Sensory Delight

The week before last I went to Florida for vacation. Since then, it’s been a whirlwind of recovering from the flu (me and Jason), preparing for and starting radiation treatment, plus a whole host of things that piled on top of an already intense week, culminating with a bunch of three year olds screaming through the house yesterday to celebrate Lauren’s birthday.

Now that the reality of 36 radiation treatments is setting in, I’m making a conscious effort to stay in the here and now instead of dreading an uncertain and/or potentially unpleasant future. I’m taking the opportunity to revel in what I love about the beach: sheer sensory delight.

At the beach, I was reminded how much my senses luxuriate in the feel of the sand beneath my feet, the sound of the waves crashing, the sparkle of sun reflecting of the water, the smell of salt in the fresh breeze, and the taste of a delicious pina colada. Spending time at the beach is one of my most favorite things to do—it brings me so much joy and satisfaction.

Now that I’m back in land-locked Columbus, Ohio, going to a hospital to climb into a stark machine and get zapped every Monday through Friday for six and a half weeks, what can I do that delights the senses? Well, here are a few ways that I’m focusing my attention to help get through this time period:

• While I am in the machine, I might as well be at the beach because I go there in my mind. I imagine the sand, the waves, the sparkly reflection, the cool breeze.
• When I am done with treatment, I focus on how much time I am not in the hospital. What a treasure to be able to be able to spend 23 hours a day doing exactly what I want. I have so far been able to walk each morning before treatment. I am fortunate to have time in my days to take a nap if I wish. Nice.
• I spend as much time delighting my senses as possible. I listen to the birds outside my bedroom window. I feel the warmth of my kids as they snuggle next to me under a blanket. I eat clean, delicious foods that sustain me and give me energy.
• When I feel overwhelmed with dread or anxiety about it all, I pull out the old “Five Things” practice (see below). It helps every time.

With the 4th of July just around the corner, take the opportunity to delight in your senses—there are plentiful opportunities. Listen to the drums pounding and tubas blaring as they pass by in the parade. Watch the colorful fireworks set against a vast, dark sky. Taste the juicy sweet watermelon. Smell summer in the air. Feel the grass beneath your feet.

Do whatever you can to bring your attention to your senses, which can only be experienced in the present moment. Your senses don’t ruminate. They don’t worry or feel dread. They’re never sad or angry. Each sense provides a pathway between the outside world and your inner experience. The more you slow down and delight in what each sense has to offer, the more rich and meaningful your experience is in each moment.

Five Things Practice

Stop whatever you are doing or thinking about. Begin noticing the space around you, whether you are inside or outside. You can also do this by imagining a pleasant experience in your mind. Then list:

• Five things that you can see in your immediate visual field. If you are imagining a scene, remember the sights as if you were experiencing them in the present. Or if you just want to practice with your eyes closed, list five things that you saw before closing your eyes.
• Five things that you can hear. Focus on each sound at once. Really listen to it. Notice how far the sound has to travel to reach your ear. What qualities does the sound have?
• Five things that you can feel. Notice the contact points with the floor, ground and/or furniture in which you are sitting (if applicable). Notice the air against your skin. Notice if you feel any physical sensations or tension in your body. Notice your breath as it gently moves your ribcage in and out.
• Five things that you can taste and/or smell. This is a little more subtle, so pay close attention. Check to see if the taste in your mouth is different on each side of the tongue. Notice if there are different smells in the room or air.

Allow your awareness to expand and enjoy more and more detailed information from each sense. Remember, there are no wrong answers.



Photo by Emily Cain