Connecting with your senses is empowering
One of the first steps to self-empowerment is being mindfully aware. For an overthinker/planner like me, that doesn’t necessarily mean more introspection. I already spend a lot of time in my head…sometimes to the detriment of fully immersing myself in what is happening in the moment.
We interact with this wonderful world through our bodies…with the amazing senses they provide: taste, smell, sight, hearing, and touch. How better to be mindful than to give each of those senses proper attention?
Tapping into your senses
What does this mean in practical terms? I’m sure there are a number of ways to tap into your senses. A good place to start is to intentionally take note…stopping periodically and asking yourself, “What am I tasting, smelling, seeing, hearing, and feeling (in terms of physical sensation) right now? Is there anything more I need or want in this moment?”
In addition to the above exercise, I have also temporarily replaced my nightly Three Good Things gratitude journaling with a sensory journal, listing one notable thing I experienced during the day for each of my senses. For example, yesterday’s entry looked like this:
- Tasted–popcorn and icy Diet Coke
- Smelled–lavender plants
- Saw–bright pink blossoms on the cacti
- Heard–Keith Morrison’s melodic voice
- Felt–satisfying “I worked out” muscle soreness
Taking it to the next level could include choosing activities that cater to specific senses. For example, take a cooking class or participate in a wine tasting. Try a sound bath or attend a live concert. Get a massage or go to a petting zoo. You get the idea.
Additional resources
I was inspired to connect to my senses as part of my mindfulness quest by an interview with author Gretchen Rubin. I purchased, but have not yet read, her book Life in Five Senses. I’ll let you know what I think in a future blog post.
Your turn
- Share with us something you are sensing right now: taste, smell, sight, sound, or touch.
- Do you have an intentional sensory experience of some sort planned for this week?
- What else is on your mind? Anything at all; I just love to hear from you.
It seems so odd that being mindful of the moment actually requires effort on our part. Is a busy life or simply familiarity to blame? I was musing over that this morning when a very early start to a beautiful morning found me in the greenhouse, grubbing in compost as I pricked out and potted up seedlings before most people were out of bed. The scent of warm earth and plants, the crumbly soil between my fingers, the sound of the birds and all to the backdrop of a blue sky – it was such a peaceful start to the day (I didn’t think to taste anything though!).
Yes, Caree, it is interesting that we sometimes ignore or tune out our senses. At times, it’s probably useful. We can’t focus on everything at once and be effective at any one thing. That said, we all need to stop and smell the roses (or look at the sky, listen to the birds, or play in the dirt) on occasion. Your detailed description of your morning sounds like a delightful combination of multiple senses. It makes me wish I had a greenhouse, or a garden at least.
Hi, Christie – Mindfulness does make big difference in most areas. The good thing is that it gets easier the more that we engage with it.
I agree, Donna, mindfulness does get easier with experience. I hope you are out enjoying a mindful sensory experience!
I think being aware of my senses is something I do often. I love the feel of climbing into fresh clean sheets, I love the smell of lilacs, I love food because of how good it tastes, I love to see all kinds of nature, and I love the sound of laughter. Honestly the list could go on for pages. I’m so grateful for each of my senses!
That’s great, Cindy. And I must say I enjoy all of those things you listed as well. ❤️
Hi Christie, I missed your last post, so just finished reading that one to get caught up. I think what you have done here fits with your new WOTY perfectly. Empowerment begins with self-awareness and taking stock of one’s senses is a great place to begin.
I am feeling the warmth of my coffee mug and catching up on blog reads as I contemplate the day ahead. I like my coffee hot enough to see the steam rise from the cup, but not so hot that it makes me pause to take a sip. Malcolm just burned an English Muffin in the toaster, (he likes the edges singed), so there is that.
Good luck with with your new word. I’ll be interested to see where it takes you.
Your description of coffee temperature is right in line with what I like, Suzanne. I also enjoy iced coffee in the summer, but don’t give me lukewarm. Yuck! I burned some popcorn the other day–worst smell ever! Well, maybe not the worst…but not good. Thanks for your encouragement on the new WOTY.
I adore this. Years ago there was a blogger who hosted a weekly challenge that was called something like Friday Feelings. You’ve done exactly what she did. You were to take a moment and intentionally focus on taste, smell, sight, sound, or touch. Such a simple exercise in awareness, but also profound in the sense that you gotta tune in to your life– or miss it.
Thanks Ally. There are certain sights, sounds, smells, etc. that always catch my attention, but then I am surprised at how often I’m buzzing along without paying any attention to what’s right in front of me. Simple, but profound…that’s my style.
I love the sound of your new daily mindfulness practice, and the Gretchen Rubin book. I look forward to your review of it, although I’ve added it to my “I want to read” list on Goodreads.
Oddly enough, I spent the weekend very in touch with my senses as I was attending an NLP Conference. I trained as a practitioner some 7 years ago and have enjoyed the practice of engaging with all the senses ever since. The first day was an intensive training and immersive experience which was both exhausting and wonderful (and gave me useful additions to my coaching toolbox). Especially when the people in my neighbouring hotel room were enjoying life… shall we say!
Hi Debs. I’ve read the first two sections of the book and so far am enjoying it and getting a few ideas. Your NLP Conference sounds interesting and very useful as a coach. I laughed at your comment about your hotel neighbors.
I took Gretchen’s quiz on senses and found out, not surprisingly, that sound/hearing is my least preferred sense. Makes so much sense as I’ve never gotten into podcasts nor audio books, nor even playlists! Touch, taste, sight…top 3. Smell is probably low as well… I’m not a candle/potpourri person either! But, back to hearing, I’m trying to boost using that sense…. playing music while I craft today.
That’s so interesting Pat. I haven’t taken the quiz yet, but definitely intend to. I’ll be curious to see if it confirms what I believe about myself. I hope you are enjoying the music. My youngest daughter is all about hearing, particularly music.