Inspired by the article, "Come to Your Senses", by Carol Bamber

from Breathe Magazine - Mental Health Series

Every time I smell a campfire, I’m transported back to my childhood, when my family and I would go camping. It brings up so many wonderful memories. Perhaps there’s a scent that brings you back to a happy time in your childhood. The article, titled “Come to Your Senses,” describes how we can find greater peace and ease through exploring our present moment through the senses.

You can only truly experience the senses in the present moment. Therefore, tuning into the senses can be a powerful tool to improve your well-being. When you are feeling stressed, you can become a bit disembodied. You might get “in your head,” worrying about the future and ruminating about the past. Thoughts become unfocused, scattered, and chaotic, and you might not feel grounded. It can feel like you’re in the middle of a storm.

Carol Bamber states, “It’s all too easy to become disconnected from the senses, to not notice the messages they’re sending us, and to forget how to experience the richness of life.” If your mind is constantly worrying about the future or focused on the past, you might be missing out on the opportunity to experience the magic of the moment you’re in.

But if we take some time to really “smell the roses,” feel the earth beneath our feet as we walk, mindfully take in the view of a sunset, listen to a beautiful piece of music or the songs of the birds, you might feel a deep sense of connection to the world around you. You might even experience a sense of awe. This is one reason why experiencing art can be so profound.

Experiencing our body in the present moment can be incredibly therapeutic, which is one reason why yoga can be so helpful. The body speaks to you through the language of sensation, so listen closely. If it tells you something is too intense, you would be wise to back away. The body has much more wisdom than we sometimes give it credit for.

Just a word of caution, however… the senses can be tricky. Your eyes and ears, for example, can be easily distracted and actually take you out of the present moment. Your mind LOVES to be entertained; it doesn’t like uncertainty or boredom. So, it’s easy to have “shiny object syndrome,” where the senses pull you in different directions.

For example, I remember seeing a mother on her cellphone as she was pushing a stroller with her new baby. Don’t get me wrong, this isn’t about judging or criticizing her; we all do something like this at times. But, you might miss out on a beautiful sunset or a tender moment with someone you love by simply being distracted. I’m pointing all ten fingers at myself here; I’ve caught myself looking at my phone instead of really being present with someone I love.

Here are 3 ways in which you can incorporate this into your own life:

• Take a walk in nature. Listen to the sounds around you, smell the smells and really feel the body as you move. Can't get out to walk in nature, try watching a peaceful nature Youtube video, or gaze upon a beautiful picture of nature like the ones below.
• Savor your favorite beverage, like coffee or tea. Really smell it, feel it in your hands, close your eyes and really notice how it tastes.
• Listen to a beautiful piece of music. Close your eyes and really listen closely.

If you do try any of these things, let me know. I'd love to know if you found it helpful, if you felt more grounded, rooted and in the present moment.

Be well and may you always find joy in your practice, on and off the mat.

Namaste,

Deb 🙏