Coming to Our Senses

The expression “I came to my senses” is interesting and important for a number of reasons.  One dimension of the expression is that there is a strong implication that reason and intellect are not enough to feel or be sane in any given situation.  That at least part of what grounds us is being present with our sensory experience.  The habits of the mind in modern (especially urban) culture are to always be racing, planning, multitasking to end of being more productive and efficient.  We call this ambition.  The problem is when we spend too much time in the realms of the future we become disconnected from experiencing the world as it is right now in the present.  When we are disconnected with our senses we are disconnected from an important part of ourselves that keeps us grounded and centered.  The more grounded and centered we are the better we can connect with others.  So how can we come to our senses?  One way is to intentionally acknowledge the sensory experiences we are constantly having (i.e. how my clothes  feel on my body, how it feels to sit in this chair, how the air smells, how my food tastes, what are the colors and shapes in my field of vision?).  Another way is to intentionally seek specific sensory experiences (i.e. smelling the roses, making mash potatoes with your hands, watching clouds, slowly eating and tasting your food, listening to music with your eyes closed).  If we are seeking to connect with others we are in a better position to do so if we first connect with ourselves by coming to our senses.