Discovering the most authentic expression of you begins with knowing what is fundamental and true for you.

The first portal of the Path is Return, and there is just one invitation in this portal, and that is to Know. To know you — inside and out.

It’s one thing to say “know yourself,” but in practical terms how is it done?

Knowing you means being in touch with what you experience with your five senses, being aware of your emotions, and knowing your thoughts, beliefs, and perceptions, including your intuition.

Today we’ll discover you through the experience of your five senses. Each sense is followed by an invitation for exploration to support your journey to knowing you.

Sight

With your eyes, you see color, texture, shape, light (as in sunshine or lamplight), empty space v. high visual stimulation, as well as dark and light as these qualities manifest in color, texture, and your environment.

Invitation for exploration: What shapes are the most pleasing shapes you (e.g., round, square, oval, organic, rectangular, etc.)?

Sound

Sound includes voices, music, urban or rural soundscapes, nature (including pets), the everyday sounds of your home or workplace, the movement of water, and silence.

Invitation for exploration: What sounds of water do you most enjoy – the sound of a waterfall, incoming tide, a stream, rain, the sound of running bath water?

Scent

Scent is a powerful sense that can instantly transport us back in time and evoke strong emotions. The experience of scent or smell can be  sweet, light, rich, sharp, warm, heavy, or even toxic.

Invitation for exploration: What scents are calming or relaxing to you?

Taste

Scientists describe the seven basic tastes as bitter, salty, sour, astringent, sweet, pungent (e.g., chilis), and umami.

Invitation for exploration: What tastes do you associate with healthy pleasure?

Touch

Touch is a fundamental human need. In fact, babies who do not receive adequate touch may experience a number of cognitive deficits and suffer more mental health problems.

Touch can be feathery light or strong and heavy. Sensations of warm, cool, moist, dry, rough and smooth are all part of our tactile experience.

Invitation for exploration: What kinds of healthy, self-nurturing touch comfort you?

There is a lot to explore and learn about you through your five senses. I’d love to hear your insights in the comments below!

© Vicki Tidwell Palmer (2020)