In this commentary we are going to explore the healing power of the five senses, respectively known as vision, hearing, touch, taste and smell. As a fundamental to this work, we need to go beyond what is generally known and regarded as normal. As we venture into this rather neglected territory, we encounter what is known as synaesthesia, meaning union of the senses. Although relatively little is known about this phenomenon, our general understanding is that some people hear colours, smell shapes, taste sounds and see emotions, just to give a few examples. It is as though the disparate stimuli that we are exposed to conspire to become whole or at the very least to join forces for what is creative and empowering in itself e.g. to visualise a beautiful picture.

Imagine if we could expand our repertoire and hear what is being portrayed in the visual scene. To take it a stage further, to taste what is on offer as a moveable feast and then to imagine being part of that picture in a way that is tactile and fourth dimensional, so as we gradually merge with that picture we become one with it and we lose any sense of separation. The movement is towards wholeness and, therefore, healing. What needs to be realised is that this is a conscious process and can be applied and cultivated but only with discretion and discernment. This is not a party trick! It is a question of training the senses to work harmoniously together, to synchronise and resonate so that the healing energies can flow unimpeded and expressively.

Before we embark on this journey of the senses, it can be helpful to know a few salient facts.

1. We are all born with some degree of synaesthesia.
2. It is often inherited.
3. It is often acquired after losing one’s hearing or sight, as a form of compensation.
4. Once developed it can aid memory.
5. Approximately one percent of the population are aware that they are synaesthetic.
6. Sensory stimuli are helpful in various forms of autism and dyslexia.
7. Meaningful associations used in synaesthesia lead to heighted creativity, e.g. listening to music inspires art.

Although these examples used are rather stereotypical, they seek to illustrate a technique that can be cultivated and employed to engage in the healing process. The key is to consciously develop our own sensory skills and perceptions as we experience life. The more fully aware we can be in any given situation, the easier it will be to live our lives in multi-dimensional ways. What were previously known as peak experiences will become the norm rather than the exception, but it will be through conscious choice rather than serendipity!

It can be a useful analogy to regard one person on their own being limited in their effectiveness whereas a group of people can make a difference. So it is with the senses. When we allow and indeed encourage them to mix and merge, the results can be so life-enhancing and creative. Because it is less predictable we tap into that chaotic energy that is true alchemy, the magical ingredient.