Envision a secluded
beach where soft breezes caress silky white sand and topaz
waves gently stroke the shore. Or picture a cozy mountain
cabin laden with thick, luxurious rugs and aglow with the
light of a warm fire. A romantic atmosphere can awaken the
stirrings of passion and elevate lovemaking from the ordinary
to the extraordinary.
Whether it's
the honeymoon suite of a five-star hotel, or your own living
room, create an environment devoted to romance, or a "sanctuary"—
a space set aside that allows you and your mate or lover
to explore a new dimension of sexual connection.
"A sanctuary
protects you from the hubbub of the ordinary world,"
says sex therapist Margo Anand, author of "The Art
of Sexual Ecstasy."
"It possesses
distinct qualities that set it apart: silence, beauty, elegance,
sensual delight. It engenders feelings of confidence and
harmony and sets the stage for moments of special grace."
Creating a sacred space for sex with a partner is an important
means of ensuring a healthy, happy and enduring sexual relationship.
Creating a Sacred
Space
The most obvious designation might be the bedroom or living
room. However, these spaces may be too cluttered with the
sights and sounds of daily life or too restful to encourage
profound sexual exploration. But even the most unlikely
spaces can be transformed into magical environments.
Choose a room
that will provide a respite from daily distractions. Those
who cannot set aside a room for this purpose can temporarily
transform an everyday space such as the bedroom or living
room. This sanctuary should protect you from the outside
world, providing a safe and peaceful environment free of
computers, phones, televisions, alarms and children.
Ideally, couples
should create their sacred space together so that it reflects
each of their tastes. Once the space has been thoroughly
cleaned and removed of any clutter, decorate with sensual
colors, fabrics, textures and objects. Inexpensive tapestries
or colorful sheets hung from the walls or ceiling can transform
an ordinary room into an exotic temple of delight. They
can also easily be removed if this space serves other purposes.
Consider incorporating decorative prints, photographs or
artworks that suggest romance or erotica.
The Elements
of Love
Now it's time to add elements certain to fan the flames.
Select ingredients that delight all five senses. Candles,
decorative lights, fragrances, incense, scented massage
oil, plush pillows, feathers, bells or other musical instruments
(a stereo is fine too), water, and a few sumptuous treats
such as chocolates, olives, or fruit are possible accouterments.
Experiment with a variety of "tools" to create
the proper atmosphere and spawn new romantic possibilities.
Once
these ingredients are in place, it's time to plan a rendezvous.
Wear something sensual and revealing—lingerie, a velvet
robe or silk kimono. Light candles or dim the lights to
create a soft, warm ambience. Then, infuse the room with
a favorite fragrance. Men are certain to enjoy lavender,
pumpkin and orange, which have been found to send blood
rushing to their "power stations." A spritz of
ylang ylang, eucalyptus or mint can also titillate the senses.
1 | 2
Next