Word - Sensual

Sensual - Moon - 2010

Today's word is Sensual

Sensual - (according to dictionary.com)
–adjective

1. pertaining to, inclined to, or preoccupied with the gratification of the senses or appetites; carnal; fleshly.

2. lacking in moral restraints; lewd or unchaste.

3. arousing or exciting the senses or appetites.

 

Origin:
1400–50;  late ME < L sēnsuālis,  equiv. to sēnsu-,  s. of sēnsus sense  + -ālis -al¹

—Can be confused:  sensual, sensuous (see synonym note at this entry ).

—Synonyms
1. Sensual, sensuous, voluptuous  refer to experience through the senses. Sensual  refers, often unfavorably, to the enjoyments derived from the senses, esp. from the gratification or indulgence of physical appetites: a sensual delight in eating; sensual excesses. Sensuous  refers, favorably or literally, to what is experienced through the senses: sensuous impressions; sensuous poetry. Voluptuous  implies the luxurious gratification of sensuous or sensual desires: voluptuous joys; voluptuous beauty. See also carnal. 2.  lascivious. 

If autumn is the extrinsic sensual feast for me, then winter is the intrinsic one.  As the world grows gray and cold, my mind, body, and spirit look inward and all sensual gifts are more personal and felt to the core.  

 

Marvin Gaye sang about sexual healing.  I wrote about sexual grace.  I think it is time for people to enjoy a season of sensual healing and grace.  Sensuality is a beautiful gift that can be shared or enjoyed alone.  The quiet winter is a perfect season to enjoy it.  We aren't so distracted with the fireworks of external experiences of the other seasons and we can truly focus on what gives us, and those we want to share with, the sensual gifts.  These gifts can be the warmth of a fire, a touch of love and care on the shoulder, the peace of snow falling on a quiet night, and smell of sensual moments that each of us remember (whether they be filled with spice or eros...)

I find it interesting that one definition of sensual is - "lacking in moral restraints; lewd or unchaste."  I guess the sensually repressed had to have their opinion on something they feel should be hidden.  Wouldn't the world be better if we took a moment to sensually appreciate the true value of the things we have, instead of just collecting them as status symbols?  Why have a big fireplace if you aren't going to lay down and watch it?  Why have the best wines gathering dust in a cellar when they are meant to be savored?  Why walk by someone special and not share with them that kiss that melts, warms, arouses, takes over you, and ends with a pile of clothing in front of the above mentioned fireplace?

I hope all of you have a sensual moment today.  Lose yourself in it if you are alone, share it if it is right, relish and enjoy it either way.  

Photo note - Thanks to Moon for creating this image with me.  She took the idea of Sensual into the area that makes our skin tingle.