Blindfold and sensation evening

Before you begin

Sensation play is generally pleasing and light, and it deliberately engages the five senses[2].

The sensation can come from almost anywhere, provided that whatever you use falls within the negotiated terms of the interaction[2].

According to Dr Celina Criss, pain never needs to be involved in sensual sensory play, which can instead centre on gentle touches, different kinds of light and beautiful soundtracks[2].

The clothes we wear and the settings we create can be a big part of this sort of play[2].

Ask each other

• Which of the three items (blindfold or scarf, soft textures, something cool) are you happy to use, and which would you rather leave out tonight?
• Are there places on the body, or kinds of touch, that are off limits for this evening?
• What would you like the room to feel like: light, music, clothing?
• Which safeword or signal will we use, and what will we do if one of us says it?
• How would each of us like to wind down afterwards?

How the evening goes

1. Conversation and agreement 10 min

   Sit together and go through your answers to the questions, then agree clearly which items and areas are in and which are out. Choose your safeword or signal and say the traffic light colours aloud so you both know them.

2. Setting the scene 5 min

   Set out the blindfold or scarf, the soft textures and something cool within reach, and arrange the light and music. Stay fully clothed and decide who will receive first.

3. First round 15 min

   The receiving partner puts on the blindfold, or simply closes their eyes if they prefer. The giving partner uses the soft textures slowly, says before each new item what is coming, and asks for a colour now and then.

4. Swap and cool contrast 15 min

   Swap roles and repeat, this time adding something cool as a contrast, as long as you both agreed to it earlier. Keep the pace unhurried and check in often.

5. Check-in and wind-down 15 min

   Remove the blindfold and put the items away together. Share what you each enjoyed, what you would change and anything you want to leave out next time, then spend some quiet time together.

Aftercare

Marks and injuries from BDSM-related activities are common[7].

In one survey of 1,398 kink-involved people, 19.0% reported delaying or avoiding healthcare because of anticipated or perceived stigma[8].