As every school kid knows, human beings have five senses. They are taste, touch, smell, hearing and sight. Right? WRONG!

Greetings from My Mountain Cabin,

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.

Be well, do good work, keep in touch,
Ed

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EJZuiderdam
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