204 - The World Through the Five Senses

In this episode, we read about the fascinating world of senses based on Gretchen Rubin's book Life in Five Senses. We explore how being more mindful of sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch can profoundly change how we experience life.

Sight: Vision is more than what meets the eye. Our brain fills in the gaps, making sense of incomplete or ambiguous images. We also learn how perception changes based on context, like hunger influencing our view of objects as food.

Sound: Rubin talks about the contrast between city noise and natural quiet. Even silence has its own "noise" if we listen closely. She explores how focusing on everyday sounds, like the hum of traffic or the chop of vegetables, can offer new insights into our surroundings.

Smell and Taste: These senses are strongly linked, guiding our food choices and triggering memories. Rubin reveals how scents like freshly baked cookies can create emotional responses, even influencing decisions like buying a house.

Touch: The pandemic made us realize how much we crave human touch, whether it's a hug or a pat on the shoulder. Touch extends beyond physical connection, including the vibrations of a car or the feel of soft fabrics.

Takeaways:

-Becoming more aware of our senses enriches our experience of the world.
-Small steps, like focusing on one sense at a time, can deepen mindfulness.
-Rubin encourages us to journal our sensory experiences to enhance memories and appreciation for everyday life.

https://startwithsmallsteps.com/204-the-world-through-the-five-senses/

https://gretchenrubin.com/books/life-in-five-senses/

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