Saffron comes from the handpicked stigmas of crocuses. If you have ever used it in a recipe, you know the ritualistic pleasure of unwrapping the expensive crimson threads from their protective packaging, then dissolving them in a bit of water to create a colorful potion that gives the dish a delectable, complex flavor.
Scent, the empress of evoking memory and emotion, can cause swooning, longing, joy, disgust, illness. In no rush to be anywhere, scent often lingers, sometimes heady like a lover’s cologne, lilacs in springtime, evergreen, or at times unpleasantly potent like the stench of decay, smoke from fire, a skunk in the road.
The soul soars to what is music to our ears—a song, a voice, the sound of laughter, ocean waves, waterfalls, the clink of glasses. It withers in pain from the assault of noise pollution—leaf blowers, honking horns, screeching tires, raised voices. Our reality is painted by the images and colors we see. Dreams are more vivid and memorable when a shock of color highlights the stage.
Out of habit or choice we can unconsciously ignore or willfully shut down our senses forgetting how much they feed us. A very sick friend surprised me when she said, “It’s nice to be touched again.” Her medical care required more touch than she had experienced in a long time.
We can be robbed of our senses through illness or accident. Lack of taste and smell are key symptoms for many who have had COVID-19. The pandemic has reduced our ability to give a hug or a peck on the cheek, a handshake, to travel. Much of our interaction is by necessity through phones and computer screens, a blessing to have at least that.
“Come to your senses” suggests returning to a proper state of mind. As we witness what is unfolding and try to quell anxiety with hope, our senses can help maintain equilibrium. They viscerally ground us in the here and now.
Sniff a favorite spice, listen to music that lifts or soothes, savor a favorite dish, meditate on a flowing river, and if you can’t be with someone, give yourself a hug, pet a dog or a cat, take a warm bath. Come to your senses.
Divine Ready 