Come to Your Senses

Have you ever had one of those surprisingly delightful moments that stops you in your tracks? I had one recently . . .

I was on a nature walk through a meadow this past weekend – it was a glorious autumn day here in eastern Pennsylvania. I paused to watch a tiny finch pick at a seed pod. He was very busy. But then he noticed me and froze. And I froze. We were both frozen. Who will move first? Oh, the suspense!

I’m standing still as a statue but inside I’m all bubbly with joy! This whole thing delights me to no end. I’m not moving but I’m feeling completely present and alive and tuned into this creature. Who will win this statue battle?

He flies away and I exhale. Farewell, friend!

I keep walking, thinking about the encounter and how it energized my body. What a contrast to the busy mind state I’m usually lost in. This is normal for us humans, this busy mind. We’re constantly problem solving to improve our conditions, trying to make our lives better. 

But this busy problem-solving mind seems to not have an “OFF” button. It gets so wrapped up in problems that we can’t stop and just be in the present moment. And without an OFF button, many of us can’t sleep. Where’s the OFF button? 

We hit the OFF button when we come to our senses. When we drop into the present moment and pay attention to what we see, hear, smell, taste, touch and what we notice in our bodies, like the breath. 

The next time you’re plagued by the busy mind and need a break, lose your mind and come to your senses. Take a generous breath with a long exhale – notice how that feels. Then look around you. Is there some simple bit of beauty nearby? Maybe the way the light lands on the tree outside your window? Or the still life of objects on the table? What sounds are happening around you that you’ve tuned out? Do you have a beverage to sip on? Pay close attention to that taste. 

Linger in your sensory break. Before long, your busy mind will probably crack the whip and tell you to get back to it. No worries. You can hit the OFF button any time you like.