Meetup Live

Recording: Feel Happier by Immersing Yourself in the Senses

Discover insights to heighten your senses and live a fuller, richer, and happier life.

Do you ever feel like you’re stuck in your own head, bogged down by devices, to-do lists, and an overscheduled calendar? If you find yourself wanting to get out of your head and feel more connected with the world, you’re not alone.

In this Meetup Live recording, bestselling author and award-winning podcaster Gretchen Rubin shares her sensory journey to live a happier, more mindful life. Using the five senses as grounding forces, you’ll learn to feel more in touch with your surroundings and at peace. Gretchen will discuss cutting-edge science, time-tested philosophy, as well as her own experience to harness the power of sight, sounds, scent, touch, and taste. You will leave with insights to heighten your senses and live a fuller, richer life.

Discover what your neglected sense is with Gretchen’s five-senses quiz.

Main Takeaways:

The importance of identifying the neglected sense

By neglecting one of our senses, we miss out on numerous opportunities. However, embracing and appreciating each sense is equally wonderful. Some might consider these sensory experiences as superficial or minor pleasures, but in truth, they contribute significantly to our profound happiness.

Being more intentional about our senses

Preferences and enjoyment of each sense vary from person to person. For example, one person may find joy in music, while another may find it in something else. Personally, I have made an effort to cultivate a broader range of sensory experiences and develop an appreciation for what I call “silent sounds,” which may seem paradoxical. A fascinating observation I’ve made during my walks in Central Park is how squirrels move almost silently. It’s intriguing to witness their quiet agility, as you rarely hear them. I find great appreciation in this absence of sound.

Using the senses to deepen relationships

The five senses hold immense value for connecting with others. The beauty of the senses is that we can share them without needing to buy anything or learn new skills. Regardless of our interests or age differences, the 5 senses offer countless opportunities for connection. For instance, I organized a ‘taste’ party for my friend, focusing on exploring neglected taste sensations. We compared the tastes of different foods. It created a warm and intimate atmosphere, fostering engaging conversations beyond our usual topics.

Using our senses to feel less lonely

When it comes to combating loneliness, prioritizing connection with others is essential. A great habit I discovered during the pandemic is the “walk and talk.” Even if a friend lives far away, scheduling a phone call while taking a walk allows for both conversation and exercise in a natural setting.

Top Q&A Questions and Resources:

How do you become more present in whatever you’re doing?
- The beauty of our senses is that they anchor us to the present moment. Unlike other experiences that can be scheduled or planned, our senses are experienced in real-time. They allow us to connect with the present and even evoke memories from the past. For example, as you walk down the street, paying attention to the scents around you immediately brings you into the moment.
What suggestions would you make to improve the touch sense and what would I get from that?
- Engaging our sense of touch involves reaching out and experiencing the physical world around us. Feeling fabrics, touching plants, petting animals, or even making gentle physical contact with others can create a sense of warmth and connection. Exploring unusual textures, like bristles on a brush or running your fingers through a bin of screws, can activate our sense of touch in unique ways.
Does our sense preference change throughout life?
- Our relationship with the senses can change over time, influenced by culture, circumstances, and age. For example, in high school and college, we may focus on the sense of hearing through music and conversations. However, as we grow older, our priorities may shift, emphasizing other senses like taste through food experiences. This fluidity allows us to consciously cultivate and enhance our sensory experiences, deriving more fulfillment from them.