The other day I was tuned into the evening news, when a segment came on about an art exhibit in New York City. The exhibit was all about touch, something that is very different than what we would typically used to at an art exhibit. In this particular exhibit, the “please do not touch” signs were not posted, because this exhibit was specifically designed for the blind, or visually impaired. The exhibit seemed to be a fascinating one, with people touching the textiles, the dimensional paint, and the sculpture. Although the visitors were not able to see, they were able to create their interpretation of the art, by touching every inch of the work of art. This exhibit got me thinking about how much I value the gift of sight. From time to time I think about what it might be to experience life, if I could not see. I have to admit, the thought of it terrifies me. I am such a fan of the sun, and the flowers, and color, and life in general, I would be heartbroken if I could not see the, truly see, every beautiful object, thing, flower, and morsel of life. Even today, a gloomy day in the Midwest, but I look out my window and I smile to see the branches of the trees moving back and forth. Or what if I were not able to see my daughters beautiful blue eyes? Or what if I were not able to select and mix the perfect toss pillows for my sofa, coordinating the colors, patterns, and textiles just so? My senses are something I probably take for granted far too often, but when I think about how much I value them, I really freak myself out. Besides the gift of sight, I am equally grateful for the gift of touch, smell, sound, and taste. Sure we can make it through life without one or all of the senses, but I bask in the joy of having my senses. I love the thought of being about to see the art on the wall, and feel the touch of the paint, and smell the scent of the oil, and hearing the background music in the art gallery, and well, if I really wanted to lick the paint, I’m sure the paint would taste a bit like oil, as well! The bottom line is, our senses are so very important to us. I feel like I learned so much about them in elementary school, but as I have grown and aged, I seem to take them for granted. From catching a glimpse of the art exhibit for the visually impaired, my eyes have really been opened, no pun intended, to how much I value my fave five!
Today’s activity: your 5 senses
Today I encourage you to take note of your five senses. Maybe your senses are something you have taken for granted or not thought about since the second grade. Whatever the case may be, think about your fave five today, and acknowledge them as you walk through your day. Take in the smell of the first pot of coffee being brewed. Is the sun shining today, and is it being clouded over by some wonderful puffy clouds? How does that hamburger taste? Mmm, pretend it’s the first one you’ve ever indulged in! How do you feel when you hear your favorite song come on the radio? Feel like dancing and singing, don’t you? Finally, think about the softness of your skin, or comfort you feel when snuggled up under your favorite blanket on a cold evening. Our senses make our lives a little bit brighter, and a little bit sweeter, a little more indulgent. Savor your senses like it is your first, or last day, of life!
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