In the Realm of the Senses
Some people are said to be absolute sensualists. What this means, in the most literal of all ways, is that they experience their senses completely, and their acts are devoted to the pleasures and appeal of the senses such as sight, sound, touch, hearing and taste.
As I have been taking my morning walks since the tred-mill broke down, I realized how, to some extent I have neglected my senses. What these means, is that they are not as heightened or experienced to their fullest as they used to be. It seems that being preoccupied with thinking and leading a life of discipline, can to a large extent, at least for me, diminish my own absolute pleasure of experiences the senses. For example, I am now walking in the early morning since the tred mill is broken, as well as the late evening. When I go outside, much effort must be made to turn the brain off, and I can truly hear the voices of the earth speak to me, and feel the lightness of the sun glow down onto my skin. There may even be a light furry bunny hopping across the pavement with sparks flying as it glazes across my path.
Here is the question of the day: Do you consider yourself a sensualist? If so, in what way? Do you believe that leading a life of discipline and structure can diminish, heighten or have no effect upon the way in which you dive into the realm of the senses? What is your favorite sense, and why? What can you do today to experience that sense to its fullest?
Thank you for your minds.
As I have been taking my morning walks since the tred-mill broke down, I realized how, to some extent I have neglected my senses. What these means, is that they are not as heightened or experienced to their fullest as they used to be. It seems that being preoccupied with thinking and leading a life of discipline, can to a large extent, at least for me, diminish my own absolute pleasure of experiences the senses. For example, I am now walking in the early morning since the tred mill is broken, as well as the late evening. When I go outside, much effort must be made to turn the brain off, and I can truly hear the voices of the earth speak to me, and feel the lightness of the sun glow down onto my skin. There may even be a light furry bunny hopping across the pavement with sparks flying as it glazes across my path.
Here is the question of the day: Do you consider yourself a sensualist? If so, in what way? Do you believe that leading a life of discipline and structure can diminish, heighten or have no effect upon the way in which you dive into the realm of the senses? What is your favorite sense, and why? What can you do today to experience that sense to its fullest?
Thank you for your minds.
7 Comments:
Hi B! I'm a major sensualist, a virtual slave to all five senses, perhaps most of all smell (perfumery) and hearing (music). I ate a ripe peach last night and thought of a quote from one of MFK Fisher's books, the source of which I can't remember -- some other author. It was in reference to a nectarine just at its peak of ripeness: "Good God, how divine. I shall certainly breed." I actually own one of those "Tingler" devices that look like a giant whisk with the ends severed; you rub it on your head and it gives you chills. And there is very little that moves me spiritually more than the sight of something beautiful. Usually, for me, it's something natural (e.g., mountains), but it can be anything. I never get jealous of beautiful women because I enjoy looking at them too much. Their beauty is a gift to me, so how could I hold it against them?
I think all artistic beings are sensualists. I feel sorry for people who are not.
WW,
Beautiful as always.
I would define myself as an absolute sensualist too, and my senses are more often than not heightened to appreciate everything around me.
NJ: Sometimes it seems that my brain can be my absolute worse enemny, yet without it, where would I truly be in this world?
interesting question-
i consider myself a "vibist" - that is i'll do anything that will give me good vibes- if it involves being disiplined or not- maybe that is being a sensualist...?
Doug,
Ah, the illusive and most wonderful Candide by Voltaire! As a child, I absolutely loved that book, and still think it has some of the most amazing lessons about how to live and love live concealed within its pages.
Thanks for the reminder of those words.
Sensualists? That sounds sinful! The senses can get you into a lot of trouble with the Lord. For those who have ears to hear, listen! (Okay, you can use your sense of hearing in this instance.)
Forgive me, little bar of soap. I will read the words and forget about everything else I am feeling at the moment!
just a little note: this question made me think about how life has gotten so busy and hectic for me that i not only don't get to "sense" my surroundings, etc. i miss entire seasons. made me a little sad, made me wake up, made me want to go explore the scents of summer. (i do love the drive nearby my home, i call it the "clam strip" -- it's a long stretch of road by the beach with good seafood smells! -- fond childhood memories i suppose)
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