Day 81
If you have listened to Kim’s five audio recordings focusing on the “Present Moment” portion of the Season of Growth journal, you just listened to Days 85-81. Each day represents one of our Five Senses.
Kim discusses the flavors we experience as humans, why smell is an important aspect of survival and other human experiences, how our brains and reflexes are affected by the sensitivities of touch, and how our hands communicate, with ourselves and others. She also teaches us about light and color, which feed our sight, and tips for increasing the health and fitness (yes!) of our eyes. There’s an important reminder to look ahead in life, rather than focusing on the past. Lastly, Kim explains how listening with attention can change your life.
Consider spending a minute or two each day in a moment of awareness of the present moment and notice each of your senses, one by one. What do you taste? What do you smell? What do you feel? What do you see? What do you hear? Are there emotions that bubble up with one or more of those senses? Frustration? Sadness? Joy? A memory, perhaps? Maybe you want to lock in this moment so you don’t forget something special about this day.
In your journal you can write one word or phrase to describe what each of your senses are telling you, or feel free to write down any observations about your feelings about this moment.
Try taking this time in the morning for the first week, in the middle of your day – perhaps as part of a break in your work day – for a week, and then toward the end of your day the third week. Then decide which time of day is most beneficial for this activity. If you do this activity in the same place each day, you may want to provide experiences for your senses. Light a candle to look at, use a drop of essential oil on your skin or in a nearby diffuser to smell something you know is pleasing to you, have a piece of fabric or other material you like the feel of, and play music you enjoy or find calming.
Did you know your senses become more acute and vibrant when your body is not full of toxins? When I traveled to Hawaii to study Lomi Lomi massage, I received 10 detoxifying massages in five days, and I noticed a significant change. Sounds were louder, smells stronger, colors more vibrant, tastes were more pleasant and satisfying, and my body moved smoothly and effortlessly for the first time since I was a child.
Consider taking action to reduce toxicity in your body. Receiving bodywork or energy work, eliminating household cleaners that contain harsh chemicals, avoiding processed foods and synthetics found in products you put on and in your body are all good ways to start.