Embarking on a journey of sexual discovery is a profound and deeply personal experience.

It's about understanding your desires, nurturing intimacy, and forging a deeper connection with your partner.

So, you may or may not have had much experience with your partner in exploring sensual play but regardless of your experience with it, we’re here to give you some insight and tips that may be of help in your discovery of each other. 

Before you can fully explore your sensuality with a partner, it's crucial to understand yourself. Self-awareness is the cornerstone of sexual discovery. Start by reflecting on your desires, boundaries, and fantasies. What makes you feel alive and connected? What are your comfort zones, and where would you like to push boundaries? By gaining clarity on your own desires, you'll be better equipped to communicate and connect with your partner.

Sensuality is a state of being that involves being aware of one’s own body and the physical sensations it produces. It is a type of heightened awareness that involves being conscious of one's own pleasure and being open to exploring and connecting with the physical senses of another. This heightened awareness can lead to an increased appreciation for sensual experiences, and ultimately, a more satisfying and pleasurable physical relationship. There are many ways you and your partner can explore each other through sensual connection. 

Just a reminder before we talk pleasure, whenever you are looking to connect with your partner physically, always be sure to create a safe, welcoming, caring and consensual space. Respecting boundaries and keeping communication open is a pretty big deal here.

Making time and space for sensual play is pretty important for sensual exploration. Create an atmosphere that is comfortable for both of you with music, lighting, candles; whatever you prefer. The goal here is to relax and to discover new, stimulating sensations; it’s not something you want to rush. Take your time to explore every inch of your partner's skin. 

I know this may be a tough one to master or feel comfortable with, but eye contact with your partner can be a big turn on. Once you’re in that vulnerable moment with each other, eye contact can create a deep connection that communicates to your partner, you’re seen, you’re heard, you’re understood, and I want to turn you on. 

There are many different types of touch that you can utilize to create a sensual experience. You and your partner can experiment with different types of pressure, speed and texture to see what your partner enjoys. 

Understanding your own and your partner's erogenous zones can be a huge asset in this type of play. Different areas of the body contain different areas of heightened sensual pleasure. Find where your partner's areas are and how to stimulate them to create a more intense and pleasurable experience. Everyone is different but some common erogenous zones, besides the obvious ones of course, are the neck, ears, lips, inner thighs, lower back, feet, abdomen and hands. Utilizing massage is a great way to help you and your partner relax and really prepare those erogenous zones for exploration and increase stimulation. Adding massage oils also adds another sensory dynamic to the experience. 

Something often overlooked in sensual exploration is the power of breathing. Deep, intentional breathing relaxes your body, increases your body’s awareness of touch and adds intensity to pleasure. Awareness of your your partner's breathing is also important because it can be their body’s way of communicating to you that you’ve hit something good. This can be slowed breathing meaning that they’re really relaxed and soaking up a moment of pleasure or it can be increased breathing that you’ve stimulated something really exciting. 

Words and sounds can also be used to create a more intense and enjoyable sensual experience. Try experimenting with your partner with different words and sounds, and pay attention to your your partner's reactions. Music can be a good way to create a relaxed and inviting atmosphere. If you whisper a little something in your partner's ear during play and you notice breathing changes or developing goosebumps, you might want to make note of that. 

Adding props to your sensual experience can add a little extra excitement to your exploration. While sex toys may be the first thing that comes to mind, and while they are a great option, it's not the only option. Make use of some things around the house: a feather, that massage oil, incorporate food, a cube of ice. See how creative you can be. 

Don’t be afraid to get adventurous and explore things you’ve never done before. Talk openly about your desires and what you’d like to try. This will keep things exciting and pleasurable for both of you.

Exploring sensuality can help in other areas of yours and your partner's relationship by enhancing emotional, physical and mental connection overall. We’ve let you in on our sensual secrets, now go explore yours. 

‍

Embrace and explore your sexuality and kinky side with your partner by taking the "Sensual Secrets" and "Getting Kinky" courses on the Couply app! Couply also offers a variety of relationship questions, couple's quizzes, expert articles, and even games that you and your partner can enjoy together.