Life in Five Senses: How Exploring the Senses Got Me Out of My Head and Into the World (2023) by Gretchen Rubin
So much of our culture reinforces the value of our mind and can discourage the connection with our body. Not only does this create a disconnect between mind and body, but what might we be missing out on if we are primarily focusing our attention on and/or processing information through the cognitive experience of our brain? Gretchen Rubin has been researching and writing about happiness in some of her previous work, and finds new depth as she targets sensory exploration. By targeting her attention on each of the five senses (sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch–not necessarily in that order), Rubin explores how these somatic experiences add dimension to her daily life–increasing her connections with others and to herself, increasing her appreciation for even the most mundane environments in the moment, and expanding her own insights and creativity, as well as capacity for regulation by getting out of her head and into her body. When we do not actively (mindfully or bodyfully) tap into our sensory experiences, they can fade away into the background in an attempt to conserve energy. But if we make the effort to tap into these experiences, we can unlock natural resources to enliven and enrich our day to day lives.
How did I hear about this book: a client was reading it
Would I recommend it to colleagues: Absolutely
Would I recommend it to clients: Absolutely
How do I apply this content to my work: As a dance/movement therapist, one of the foundations for my work is helping clients to integrate mind and body as part of their healing journey. This book encourages a path to get out of one’s head by experiencing life through their body. Additionally, with my specialties working with trauma and addiction, encouraging people to connect with their bodies and these more interoceptive and exteroceptive experiences can be a fairly triggering experience and needs to be entered into carefully. By grounding into the 5 senses, it can offer a more gentle way to structure reintegrating back into the body without necessarily tying it to emotional experiences. However, we also know that trauma can be tied with these sensory experiences and may be unexpectedly triggered, so it is equally as important to be aware/prepared (and properly trained) to manage that safely.
If you live in Washington state and are looking for some support to expand your connection with your body, I may be able to help. Contact me to schedule a free 15-minute consultation.
