What is the Gallery of the Senses?

The Gallery of the Senses is both a physical space which has been intentionally designed for comfort and to stimulate the senses, as well as a philosophical and metaphorical space which also allows for the deep exploration and stimulation of the senses within a comfortable "space."  In its metaphorical state it is continually evolving.  It is different for me and you; for each of us to receive the maximum benefit from this metaphorical space, it is infinitely varied and open.  The most important part of this metaphorical point of departure is that it is entered with an open heart.  Thereafter, the journey can begin.

 

What is a sensuist?

A sensuist is someone who delights in sensory experience.  It is not the same as a sensualist, one who is gratified by satisfying his or her sexual appetites.

 

Diane Ackerman, in her best-selling book, A Natural History of the Senses, writes of Hellen Keller as one of the greatest sensuists of all time.  Deaf, blind and mute, "her remaining senses were so finely attuned that when she put her hands on the radio to enjoy music, she could tell the difference between the cornets and the strings.  She listened to colorful, downhome stories of life surging down the Mississippi from her friend Mark Twain.  She wrote at length about the whelm of life's aromas, tastes, touches, feelings, which she explored with the voluptuousness of a courtesan.  Despite her handicaps, she was more robustly alive than many people of her generation."

 

What is a sensuist intimacy coach?

Ok, I must admit that I hesitate to refer to my role in this journey as a coach.  I am inclined, rather, to name my role as tour guide.  However, coach is a term that is recently far better known in our culture, and I use it as a starting point as one that can introduce my role in our mutual journey.

 

Wikipedia defines coaching as "a training or development process via which an individual is supported while achieving a specific personal or professional competence result or goal. The individual receiving coaching may be referred to as coachee. Occasionally, the term coaching may be applied to an informal relationship between two individuals where one has greater experience and expertise than the other and offers advice and guidance as the other goes through a learning process, but coaching differs from mentoring by focusing upon competence specifics, as opposed to general overall development."

 

I have studied the sentient in detail and from many angles.  As a sensuist, I regularly seek out sensual indulgences.  And I have found a strong connection between the use of our senses, the experience of nature, the practice of meditation and the achievment of intimacy.  From this position, I guide you, a fellow traveler and friend, upon a journey which illustrates this beautiful and profound connection.

 

Why would I want to have more intimacy in my life?

Answer coming soon!

 

Will I be forced to share intimate information about myself?

Absolutely not!  Intimacy can only be fostered in an environment of mutual trust, and when one feels forced or pressured to do something that he or she is not comfortable with, trust will be absent.  The goal in the Gallery of the Senses, then, is to create a safe space where trust is fostered and everyone feels safe enough to be open to share intimate information, and likewise open enough to respectfully receive intimate information from others.

 

How does exploration of the senses lead one to intimacy?

Answer coming soon!

 

If I am uncomfortable with a discussion topic or activity, can I decline to participate?

Answer coming soon!