Sense Abilities

I’m learning to be a sensible rebel. This is a wise and prudent resister who tunes in and tunes out by a sensory filtering process. This philosophical way of being comes from my understanding and application of some ancient yoga precepts: Pratyahara – sense control, Dharana – focus, and Dhyana – meditation; and how they relate to our 5 senses. We are, by Divine design, comprised of an extraordinary network of systems and cellular circuitry that includes 5 sensory channels. The energies we expend and receive from our sense of sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch are incredibly powerful and within our control to transform our lives.

Yoga is far more than a sequencing of postures. The precepts of sense control, focus, and meditation are part of yoga’s 8-Limbs or steps toward living a meaningful and purposeful life. Over time, as a consistent yoga practice roots more deeply beyond the physical realm, these subtler qualities can emerge. While much of what we know to be “yoga” in the Western world is fragmented from its more mystifying Eastern origins, I draw my applicable understanding from my network Carrier - my inner wellspring of Truth and Love, and my Ph.D. in Sunday School. That is, I filter everything I learn through my life’s guidebook – The Bible. Likewise, I encourage all of my trainees to understand the Source that fuels their spirit. You gotta know your network Carrier to obtain access to deeper transformational programming from your yoga practice!

Filtering our sensory exposure can cultivate a healthier, happier life. What we see, hear, smell, taste, and touch become forms of energy that cause internal and external reactions to our environments. Controlling what we tune in and tune out through these channels can determine levels of good or wasted energy we expend and receive. When our senses are over stimulated, we leak energy and impulses rise within us. When are senses are awakened - think “ping-ed,” we receive energy and inspiration reigns down upon us. We need a balance of both impulse and inspiration to create productive action in our lives.

When I travel to my favorite destination, St. Barth, the sights and sounds of this beautiful island transmit “vitality” through my being. When I juice oranges or grapefruits, I am revitalized by their citrus scent and fresh taste that conjure up great memories of my Florida life. When my newborn grandchildren rest their heads against my neck and shoulder, the feel of their skin rekindles the nurturing mama side of me. The feeling of new life, that is an extension of your life, is extraordinary!

It’s easy to know what our senses like and don’t like. Every time we make a preference, whether it’s a color choice or a favorite type of food, we are acknowledging characteristics of our authentic being through our senses. Add a healthy dose of mindfulness to give meaning and understanding to these preferences, and your senses’ abilities are heightened. These channels into our beings are powerful information carriers.

Pratyahara, in the form of sense control, is understood as the withdrawal of our sense of sight, sound, smell, taste and touch from the external environment so these sense abilities can be used to better understand the internal workings of our beings. Dharana is attained when those sensory inputs become focused. Once we subscribe to our own discovery channels, we can control the power our senses have to revitalize us or deplete us. We can tune out negative external distractions, avoid indulgences and tune into more edifying and positive sensory inputs and behaviors. We can then turn their focus for internal examination, so our senses can do their same job helping us relate to our inner world, as they do in the outer world for us. When we withdraw our senses from the outside world, we actually can open the “eyes of our heart,” become attuned to the unique language scripted within us, smell the fragrance of our thoughts, taste the bitterness of disappointment, the sweetness of success; and feel those vibes - identifying good or bad ones. When focused inward, we can access our sense abilities to envision our goals, hear affirmations from our inside voice, smell a fishy deal or a taste a sweet one, and tap into the heart of a matter.

Dhyana is a state of meditation or prayer that can naturally flow when our senses are focused inward. The more we understand and tune into the workings of our sensory network and Divine creation, the more gratitude we have for our Carrier and Creator; and the more empowered we become to use our God-given sense abilities to nurture and fortify our wellbeing. We also understand how to live a more meaningful life when we seek within to know…

Galatians 5:22-24, The Message

“But what happens when we live God’s way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely.”

When my body is moving through a vinyasa flow, my mind becomes still. My senses tune out and become tuned in. I no longer hear the accompanying music, smell the diffusing essential oils, feel the straps and bands of my yoga attire, or need to think about my next position. I flow to the internal mechanics of my being, informed by the Spirit, in unison with my inhalations and exhalations. That inner sensory focus lets me “see” “hear” and “feel” what I need to understand and know. Often, a prayer offering and “gratitude upload” rises from within, or enlightenment and a “message download” are received from above. Sun Salutations are a form of inspirational energy and a moving meditation in addition to a rhythmic exercise that strengthens the body.

We all have sense abilities that can be fine-tuned to support our unique purpose in this world. Subscribe to your own sensory network. Know your Carrier. Program your sensory channels to see, hear, smell, taste and feel what’s good and edifying in your outer and inner world. Tune out and tune in. Be a wise and prudent resister, and let your sense abilities guide you into a more authentic and fulfilling rebel life.