed, caressed and held. The skin is sensitive to many types of sensations. Explore nibbling, biting and pinching if you want to add more excitement. Exploring what excites and arouses you and your partner can be fun and bonding.
The power of sound
Sounds create a mood and influence emotions. They can be intrusive or calming. Pleasant sounds can help us relax, be present and open. Stimulating sounds can invigorate the body and mind. Music and singing are a great gift that can heal and transform. Use music that is sensual and arousing.
The power of taste
The mouth is a very sensitive sensory receptor and is highly developed in most people. Eating is associated with both survival and enjoyment. Our taste buds recognize sweet, bitter, salty and sour. Use a variety of your favorite flavors and textures - salty, crunchy, sweet, juicy to tantalize lips and tongue. The Sensory Awakening Ritual is a great way to open and expand your senses. It allows you to surrender to the pure joy of consciousness celebrating in human form. It is a gift to be able to connect with your partner and experience joy and ecstasy. In a world where people are hypnotized by the incessant stream of thoughts flowing through their minds, it's refreshing to let go of the mind and rediscover the joys of the body.