Tantra means instrument of the body.”  It sounds exotic, but it is actually very simple.  Tantra teaches us to use all five of our senses consciously, because our senses are how we are connected with the physical world. Flowers are an expression of joy.  It seems like a miracle that the earth can produce such a variety of species, so colorful, vibrant and full of life.  Is it any wonder that we’ve made such a tradition of giving flowers in courtship?  Sometimes flowers say what words cannot.  Roses are a traditional Valentine’s Day gift.  Red roses were said to be the favorite flower of Venus, the Roman goddess of love.  Red signifies desire!  Here’s how we can incorporate Tantra, and roses, into a romantic Valentine’s Day celebration for two.

 

Smell (“Gandha” in Sanskrit)

Women are particularly sensitive to smells.  Our pheromones are the scents that we give off without even realizing it.  These pheromones train us to recognize and desire our partners.  When people stop smoking, they say that they rediscover their sense of smell.  Studies have shown that the loss of the olfactory sense is often accompanied by a loss in sexual interest, so it is a good idea to keep our noses functioning optimally!  Fragrances have quite an allure to them.  Roses just smell like romance.  Use rose scented candles, rose petals in the bathtub.

 

Taste (“Rasa” in Sanskrit)

The tongue is super-sensitive.  By blocking out the other senses, by closing your eyes for example, you can focus on the taste more fully.  Love is sweet – there’s a reason why we call each other honey and sweetie and cupcake!  Savor and delight in the tastes and textures of various foods and drinks:  whipped cream, chocolate, a strawberry – and yes, rose!  Sweet rose tea is made for romance!  It smells wonderful and tastes divine – and it is the perfect way to end a romantic meal.  Organic India’s Tulsi Rose Tea has the added benefit of helping you to relax, and de-stressââ¬Â¦ to get you in the mood for romance!

 

Touch (“Sparsa” in Sanskrit)

The skin marks the visible limits of the body, it is where we make contact with the world.  Our skin is our largest organ, and 16% of our body weight.  With touch we experience much of our environment: temperature, clothes, sheets, shower, etc.  Wake up the sense of touch with massage.  Use different materials and textures, such as a feather, a velvet hat, baby powder, a silk scarf, or rose petals.  Infuse sesame oil, or unscented body lotion with rose petals, or rose essential oil for a wonderful massage oil.

 

Sound (“Sabda” in Sanskrit)

Sounds have a profound effect on the body.  Studies have shown that sounds can open up our inner pharmacy and balance our physiology.  They can help us to be healthier, to feel better.  What sound do roses make?  They’re silent.  Sweet and soft.  Whisper sweet nothings to your loved one.  Play soft, sweet music.  Dance, sing together.

 

Sight (“Rupa” in Sanskrit)

For romance, it’s all about lighting.  Think pink – use rose colored light bulbs, so you naturally see things more rosy!  Dine by candlelight.  Spread rose petals on the table.  Make a trail of rose petals that leads to a surprise.