touch, smell, hearing and sight. Right? WRONG!.
Paraphrasing theologian Matthew Fox, if instead of hurriedly rushing through
our day oblivious of our surroundings, we would pay attention to the magic
and wonder of the universe in which we are immersed, we would all be
"fish-mouthed."
I conjure up an image of a large fish, like a grouper, opening its mouth to
allow oxygenated water to pass over its gills for survival. The wide open
mouth is an iconic image; an anthropomorphic suggestion of awe and
wonderment.
And certainly the human body is an awe-inspiring vessel. Never static, your
body is a dynamic organism that seeks equilibrium and optimal functioning
(healing). Many of the functions of your body operate on automatic pilot,
such as digestion, circulation, respiration, elimination, antibody
formation, cellular growth and wound repair. And it is well that this is so,
for to be obliged to thoughtfully monitor and manage these functions would
completely occupy one's consciousness.
The marvelous capacity of the human body extends beyond these processes into
the realm of the senses. And yes, you have more than five.
You have a sense to . . .
. . . inform you that you are hungry
. . . let you know whether your body is horizontal or vertical
. . . tell you that you need a nap for optimal functioning
. . . inform you that you are thirsty and need to drink
. . . make you aware whether your body is moving or stationary
. . . let you know that you should urinate or defecate
Some people who make an extra effort to pay attention to sensory input have
had the following experiences. Perhaps you are one of them. They have sensed
. .
. . . impending danger
. . . navigational orientation when traveling
. . . an emotional exchange with animal companions
. . . the presence of another person in a room without light
. . . awareness of a weather change, to occur within a matter of hours
. . . an imminent phone call, letter or even visit from a loved one
. . . the approach of a natural disaster
Whether you pay attention to them or don't, sensory messages such as these
are present as part of our heritage in being human.
Perhaps the most important sense you have is a sense of inner peace-a
perspective through which you become aware that there truly is a harmony and
purpose to the structure of the universe and that you are part of the grand
design. All is as it should be and you have an important role in the cosmic
drama.
Life is good.
Time to go-I can sense that I need a cup of coffee.
Loving Regards,
Ed
-------------------------
Edward J. Kesgen, Ph.D.
http://www.kesgen.com
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