According to scientific research, it is known that human beings are happiest when all their senses are active. Being aware of tasty moments will improve brain function and enrich life experiences. So, let’s hone our feng shui tools and engage our five senses to the best of their abilities.
Vision
Since 70% of what we experience is perceived visually, sight is the most developed of our senses. The best way to enhance this incredibly powerful tool for experiencing our surroundings is to be aware of our lines of sight. When we enter a space, where does our gaze rest? Feng shui recommends readability with clearly definable focal points. A messy, confusing mess of things is the antithesis of what would enhance our sense of visual acuity. Looking at certain colors can trigger physical or emotional responses and therefore influence our energy level. The artwork should be uplifting and meaningful.
If you can, visualize the bagua with the eight trigrams and try to correlate each one with your inner space. See if you can identify any feng shui features that symbolically represent your hidden desires and longings. Remember, “energy flows where attention goes.” If you feel positive about your viewing experience with a clear image in your mind, your path forward should be smooth and full of opportunity.
audience
For a more intense listening experience, we must close our eyes and listen to the sounds of the world around us. Auditory perception is our fastest sensation and a sudden noise can startle us into high alert mode. Feng shui suggests specific sounds to enhance environments, always tailored to individual needs. The sounds of nature are powerful tao connectors for our most basic instincts. Music can set our mood at the touch of a button, and the ticking of a clock can be a reassuring sign of a steady beat. To sharpen your hearing, follow the directional flow of sounds from where they first appear to where they dissipate into the distance.
smell
All environments and all creatures have scents, but unfortunately our olfactory experience is the most neglected of all sensory inputs. Our limbic brain stores memories of fragrances and smells that go back to the first impressions of childhood. These can instantly revive if we are exposed to the same scent. Human beings connect with each other through body odors, but are unaware of this exposure. Feng shui recommendations point to a wide range of aromas and fragrances that can affect our health and emotions and thus increase our ability to smell. High-quality essential oils give us many options for diffusing, ingesting, or absorbing beneficial extracts from nature’s bounty.
Taste
A close cousin of our sense of smell is our well-documented taste experience. We are reluctant to be an adventurous foodie, preferring to stick to the flavors of lifelong eating habits. If we listen carefully, our palates will tell us what our bodies need, and we must accept the fact that our palates can be retrained to accept unusual flavors and flavor enhancers.
Play
Feng shui always takes a close look at our tactile environment to make sure yin and yang are properly balanced to provide a stimulating versus relaxing environment. Stroking a pet’s soft, silky coat can be a deeply relaxing experience. Support objects are powerful tools for feeling safe. A bench next to our main entrance is a sign of having reached a resting place. Soft pillows on a contoured sofa offer soothing comfort. Stepping on the deep rug in a bedroom sends a message of a relaxing environment and a good night’s sleep.
For advanced techniques to sharpen our senses, we have our vast arsenal of the five elements and their many features that can be combined with sensory enhancements to bring us optimal wellness in our space.