The latest book by Gretchen Rubin, Life in Five Senses, was recently released and I highly recommend.
I’ve been hearing about the development of the book on the Happier podcast that she hosts with her sister Elizabeth Craft.
As you might imagine, I was excited to read how everything came together.
Gretchen takes us on her personal journey of connecting with the world around her and paying attention to the details her senses were noticing.
There is a dedicated chapter in the book for each of our five primary senses – sight, sound, taste, touch, and smell.
My Thoughts
While the book focuses on how Gretchen explored her own senses, there are so many ideas for anyone who is interested in being more mindful of their environment to personally apply.
Gretchen has mentioned on her podcast that she can’t meditate. She has difficulty sitting still and keeping her mind quiet. As I read the book, I felt that she may have found her own form of meditation in the mindfulness required to focus on her senses in the present moment.
Both the book and the Happier podcast influenced a heightened awareness of my own senses.
Flowering trees this spring smelled especially fragrant.
Colors everywhere are more vibrant.
I’m noticing flavors and textures that have been previously undetected.
Sound is my least utilized sense and the book provided ideas for me to notice more and connect.
A statement from the book underlines this and struck me when I read it.
“Because I noticed more, I appreciated more.” – Gretchen Rubin
In addition to the appreciation, Gretchen covers how the experience she had exploring her senses also pushed her imagination, creativity, and productivity.
This book is full of great insight and ideas. I think it would be a perfect choice for a book club.
Gathering friends to discuss the book while designing the overall experience to enable everyone to explore their senses would likely be very fun and engaging.
Your Turn
Have you read Life in Five Senses?
What is your dominant sense?
Is there one that you notice or appreciate less than the others?