Today I let the dog out to fetch the newspaper and noticed the sunrise for the first time in quite a while. Not only is the sun up earlier with the change of seasons, the birds are chirping and tree buds are beginning to swell. The day promises warmer temperatures and the snow pack is slowing receding, uncovering muddy edges of soggy lawn and the first glimpse of curbs and driveway edges in months. This morning was special however, as the sunrise was especially colorful, stripes of pink against a purple sky.
Recall Week 2 when we worked on Taking in the Good by focusing on the senses. We are going to get back to that this week and kick it up a notch. Notice all the senses and savor their delights. The earthy smell of a greenhouse setting out their first plants, the great taste of healthy food well-prepared, the beauty of a sunrise or sunset or moon glow or starlight, the delight of music and wind sounds and laughter and dishes clinking, the feel of flannel sheets or a warm shower or a heart felt hug, the glow of happy memories of well-loved places.Savoring these sensations involves lingering awhile. Rolling around it in, like a dog on new grass. Letting go of internal resistance and prohibitions. Of saying yes to life, to experience, to yourself. Yes, you may! Yes, of course! Stay a little longer, let it register and sink in and expand in your mind and memory fully. All that matters in this moment is the sensation.
As you take on this practice, you might notice that a certain sensory modality is stronger than others: for some it is sound, others sight. That dominant sense has become a pre-selected channel that limits the array of options. Explore your non-dominant senses and round out your experience.
One of my favorite gardens is the Garden of the Senses at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo. It is filled with aromatic herbs and flowers, tinkling wind chimes, splashing water fountains, and plants and sculptures meant to be touched. Many gardens feature similar features, but this one in particular is designed to be especially child friendly. Kids love it as will your own "inner child."
At the end of a long winter, are we not sensorily deprived? Start today to make it a daily habit to walk a loop in your neighborhood and watch the progression of thawing and rejuevenation. See if you can catch the first bloom, whether it is a snowdrop or a dandelion. Create a mental film of the progressive unveiling of spring. Inhale deeply when you smell wet earth. Splash in a puddle, dance in the rain. Notice the dark smoothness of chocolate or the red juiciness of a berry.
Now say it out loud: Mmmmmmmm.....
