Your senses are waiting for you.
A Consensus of Senses
In the army of physical gifts that humans get for free, our senses work in the background without enough appreciation. Until your nose is stuffed up or tastebuds are affected by a sore throat, it is difficult to notice how well our senses stay on track. Most body parts fall into this territory. But the fact that we can see, hear, taste and smell on demand is spectacular. Humans can discern between burning food and burning wood, understand how to respond to sirens when driving and enjoy seeing well decorated homes. When you add in the fact that our two hands can reach out for hugs, it feels like we carry around priceless gifts.
Invisible Senses
We also have invisible senses. You have probably had thoughts about an old friend and suddenly received a call from them. You may have even felt that something was amiss with someone you are close to and reached out to them as soon as possible to check on them. In some cases, a walk on a dark night brings out a Spidey-sense when footsteps are heard behind us. When close to death, it is possible to get visits from the spirits of those who passed before us as part of their welcome wagon service. It may be comforting to the person dying but bring up opposite feelings to those who witness it. It is likely that we have never tapped into our senses completely. There is even an invisible sense that is associated with a specialty ability of intelligence. We like folks who have sense. They seem so practical.
Test your Senses
This is a great notebook activity. As you make and check off your to-do list, focus on what senses are involved. We know that we have to pay attention to what is said during meetings but try to go a little deeper in thought to what you add. When it is possible to provide more than is required, make a little magic and search behind what is being asked for what would make a difference. When a family member asks you a question, stop and turn your face toward them and look into their eyes. Making that connection with them deepens the trust between you. Take time to smell your food and see if that adds to your enjoyment. Here’s a tough one: never be the one to unengage from a hug first. Hold on until the other person lets go first. That is a mastermind technique.
Inside Sense
The most important senses are those inside. Your secret vault of senses that produce the values that you want to be known for are visible in your actions and words. When you keep these senses tucked away, others don’t get to see the beauty of your spirit. Making connections in life is already rare as we busywork ourselves. Developing the habit of making it easier for others to lean into you as you lean into them is a gift. Nobody wants to go first and fear rejection. The less space that separates you, the better. It may seem awkward at first, but it becomes more natural to reach out with all of your senses and show how good being close feels. Your senses can act as your conduit to deepening your appreciation of the world as well as the bridge to better connections. Expose your inner self to a little more light. And hug as long as you can. You will sense the difference.
Close your eyes. What do you sense without using your sight? What do you sense without using your touch? Touch your face. What do you sense when you feel your own features?
