As children we were all taught the classic elementary lesson on the “five senses.” They almost became like our ABC’s drilled into our kindergarten minds to the point of redundancy. Yet when we wake up in the morning the fact that all of our senses are functioning properly is not always the first thing on our mind. In fact since we have become so accustomed to the ability to see hear smell feel and taste we often forget that each of these abilities is an incredible gift and life without them would surely be different. After all if we are not truly acquainted with our blessings how can we possibly emphathize with those who are facing steeper challenges?
It is often said that the eyes are the gateway to the soul. This reference may connect to the physical appearance of the eyes yet without a genuine gratitude for one’s vision such underlying depth is mere emptiness. Nature can be experienced at many different levels and vision is a primary element to that experience. In order to be grateful for one’s surroundings especially at a university such as Pepperdine exercising the gift of sight is key. Walking around campus many have become too familiar with their surroundings and have taken for granted the beauty of nature that encompasses the university. From the view of an endless sea to the sight of deer throughout the mountains the ability to see reminds us of just how extraordinary the universe is.
Hearing is a sense that carries a secret. Not only does it allow dialogue with one another in addition to educational experiences but applying one’s ability to hear when it is least likely opens up an entirely different realm. Listen when it is least expected. Silence does not necessarily decrease the volume of voices so much as it increases the volume of nature that too often goes unnoticed. The simple sound of insects birds chirping or water running allows an individual to perceive the atmosphere at a level otherwise unheard of. This reminds mankind that life indeed exists outside of themselves.
Olfaction also known as the ability to smell is a gift that widely influences culture. The purpose of cologne and perfume is not to make up for lack of hygienic care but rather serve to personify individuals according to their personal preference of smell. Inhaling a scent can uplift one’s state of being not only because it may be a personal favorite but also because it can trigger certain sweet memories from the past. Nonetheless the sense of smell also goes beyond the artificial. There are countless natural scents that make up everyday experiences such as the morning dew or a sprout of jasmine flowers. Each natural aroma greatly contributes to the environment around us even subconsciously affecting our temperament.
The sense of touch not only shapes one’s awareness of pain but also facilitates a broader understanding of an individual’s direct setting. Seeing something is not the same as feeling it. For instance a peach may look appealing simply from its presentation yet feeling its soft and fuzzy textures may allow a more personal and tangible experience. The wind also heightens the sense of touch allowing us to feel its force without seeing it.
Prefer bitter or sweet? No matter the taste taste is an essential element to perception and widely influences decisions on a day to day basis. Although the sense of taste is often criticized as a less highly developed mechanism the purpose of taste goes beyond what your favorite ice cream might be. In fact taste connects with smell in that flavor perception is stronger when the smell is stronger.
What we perceive is greatly influenced by these five senses. Each of them play a crucially distinct role. If one or more senses are not present in a human the others are frequently naturally strengthened. Senses also work together and bring to life an outlet of understanding that provides society with a means to profoundly experience the world around them. Each sensory mechanism is a tool to allow for deeper insight a gift which has allowed humanity to vividly exercise what it means to truly be alive.