Inspired by Gretchen Rubin’s book “Life in Five Senses,” which delves into experiencing life through our five senses as a pathway to happiness, I embarked on a multisensory exploration during my walk around the Rondebosch Common. Gretchen’s work pointed out how much we miss in our daily life experiences. Despite having walked this path countless times before, I wanted to approach it as if I was doing it for the first time, filled with curiosity.
The crisp winter air greeted me, gently brushing against my face and entering my nostrils. As I strode, my hands rhythmically swayed by my side, cutting through the cool air. The warmth of the winter sun caressed my cheeks, offering a delightful contrast to the cold breeze.
With each step, my ears captured a symphony of sounds—birds cheerfully chirping, cars humming along the streets, taxi drivers calling for passengers, dogs running through the park, and the joyful chatter of people leaving the nearby church.
For the first time I noticed the treeline, trees standing tall, each unique in its size, shape, and stance. Some full of leaves others bare, with branches curved as nature designed. The majestic mountain with its flat top and rugged exterior, illuminated by the sun, with a dense thick dark green growth of trees on its slopes. Looking up seeing the blue sky, soft clouds and birds, all in perfect harmony. The iconic UCT campus stood proudly with its vibrant red rooftops.
As I neared the end of my walk, I felt a profound shift in my energy, feeling alert and peaceful. The once bustling swirl of thoughts had subsided, and I found myself in a state of calm and clarity. I felt recharged.
I often walk to clear my head, but what I was actually doing is thinking about the problem I needed to solve. Immersing in the senses while walking was totally different experience discovering things I had not noticed before. It is interesting that clarity arose by creating distance from thoughts.
The opportunity to notice the world through our senses is available to us in every day experiences and has the potential to transform our lives. The next time you go for a walk, engage with your five senses and notice what unfolds for you 🌳🚶♀️🌞👂👀👃👐